ETHIOPIA: THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
15 days from GBP1,713 to GBP1,853 including flights
Tripcode: TYE
A trek into the isolated splendour of the Ethiopian Highlands
The Simien is arguably the most beautiful mountain range in Africa. Vast and unique, the highland plateau is capped by a dramatic skyline of jagged volcanic plugs and split by deep gorges and gullies. The views across this landscape are breathtaking: the striking towers and formations having been described as 'the chess pieces of the Gods'. Our trek takes us to both the highland and rural lowland areas, with an ascent of Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia at 4543m, and the fourth highest in Africa. A haven to many endemic species of wildlife and flora, including the Gelada baboon and Walia Ibex, the Simien National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
What makes this trip responsible?
Responsible Travel
Gondar Eye Surgery. Since we returned to Northern Ethiopia in 2000 we became very aware of the number of people with eye problems. Initial investigations put us in touch with Dr. Sandy Holt-Wilson, a retired ophthalmologist working with the Gondar University Eye unit. We now support Sandy's work, helping train local nurses to educate locals in better hygiene standards, and to perform cataract and other eye operations in outreach clinics. These clinics need medical supplies and financial support to ensure their sustainability.
| Day 1 | Depart London. |
| Day 2 | Arrive Addis Ababa; half-day tour of the capital including the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Ethnographic Museum. |
| Day 3 | Fly to Gondar and tour the castles and the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie. |
| Day 4 | Drive to Debark, start trekking to Buyit Ras camp. |
| Day 5 | Trek to Geech via Jinbar waterfall which drops 500m. |
| Day 6 | Day walk to Imetgogo (3900m) with fantastic views across the mountain range and valleys below. |
| Day 7 | Trek to Chennek via Inatye escarpment (4070m). |
| Day 8 | Trek to Ambiko with an ascent of Bwahit (4430m). |
| Day 9 | Ascent of Ras Dashen (4543m). |
| Day 10 | Trek to Sona via the village of Arkwasiye. |
| Day 11 | Descend to the lowlands (1000m), Ansiya Wenz River and on to Lamo camp. |
| Day 12 | Continue trekking through the lowlands to Mulit camp. |
| Day 13 | Short walk to Adi Arkay where the trek finishes. Drive to Gondar in the afternoon. |
| Day 14 | Fly back to Addis. Farewell dinner. |
| Day 15 | Fly to London. |
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