Linked deeply with the history of the Kembata people, Mount
Hambericho is located 260 kilometres from Addis Ababa and just 8 kilometres
from Durame, the zonal capital. The mountain is famously known for its 777-step
climbing staircase.
The number of steps (777) is symbolic of three fundamental
elements: it represents the seven mountains joined together, the seven springs
that originate from the mountain to form a single river, and the seven original
clans of the ethnic group who first settled in the area.
Blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and standing at an
elevation of 3,058 meters above sea level, Mount Hambericho is profoundly
intertwined with the local community.
While people previously struggled to climb the mountain, the
construction of the 777 steps since 2020 (E.C. 2012) has enabled the public to
visit and tour the site easily.
He recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) visited the site
in May 2025 (E.C. 2017), completing the 777 steps and exploring an additional
300 meters of the mountain.
The Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the natural forest,
the lush green plateau at the summit, and other captivating spots. Noting that
the existing 777 steps were insufficient to reach all these magnificent areas,
he suggested the construction of additional climbing steps.
Based on this suggestion and following discussions with relevant
stakeholders, a public mobilisation was launched to secure the necessary inputs
and budget. Through the coordination of the zonal residents and natives living
elsewhere, the construction of the additional steps began on June 18, 2025
(E.C. 2017) and was completed within three months.
As a result of this manual labour, an additional 777 steps and 777
walkways were constructed, bringing the total number of segments to three sets
of 777. This now allows visitors to reach the peak of Mount Hambericho without
the previous hardships.
The new mountain development includes tourist attractions depicting
the ancient administration of the Kembata people (Seje Administration), as well
as the historical "Stone of Covenant/Oath" (Hidir Kini), where early
Kembata leaders took their oaths. Additionally, the site "Mase Knu,"
where the Prime Minister was unexpectedly met and blessed by elders during his
first visit, has been developed into a comfortable tourist attraction.
It is remembered that Prime Minister Abiy (PhD), after visiting the
completed work, expressed his satisfaction and pledged to cover the 16 million
Birr in cash expenses incurred during the project.
The mountain development was carried out through manual labour with
significant participation from the local community, including the youth.
The Majesty of Mount Hambericho: A Journey Through 2,331 Steps
Located in the heart of the Kembata Zone, approximately 260
kilometres from Addis Ababa and a mere 8 kilometres from the city of Durame,
Mount Hambericho stands as a monumental symbol of natural beauty and cultural
heritage. Rising to an impressive 3,058 meters above sea level, this verdant
peak has long been the spiritual and historical soul of the Kembata people.
The Symbolism of the 777
What makes Hambericho truly unique is its meticulously crafted
climbing staircase, designed around the sacred number 777. This figure is not
arbitrary; it represents three pillars of local identity:
Unity of Peaks: The convergence of seven distinct mountains into
one massif.
The Source of Life: The seven springs that originate from the
mountain's heights to form a single, vital river.
Ancestral Roots: The seven original clans of the Kembata people who
first established their homes under the mountain’s shadow.
From Struggle to Accessibility
For generations, reaching the summit of Hambericho was a feat
reserved only for the most physically daring. However, a transformative
development project that began in 2020 has changed the landscape of local
tourism. By installing the first 777 steps, the mountain was opened to the
public, allowing visitors to experience its breathtaking vistas without the
hardships of the past.
The development did not stop there. Recognising that the initial
staircase only scratched the surface of the mountain's potential, a massive
community-led initiative was launched in mid-2025. Through an extraordinary
mobilisation of local residents and the diaspora, two additional segments—777
more steps and 777 walkways—were completed in just three months. Today, a total
of 2,331 segments guide travellers all the way to the absolute peak.
A Plateau of History and Covenant
At the summit, visitors are greeted by a lush, green plateau and ancient forests that feel untouched by time. Beyond the natural scenery, the mountain serves as a living museum of Kembata governance. Key historical sites have been developed for tourists, including:
The Seje Administration Site: Showcasing the sophisticated
traditional governance systems of the ancestors.
Hidir Kini (The Stone of Covenant): The sacred site where ancient
leaders took their oaths of office, signifying a deep-rooted history of justice
and leadership.
Mase Knu: A serene spot dedicated to the traditional blessings of
elders.
A Model for Community Tourism
The transformation of Mount Hambericho is a testament to what can
be achieved through collective vision. Most of the labour was performed manually
by local youth and community members, preserving the ecological integrity of
the mountain while building a world-class trekking destination.
With its cool highland air, rich historical narratives, and the
physical challenge of its iconic steps, Mount Hambericho is rapidly becoming a
must-visit destination for those seeking to discover the hidden gems of
Ethiopia’s southern highlands.
