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Gelada baboon/Keith Coleman
Gelada baboon/Keith Coleman

Simien Mountain Trek - 2010/11 Itinerary

13 days - from $2450

• Trek one of Africa's most stunning mountain wildernesses
• Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak
• Explore the rock-cut churches of Lalibela

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Acclimatise in Lalibela
Leaving Addis Ababa we fly to Lalibela, one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Buildings here are hewn from granite leaving rock-cut churches isolated from the surrounding strata, yet still part of it. On foot we explore several of these 800 year-old works of art before hiking in the surrounding mountains to a remote mountain church.


Into the Simien Mountains
Flying to Gondar we explore Emperor Fasiladas' ancient castle complex before driving north to Debark on the edge of the Simien range to begin our 8-day mountain trek. Dramatic views unfold before us as we hike deep into the National Park to our first camp at Sankaber. Look for Gelada baboon and striking red-hot poker plants as we trek onto Geech Camp. Here, we'll have time to rest or possibly hike to a viewpoint at Imet Gogo (3926m) for spectacular views into a vast canyon and over to rock spires and mesas.


Ascent of Ras Dashen
Next we trek to Chenek and after a spectacular crossing of the Mesheha River valley we arrive at Ambikwa. Then at sunrise we start our attempt on Ethiopia's highest peak, eventually entering a huge semi-circular basin of rocky peaks and buttresses - Ras Deshen (4543m). Descending to Maje, we trek to Debirichwa and on to Chenek where those who wish may make an attempt to summit Bwahit (4430m). We drive back to Gondar where we'll visit 17th century castles. It was once the centre of a unique and powerful kingdom unlike anything else found in Africa. We finally fly back to Addis Ababa.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Addis Ababa; city tour. Days 2/3 Lalibela Lalibela is one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. We visit the rock-cut churches on foot and take mules to Ashatan Maryam Church. Day 4 Gondar Fly to medieval Gondar and visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church and Fasiliadas' curious Castle complex. Days 5/13 8-day Simien Mountain trek A spectacular drive across the plateau brings us to Debark; the start point of our trek. Look for Gelada baboon and striking red-hot poker plants as we trek from camp to camp, passing vast canyons, rock spires and mesas. After a spectacular crossing of the Mesheha River valley we arrive at Ambikwa from where we start our attempt on Ethiopia's highest peak; the huge semi-circular basin of rocky peaks and buttresses which is Ras Deshen (4543m). On our last day we drive back to Gondar. Day 14 Addis Ababa We fly back to the capital and the afternoon is free in Addis. Day 15 Tour ends in Addis Ababa. Note: Itinerary may vary due to domestic flight schedule.

Accommodations: 6nts hotel, 8nts basic camping; 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners included.
Transport: Internal flights/Bus.
Comment: Strenuous trekking (6-8hrs a day walking) at altitudes of between 3000-4000m, though there are some longer days (including the ascent of Ras Dashen, 4543m). Mules carry food, equipment and personal gear. Time has been included at Lalibela to aid acclimatisation. Trails are in a reasonable condition. The spectacular landscapes more than make up for simple camp conditions.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), trek cook, mule tenders, N. Park scouts/ rangers & mountain guide. Mules transport luggage whilst on trek.
Trip Reference: ES2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Local Payment Availability
22 Oct 1005 Nov 10$24500
11 Apr 1123 Apr 11$26200

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 145, depending on availability.