Location and surroundings
El Uak belongs to the Yesomma Mesa and Hills, which are part of the Ogaden Plateau, the Horn of Africa, and the wider East African Highlands. Located in Ethiopia within the Oromia Region and the district or county of Bale, the mountain holds the rank of the highest of 5 named peaks in the Yesomma Mesa and Hills. The landscape around the mountain consists of elevated mesa formations and hilly terrain characteristic of the plateau.
Neighbouring peaks
The surrounding area features several peaks and passes at various distances and directions:
- Ghelbi, peak, 1,594 m, 16.5 km SW
- Lele, peak, 1,359 m, 22.2 km SW
- Giabis, peak, 1,566 m, 51.9 km S
- Mutte Mogi, peak, 990 m, 61.3 km N
- Goja Terara, peak, 1,123 m, 63.4 km E
- Koloto, peak, 936 m, 71.5 km N
- Gara Colba, peak, 1,076 m, 72.6 km N
- Auatu, peak, 1,896 m, 73.2 km NW
Standing at 1,680 metres, El Uak is taller than most of its immediate neighbours such as Ghelbi, Lele, and Giabis, though it is surpassed by Auatu at 1,896 metres.
The view from the summit
Within a radius of 25 kilometres from El Uak, the recorded neighbouring peaks include Ghelbi situated 16.5 kilometres to the south-west at 1,594 metres elevation, and Lele located 22.2 kilometres to the south-west at 1,359 metres elevation. From the top, these nearby elevations are visible across the plateau landscape.
The range
El Uak is part of the Yesomma Mesa and Hills, a range comprising 5 named peaks. The high point of the range is Yesomma Mesa and Hills itself, which coincides with El Uak at 1,680 metres elevation, making El Uak the highest point of the range. The range sits within the broader Ogaden Plateau in the Horn of Africa.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, temperatures at the summit are adjusted to elevation. The warmest month at the summit is March with a mean temperature of about 23 °C, while the coldest month is November with a mean of about 20 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit throughout all months of the year, including January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 550 mm a year, with April being the wettest month at about 150 mm and January the driest at about 5 mm.
Best time to visit
Mean temperatures at the summit remain above freezing throughout all twelve months of the year. Precipitation patterns show a dry season around January, which receives only about 5 mm of rain, contrasted with the wettest month in April seeing about 150 mm. Visitors typically plan trips during the drier months when precipitation is lower and tracks across the plateau are more accessible.
Nature and wildlife
The natural environment around El Uak is characterized by the arid and semi-arid conditions of the Ogaden Plateau and the East African Highlands. Vegetation consists mainly of drought-tolerant shrubs, grasses, and scattered acacia trees typical of plateau elevations in Ethiopia. Wildlife includes hardy local species adapted to seasonal rainfall patterns and warm temperatures.
Guides and organised ascents
For mountaineering and trekking in Ethiopia, established guiding companies include Ethiopian Quadrants based in Addis Ababa. Visitors usually turn to national operators or local tourist offices when planning ascents. Regarding permit rules in Ethiopia, trekking in Simien Mountains National Park requires a park permit from the park office in Debark, and an armed park scout must accompany every group.
Safety and preparation
Ascents in this terrain demand adequate preparation for warm temperatures, sun exposure, and carrying sufficient water supplies across dry plateau routes. For emergencies, the police and general emergency number in Ethiopia is 911, and the ambulance service in Addis Ababa is 907. There is no dedicated mountain rescue service.
Interesting facts
El Uak is the highest of 5 named peaks in the Yesomma Mesa and Hills, serving as the high point of the range. The nearest higher peak is Auatu, which reaches 1,896 metres and lies 73.2 kilometres to the north-west. The mountain is located within the Bale district of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia.
FAQ
How high is El Uak? El Uak has an elevation of 1,680 metres.
Where is El Uak located? It is located in Ethiopia, within the Oromia Region and the district or county of Bale.
Which mountain range does El Uak belong to? It belongs to the East African Highlands, the Horn of Africa, the Ogaden Plateau, and the Yesomma Mesa and Hills.
What are the nearest peaks to El Uak? The nearest peaks include Ghelbi at 16.5 km SW and Lele at 22.2 km SW.
How does El Uak compare in elevation to nearby peaks? At 1,680 metres, El Uak is higher than most of its immediate neighbours like Ghelbi and Lele, but lower than Auatu at 1,896 metres.
Is there water on the way to El Uak? 5 to 3 litres for a day depending on heat and length of the trek.
Is there mobile phone coverage on El Uak? Coverage around the summit depends on the operator and is patchy in valleys and behind ridges. Download maps before setting out; the emergency number 911 reaches rescue services over any available network.