Trekking in Ethiopia does not involve any necessary skill, although it obviously is best if you are physically fit. The terrain is usually steep for only short period, when walking rather than riding may be necessary. Much of the time it will be walking, although this may be at an altitude as high as 4000 meters (13,120 feet). A slow pace is recommended, which is not difficult as there is so much to see and wonder at.
Trips can be tailored to meet and fulfill individuals’ needs or requirements, weather they need day trips around Simien Mountains National Park or ten or more days to explore the untouched stunning African land.
| TOUR CODE | EMTT – 0010/04 |
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Adi Arkay, Addis Ababa |
| DURATION | 10 Nights & 9 Days |
| TRANSPORT | Drive/Flight |
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Day 1: Meet you in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa; meet your guide and transfer to hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. You will make an orientation tour of the city visiting the National Museum and the church of the Holy Trinity, and take a drive up Entoto Hill to take in a panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Overnight Standard Hotel
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Day 2: Fly to Gondar
Today we take a short, but scenic flight to Gondar, located on the high plateau just north of Lake Tana. Gondar’s most famous heritages are its exceptionally well preserved 17th century castles. The bigest and best is that of King Fasilidas palace. It is a stone-built construction with round turrets and wooden balconies. This whole complex of buildings is unique in Ethiopia and unlike anything found elsewhere in Africa. On arrival, as well as visiting the castle ruins and King Fasilidas baths, you will also make a visit to the Debre Berhan Selassie Church famed for its ceiling frescoes of many faces.Overnight Standard Hotel.
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Day 3: Drive to Simien Mountains N.P. via Debark; PM trek to Sankaber
Today, you drive to Debark, the village base for hiking in the Simien Mountains.The range lies north of Gondar and many of the peaks rise above 4,000m with the highest being Mount Ras Dashen at 4,543m, the fifth highest in Africa. The mountains are crisscross with tracks made by the local people travelling from village to village or moving their animals to fresh pastures. The combination of these tracks and the spectacular scenery make for excellent walking. You start the trek with a 2-3 hour walk to the first camp Sankaber. During the trek you may spend each night in a different place. The circuits walked will vary depending on local conditions and on the group’s ability. Overnight Basic Camping.
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Day 4: Trek to Geech Camp
Trek to Geech camp via Sankaber (approx. 6-7 hours), with the possibility of seeing gelada baboons and red-hot poker plants en route. The gelada baboon is endemic to Ethiopia and has adapted to living on the nearly vertical cliff faces. You may also see the Jinbar river waterfalls today that plummet into Geech Abyss. The Abyss is a vast canyon cut into the main wall of the escarpment. Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 5: Hike to Imet Gogo from Geech Camp
A flexible day with a morning option to hike to the viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3926m). From the viewpoint there are spectacular views of the lowlands and across the Simien range with rock spires and mesas prominent (approx. 5 hours return). Keep a close look out for the mysterious Simien fox. It misnamed as it is not really a fox but a member of the dog family restricted to Ethiopia. Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 6: Trek to Chenek Camp
This day you trek to Chenek camp via Inatye (4070m) and along the escarpment (approx. 6-7 hours). This exciting walk traverses the Jinbar River and provides us with fantastic views. You may like to take the opportunity to freshen-up in the nearby stream south of camp. Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 7: Trek to Ambikwa
Today you trek to Ambikwa (approx. 9-10 hours) and plan to stop at a spectacular viewpoint (4200m) north of Bwahit where, on clear days, you can see across the Mesheha River to Ras Dashen peak. Then descend steeply and pass through the village of Chiro Leba to follow a stream bed until we reach the large Mesheha River. Cross the river and follow a path across the east side of the valley to our camp (3200m) in a little meadow. Ambikwa village is tiny and has a small church. Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 8: Ascent of Ras Dashen; trek to Ambikwa
Starting before sunrise and follow the main valley up and climb steeply via Mizma huts to reach a ridge crest and open grassy slopes (3700m) on your energizing climb of Ethiopia’s highest mountain. Next you traverse around ridges and climb more steeply to 4250m. Keep an eye open for giant lobelia, by far the most spectacular plant of this region with flower stalks up to 8m high! Eventually you enter a huge semicircular basin of rocky peaks and buttresses – Ras Dashen. The last section involves an easy rock scramble to a fine viewpoint at 4543m. You will spend the rest of the day hiking back to our camp (total walking today approx. 11-12 hours). Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 9: Trek to Sona
Today you will trek from Ambikwa to the superbly positioned camp at Sona. You will experience great mountain views of Imet Gogo and other peaks and pass through local villages. You will re-cross the River Mesheha (2800m) before climbing up through cultivated fields and villages to 3700m. After passing the newly moved village of Arkwasiye slowly descend to the camp situated on a cliff just below Sona village at 3000m. (Approx 8-10 hrs walking). Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 10: Trek to Mekarebia
Today you make the way to Mekarebia. You will descend steeply for the first 3 hours to the Ansiye River at an altitude of 1900 m. Here you can have some time to relax for a well earned wash or swim before continuing on our trek to our overnight stop at 1868m. The route you take today will provide good opportunities for bird watching and will also give us great views of the route have taken so far. The campsite will be close to an elementary school which you may have the option of visiting in the afternoon. (Approx 4-6 hrs walking) Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 11: Trek to Mulit
This morning descend another 350m to rejoin the Ansiye River. As you walk along the river, crisscrossing in places the birdlife is breathtaking, with Vervet monkeys to be seen too. After leaving the Ansiye Valley we will have time to relax beside a lagoon formed by a waterfall. Will will then have a more challending ascent for the last couple of hours enjoying the views of the Awuzu peaks before reaching our campsite at Mulit at 1955m asl. (Approx 6hrs walking). Overnight Basic Camping
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Day 12: Trek to Adi Arkay, drive to Gondar
This morning we will tale our final 2 hr trek to Adi Arkay where we meet our vehicle that will transport us back to Gondar (approx. 4-5 hours drive). As we drive out of the Simien Mountains we’ll have time to take in a final look at some of the most spectacular views. There may be time this afternoon to further explore Gondar. You may choose to visit the local market or the nearby ruined palace of Kusquam. Overnight Standard Hotel
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Day 13: Fly to Addis
Fly to Addis; PM free. In the evening, there will be traditional dinner and live cultural dance show. At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour.
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