Simien Mountain Trekking Adventure Ethiopia
Introduction
This adventurous trek takes you into the very heart of the
highlands of Ethiopia before traveling to Lalibela, one of the
greatest religio-historical sites in the Christian World.
The Simien Mountain massif dominates and divides the country
into distinctly contrasting highland and lowland regions. With over
twenty peaks towering to heights above 4,000 metres this massif can
rightfully lay claim as the “Roof Of Africa” even though its
highest peak, Ras Dashen at 4620 metres, is only the fourth highest
peak on the African continent. This UNESCO World Heritage National
Park is characterised by gentle highland ridges which end abruptly
at 1000-2000 metre deep escarpments. The precipitous cliffs and
deep canyon style gorges provide a feast for the eyes and the
natural lookout points allow vistas of up to 100 kms over the
lowland valleys!
The trekking component of this trip is unusual in many ways. The
trek will be fully supported by a team which includes guides, armed
scouts, camp assistants and a cook, whilst mules and their handlers
provide porter services. Furthermore the trek takes place
in a National Park that provides a habitat for some of Ethiopia’s
endemic wildlife and birdlife species. Whilst trekking it is not
unusual to walk among troops of Gelada baboons, to see Wyala ibex
on the rocky ledges of cliffs and to catch sight of and hear the
Ethiopian wolf as well as Ethiopia’s many endemic birds.
Combined with this is the interaction with the rural villages and
the insight gained into their lives as they struggle to survive
with little natural resources. As you follow the paths trodden over
the ages by the highland people you will often be joined by young
herdboys as they tend to their cattle and sheep. Add to this the
incredible mountain scenery of the World Heritage listed Simien
Mountains and you have an incredible and unusual trekking
adventure.
Lalibela provides a fitting finale as a combination of both
historical and archaeological significance along with a rich
Christian heritage. Both within town and outside, there are
numerous examples of ‘rock-hewn’ churches – churches excavated out
of rock from the inside out – providing an insight into the Masonic
skills of the Ethiopians at their zenith.
This is a trekking adventure that will ensure you leave with
incredible memories of the outstanding beauty of Ethiopia and of
its people.
Itinerary outline
Day 1 Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer
to hotel.
Days 2 - 3 Fly to Gondar. Drive to Debark.
Trek from Debark to Sankaber.
Day 4 Trek from Sankaber to Geech
(3600m).
Day 5 Acclimatisation day at Geech. Morning
hike to Imet Gogo viewpoint (3926m).
Days 6 - 7 Trek from Geech over 4000m to
Chenek (3620m). Trek via Bwahit Pass (4200m) to Ambikwa
(3100m).
Days 8 - 9 Summit Ras Dashen (4620m), return
to Ambikwa. Trek to Arkwasiye (3600m)
Day 10 Arkwasiye via Bwahit Pass (4200m) to
Chenek. Optional summit of Bwahit (4430m).
Days 11 - 12 Drive from Chenek to Gondar. Fly
to Lalibela. Explore rock-hewn churches in Lalibela town.
Day 13 Morning visit to remote Yemrehani Cave
Church. Afternoon to further explore Lalibela.
Day 14 Optional hike/mule trek to Ashetan
Maryam Church. Fly to Addis Ababa. Tour ends on arrival in Addis
Ababa.
Quick links:
mountain trekking adventure ethiopia -
itinerary
mountain trekking adventure ethiopia -
factfile
mountain trekking adventure ethiopia -
map
mountain trekking adventure ethiopia -
dates & prices
mountain trekking adventure ethiopia -
booking enquiry
mountain trekking adventure ethiopia -
before you go
REF: Simien Mountain Trek PFTS - PE0006
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