Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Climbing for everyone

Free access to rock climbing for Ethiopian youth and adults. We build community through safety, training, and shared adventure.

Join the Movement

100%

Free Access

Core Programs

∞

Potential

About ARCI

Access should not depend on income

Ethiopia has world-class rock just outside Addis Ababa. But for most Ethiopians, climbing remains inaccessible—no public gyms, no affordable gear, no certified local instructors, and limited transportation to climbing sites.

The Addis Rock Climbing Initiative is changing that. We're a nonprofit providing free access to climbing through shared gear, safety training, route maintenance, and community-led programs.

This isn't charity—it's capacity building. We're developing local expertise so climbing in Ethiopia can be safe, sustainable, and locally led.

Access

Free climbing for all backgrounds

Safety

International standards, local expertise

Community

Built by climbers, for climbers

What We Do

Four pillars of access

Route Maintenance

We maintain and clean established routes, inspect bolts and anchors, establish beginner-friendly climbs, and preserve sites responsibly for future generations.

Gear Library

Free access to climbing shoes, harnesses, and helmets. All gear is donated, inspected, logged, and loaned at no cost. Rotating sizes for growing youth.

Transportation

Organized group transport from Addis to climbing crags. Removes access barriers and enables participation for students and low-income climbers.

Training & Certification

We fund Ethiopian climbers to receive certified guide training and instructor certification. Building local leadership and long-term safety capacity.

Our Impact

Building a climbing future

What success looks like

We measure impact not just in numbers, but in the growth of a sustainable, locally-led climbing community that serves Ethiopian youth for generations.