| ETHIOPIA:
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS TREK -Simien Mountain Trails - Trek the Simien Mountains
in Ethiopia
The dramatic skyline
of scraggy peaks and jagged volcanic plugs which tower over the highland
plateaus of the Simien Mountains compete with rugged gorges and deep gullies
to form what is, arguable, the most awe-inspiring landscape in Africa
Route
Day 1
Group flight arrives in the morning. In the afternoon we go on a sightseeing
tour that takes us to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Trinity
where Haile Selassies' remains now lie.
Day 2
We have a spectacular flight to Gondar. From the air we see the extraordinary
nature of the Ethiopian plateau, cut again and again by immensely deep
gorges. Gondar was once the capital of Ethiopia and in the afternoon we
visit the castles, which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries by
several generations of Ethiopia's kings. Nearby is the Debre Birhan Selassie
church with its sensational angelic ceiling, and the bathhouse of Fasil
at which thousands of Ethiopians celebrate Timkat festival every January.
Our hotel is up on a cliff top with wonderful views overlooking the town.
Depending on time we will also visit the centre of The Kindu Trust, a
local charity which Exodus supports.
Day 3
A spectacular day - in the morning we walk to Imetgogo (3,926m). Situated
at the end of a long ridge, which disappears on either side to the lowlands
below, there are outstanding views of the gorge and mountain range and
it is easy to understand why the striking formations have been described
as 'the chess pieces of the Gods'. We should get our first glimpse of
Ras Dashen from here and we can see clearly our route for the coming days.
If we haven't already encountered them, there is a good chance of seeing
the indigenous Gelada, also known as the 'bleeding heart' baboon or Lion
monkey. The Gelada is in fact neither baboon nor monkey but the last remaining
species of a branch of high altitude, grass eating primates that have
all but vanished. We return to the same camp and enjoy an afternoon at
rest. Walking time - approx 4 hours.
Day 4
Walking near small settlements and villages we have fine views across
the lowlands and the Simien plateau. We pass Sankabar before continuing
to Geech (3,600m). En route we see a stunning waterfall; cascading through
a hole in the rock, it falls 500 metres to the bottom of the gorge and
is particularly impressive after the rainy season (by Christmas the waterfall
may not be visible). The last 2 hours of the day involve a steep climb
up to our campsite, where we stay for two nights. Walking time - approx
10 hours.
Day 5
A spectacular day - in the morning we walk to Imetgogo (3,926m). Situated
at the end of a long ridge, which disappears on either side to the lowlands
below, there are outstanding views of the gorge and mountain range and
it is easy to understand why the striking formations have been described
as 'the chess pieces of the Gods'. We should get our first glimpse of
Ras Dashen from here and we can see clearly our route for the coming days.
If we haven't already encountered them, there is a good chance of seeing
the indigenous Gelada, also known as the 'bleeding heart' baboon or Lion
monkey. The Gelada is in fact neither baboon or monkey but the last remaining
species of a branch of high altitude, grass eating primates that have
all but vanished. We return to the same camp and enjoy an afternoon at
rest. Walking time - approx 4 hours.
Day 6
Another wonderful walk - heading in the same direction as yesterday we
soon branch off to reach the edge of the escarpment which we follow to
the top, Inatye (4070m). The dramatic views continue all the way down
to our camp at Chennek. Walking time - approx 7 hours.
Day 7
A memorable but hard day's trekking of ascents and descents as we make
our way from Chenek to Ambiko. We should see birds like the Crowned Scraper
Thrush, Siskins, Falcons and Kestrel. Today is also our best chance of
seeing the rare and endangered Walia Ibex, a species that can only be
found in the Simien National Park. From Chenek we climb to a pass at 4,200m
and from here the fit and energetic may like to continue on a further
hour up to the summit of Bwuhit at 4,430m. Otherwise from the pass we
have a big drop down to the Meshah River at 2850m, via the village of
Chiro Leba, where we may be able to visit the school and small clinic
(if open). From the river we ascend 350m to our camp, where we spend 2
nights at Ambiko. Walking time - approx 10 hours.
Day 8
We ascend Ras Dashen before returning to Ambiko. This day is the longest
day of the trek. It may take up to twelve hours climbing 1350m to the
summit. Ras Dashen has 3 peaks and we climb to the middle highest peak
- the roof of Ethiopia. Our efforts are rewarded with views from the summit
which are out of this world. Walking time - approx 12 hours.
Day 9
Another challenging day, although not as difficult as the previous one!
From Ambiko we trek to the superbly positioned camp at Sona. After plenty
of ups and downs we might be able to stop for some local coffee in the
small village of Arquaziye before continuing for another hour and half
to our camping site at Sona. Walking time - approx 10 hours.
Day 10
A much easier day! We descend into the lowlands. Our day begins with a
1,100m descent into the Ansiya valley, where we have a relaxed lunch break.
We then move onto our camp, near the village of Mekarebya. This is an
excellent day for seeing birds and there are very good views up to the
Simien Mountains. We can look back with pride upon the areas we have recently
trekked. Walking time - approx 5 hours.
Day 11
From our camp we drop 350m, to where we have another long idyllic lunch
spot. The final 2 hours of the day involve a hot 400m of ascent, to our
final campsite at Mulit. Here we are completely surrounded by fantastic
views all around us. Walking time - approx 5 hours.
Day 12
Our final day's walking takes us to Adi Arkay from where we drive, via
Debark to Gondar (approx 6 hours driving), for a much deserved wash and
rest! Walking time - approx 2.5 hours.
Day 13
Depending on flight times there may be time to relax and explore Gondar
before we fly back to Addis. On our return to Addis day rooms will be
provided for clients on the 00: 25 flight, departing day 14 (day 15 ex
London). The trip ends in the evening in Addis
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