SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Eight Days on horseback & on foot from Debark
Day 1:
Transfer to the airport to fly to Gondar afternoon will be spend at leisure exploring the 17th century castles and churches that make Gondar famous. The night will be spent at the Goha Hotel on a hill with commanding views over this medieval city.
Day 2: GEECH CAMP
Starting early in the morning from Gondar you will be driven through the mountainous country. You stop for an early lunch in the market town of Debark. Then head off to Sankaber where you will pick up the mules and then start the trek. Leaving the camp you descend into the Michotis Valley and climb the other side where on your left you will see the Jin Bahir River plummeting into the Geech Abyss. A couple of kilometers later you descend to cross the Jin Bahir and after a steep climb to the other side you reach Geech camp where you will stay overnight.(Approx. 5 hour trek, including breaks.)
Day 3:CHENEK CAMP
With an early start the mules will be packed and depart for Chenek whilst you will head with daypacks to the escarpment edge at Saha and Imetgogo(3,926m) for staggering views over the lowlands characterized by its rocky spires. Clinging to the escarpment edge you then trek via undulating terrain towards your camp at Chenek. On the way you will see many examples of the impressive Giant Lobelia and stand a good chance of seeing some Gelada baboons. At the end of todays trek you descend to the road that leads to camp with it inspiring sunset view of the lowlands. O/N Chenek camp.(Approx. 8-9 hour trek.)
Day 4: AMIBIKWA CAMP
The mules will head directly to camp and you have the choice of walking with them or of trekking to the summit of the Simien's second highest peak, Bwahit (4,430m). After refreshments at the summit you will descend steeply towards the village of Chiro Leba where you will have lunch around the local school. Afterwards you continue the descent to the Mesheha River valley (2850m) and up the other side to Ambikwa camp at 3,200m. (Approx. 8-9 hour trek including breaks).
Day 5:THE SUMMIT OF RAS DASHEN
This is the most challenging day of the trek up to the summit of Ras Dashen. You will trek up to the head of the valley and the village of Mizma where you will get your first view of your imposing goal. To reach it you wil contour round a number of steep gullies ascending all the time until you find yourself on a rocky plateau which is dominated by the tree peaks the middle one being the tallest. It is then a relatively easy scramble to the top of one of Africa's highest mountains. After refreshments at the top you will descend by the same route to Ambikwa camp. (Approx. 10-12 hour trek including breaks).
Day 6:CHENEK
You retrace your steps to Chenek where you will spend your last night under canvas. Time to reset and reflect on your on your achievement. (Approx. 8-9 hourtrek).
Day 7:
Drive back either to Gondar or Debark The transport will arrive early to take you back to Debark or Gondar and a well earned hot shower and relaxing afternoon which can be spend sightseeing or shopping in the local market or just sleeping!
Day 8:
Transfer to the airport to fly back to Addis where you will be picked up and taken to your hotel.
A farewell dinner will be provided at the Crown Hotel where you can taste traditional Ethiopian food and drind as well as seeing traditional dancing.
