Tour Trekking To The Simien Mountains Highest Pick - Ras Dejen (R

Accommodation

Camping (8 night ) Hotel (5 Nights)

Hygieneprotocol

No COVID-19 restriction to enjoy this incredible trip.

Meals

13 Breakfast 14 Lunch 14 Dinner Bottle spring water Coffee/tea

Insurance

Transport Insurance but please be aware that insurance policy will be according to Ethiopian law.

Others

Entrance fees as per the itinerary scouts, militia or police mule transport for logistics mule handler cooking material camping gear assistance cook cook tent sleeping bags mattresses transfer in and out to hotel or airport fees for local guide associations Admission fee for local community

Guide

English speaking guide service at all destinations

Transport

Surface transport Fuel Driver

Not included:

Others

Alcohol beverages Video filming and photography fees Tips and items of personal nature like laundry Souvenirs ete All expense that are not mentioned in the included part

Flights

If you come to Ethiopia with Ethiopian airline you will get discount for internal flights. After you booked your trip we’ll help you to reserve your fight according to the itinerary with additional cost.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Addis Ababa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! Begin with a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. Established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, Addis Ababa is a relatively young city full of contrasts – the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’, is one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a few streets away to find yourself among busy markets, dirt roads and the odd goat or two wandering the street. The optional city tour will include the National Museum, where you’ll find the famous remains of ’Lucy’, and the Ethnographic Museum set within the beautiful gardens of Haile Selassie’s former palace.Welcome to Ethiopia! Begin with a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. Established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, Addis Ababa is a relatively young city full of contrasts – the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’, is one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a few streets away to find yourself among busy markets, dirt roads and the odd goat or two wandering the street. The optional city tour will include the National Museum, where you’ll find the famous remains of ’Lucy’, and the Ethnographic Museum set within the beautiful gardens of Haile Selassie’s former palace.

Welcome to Ethiopia! Begin with a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. Established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, Addis Ababa is a relatively young city full of contrasts – the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’, is one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a few streets away to find yourself among busy markets, dirt roads and the odd goat or two wandering the street. The optional city tour will include the National Museum, where you’ll find the famous remains of ’Lucy’, and the Ethnographic Museum set within the beautiful gardens of Haile Selassie’s former palace.
Day 2 Day 2: Fly To Gondar; Tour Castles And Debre Birhan Selassie Church.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Fly To Gondar; Tour Castles And Debre Birhan Selassie Church.

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. (On the Timkat Festival departure in January we spend a full extra day in Gondar to experience the festival. We join the Ethiopian crowds at Fasilides’ Baths whose water has been blessed by priests. Young men dive into the water to symbolise the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. The festival has been described as one of the greatest shows on Earth.) *Goha Hotel or similar*
Day 3 Day 3: Drive To Debark; Start Trekking To Sankaber Camp.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive To Debark; Start Trekking To Sankaber Camp.

We travel by road the 105 kilometres to the small town of Debark, the nearest town to the Simien National Park. There is a little time to explore the area while the guides prepare the equipment and mules for the trek. From Debark the landscape suddenly opens onto a picturesque valley dotted with mud huts, horses and livestock. We start our walk at Buyit Ras, entrance to the park, and head towards Sankaber where we have our first night’s camp. There are spectacular views across the range from here. 3 hours walking, 9kms. *Sankaber Camp or similar*
Day 4 Day 4: Trek To Geech Via Jinbar Waterfall.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Trek To Geech Via Jinbar Waterfall.

Walking near small settlements and villages we have fine views across the lowlands and the Simien plateau as we continue our trek heading towards 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. 7 hours walking, 12 kms. *Geech Camp or similar*
Day 5 Day 5: Walk To Imetgogo.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Walk To Imetgogo.

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. 4 hours walking, 10kms, ascent 325m, descent 325m. *Geech Camp or similar*
Day 6 Day 6: Trek To Chennek Via Enatyie Escarpment.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Trek To Chennek Via Enatyie Escarpment.

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. 7 hours walking, 13kms, ascent 650m, descent 570m. *Chenneck camp or similar*
Day 7 Day 7: Trek To Ambiko; Ascend Bwuhit.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Trek To Ambiko; Ascend Bwuhit.

A memorable but hard day’s trekking of ascents and descents as we make our way from Chennek to Ambiko. We should see birds like the Ground 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 Chennek 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. 10 hours walking, 17km, ascent 1105m, descent 1570m. *Ambiko Camp or similar*
Day 8 Day 8: Ascent Of Ras Dashen, Highest Point In Ethiopia.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ascent Of Ras Dashen, Highest Point In Ethiopia.

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 incredible views from the summit. 12 hours walking, 21km, ascent 1345m, descent 1345m. *Ambiko Camp or similar*
Day 9 Day 9: Trek To Sona Via Arkwasiye.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Trek To Sona Via Arkwasiye.

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. 10 hours walking, 21kms, ascent 965m, descent 1055. *Sona Camp or similar*
Day 10 Day 10: Descend To Ansiya Wenz River And On To Lamo Camp.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Descend To Ansiya Wenz River And On To Lamo Camp.

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. 5 hours walking time, 10kms, ascent 65m, descent 1120m. *Mekarebya Camp or similar*
Day 11 Day 11: Continue To Mulit Camp.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Continue To Mulit Camp.

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. 5 hours walking, 17kms, ascent 515m, descent 425m. *Mulit Camp or similar*
Day 12 Day 12: Short Walk To Adi Arkay Where The Trek Finishes; Drive To Gondar.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Short Walk To Adi Arkay Where The Trek Finishes; Drive To Gondar.

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! 2.5 hours walking, 7kms, ascent 50m, descent 440m. *Goha Hotel or similar*
Day 13 Day 13: Gondar Drive To Bahir Dar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Gondar Drive To Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, exploring Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. We visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret, Azwa Mariam,. Ura Kidanemihiret is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries A.D. Azwa Mariam is known for its paintings and we also have time to visit the small museum. Afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tissisat (smoking water) falls: 100 m (328 ft) wide, the water plunges for 45 m (148 ft), giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend the other side the round trip will take about 1hour walking. Than we cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. Overnight In hotel
Day 14 Day 14: Fly To Addis Ababa - Obelisk Of Tiya And Adadi Mariam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Fly To Addis Ababa - Obelisk Of Tiya And Adadi Mariam

fly back to Addis and Excrusion to Obelisk of Tiya and Adadi Mariam.

Heading south-west on the Jimma road, before turning due south on to the Butajira Road, you find the most important Neolithic site in Ethiopia which is called Melka Kunture. You will also visit the museum at the site.

• Then heading 5 Kms further on the Butajira road and visit the beautiful rock hewn church of Adadi Mariam, which is contemporaneous with those of rocky hewn churches of Lalibela. At last, you set out to Tiya, registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. where you can see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stellae which stretches across parts of southern Ethiopia

On our return to Addis day rooms will be provided for clients on the late flight. The trip ends in the evening in Addis (please note the January Timkat Festival departure is one day longer as we spend 2 nights in Gondar before the trek).

+11

14 days tour

Trekking To The Simien Mountains Highest Pick - Ras Dejen (R

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Itinerary of your trip Trekking To The Simien Mountains Highest Pick - Ras Dejen (R

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Fly To Gondar; Tour Castles And Debre Birhan Selassie Church.

Day 3: Drive To Debark; Start Trekking To Sankaber Camp.

Day 4: Trek To Geech Via Jinbar Waterfall.

Day 5: Walk To Imetgogo.

Day 6: Trek To Chennek Via Enatyie Escarpment.

Day 7: Trek To Ambiko; Ascend Bwuhit.

Day 8: Ascent Of Ras Dashen, Highest Point In Ethiopia.

Day 9: Trek To Sona Via Arkwasiye.

Day 10: Descend To Ansiya Wenz River And On To Lamo Camp.

Day 11: Continue To Mulit Camp.

Day 12: Short Walk To Adi Arkay Where The Trek Finishes; Drive To Gondar.

Day 13: Gondar Drive To Bahir Dar

Day 14: Fly To Addis Ababa - Obelisk Of Tiya And Adadi Mariam

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