Ethiopia - Discover Adventure

Ethiopia
Trek the Simien Mountains
Tre
The Simien Mountains form one of Africa’s largest and most spectacular mountain
ranges. Our trek takes us through the Simien Mountain National Park, an area
abundant with flora and fauna, fertile cultivated terraces and vibrant hillside
villages.
Our goal is the summit of Ras Dashen (4620m), Ethiopia’s highest mountain and
the fourth-highest in Africa, but the spectacular landscapes will awe us long before
we get there!
This combination of diverse wildlife, friendly local people and tough but incredibly
rewarding trekking will stay with you for a long time to come.
Challenge Grading
Detailed Itinerary
Our trips are graded from Challenging
Day 1: Depart London
(Grade 1) to Extreme (Grade 5).
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Gonder
This trek is grade Intense
(4). Main
challenges lie in the long days walking in
remote, rough mountainous terrain, and
the altitude.
Many factors influence the Challenge
Grading, such as terrain, distances,
climate, living conditions, etc. The grade
reflects the overall trip; some days are
likely to feel more challenging than
others. Unusual weather conditions also
have a significant impact, and not all
We arrive in Ethiopia and, after completing formalities, take a short internal flight to
Gonder (2133m), gateway to the Simien Mountain National Park. After time to
freshen up and relax we meet for dinner and an evening briefing before preparing for
the start of our trek. Night hotel.
Day 3: Gonder – Buyit Rass – Sankaber
After an early breakfast, we drive to the bustling town of Debark, and enter the
Simien Mountain National Park. Now on foot, we set off around the cliff face high on
the plateau and glimpse the spectacular backdrop of the Simien Mountains for the
first time. We are likely to encounter gelada baboons, endemic to Ethiopia, and the
noisy wattled ibis. Night camp (3200m).
Drive approx. 3 hours; trek approx. 5 hours
people are tested by the same aspects.
Our grading levels are intended as a
Day 4: Sankaber – Geech
guide, but span a broad spectrum; trips
A hearty breakfast sets us on our way as we head towards Geech abyss and the
within the same grade will still vary in the
stunning Jin Bahir Falls. Dropping down to the viewpoint perched on a rocky spur
level of challenge provided.
opposite the falls, we enjoy a great view as the Jin Bahir river plunges over the cliff
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Detailed Itinerary (cont)
into the 1000m drop below. Leaving the falls, we have a sharp climb to rejoin the
road before veering off into the valley and crossing the Jin Bahir River further
upstream. The final stage of the day follows well-walked paths through cultivated
terraces towards Geech village and our campsite nestled high above the village.
Night camp (3600m).
Trek approx. 6 – 7 hours
Day 5: Geech – Imet Gogo – Chenek
Leaving camp, we set off on a steady climb across open moorland towards Imet
Gogo, a rocky outcrop perched high above the canyons. The cliffs drop away 1500m
below us, but the 360-degree views of the surrounding area are fabulous! Retracing
our steps, we head east and drop down until we are just above the source of the
river. We then commence the steady climb to Inatye crest (4090m), following the
path over the top and down around the mountain, descending nearly 500m to our
campsite. We should be there in time to watch the usually-spectacular sunset over
the cliffs around Chenek. Night camp (3600m)
Trekking Information
Terrain is varied with trekking along well-
Trek approx. 9 hours
Day 6: Chenek – Ambikwa (3400m)
trodden local paths, steep escarpments,
The cliffs around Chenek are the only known habitat for the walia ibex in the world,
rocky trails and light scrambling in places.
and the need to protect their environment was the main justification for making this
Much of the walking is rough underfoot.
area a protected National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for them as we ascend
Although the terrain is in itself
demanding, the altitude adds a great deal
to the challenge. Symptoms of being at
altitude include tiredness, shortness of
breath, headaches and nausea. Altitude
through the valley from Chenek, skirting around the side of Mount Bwahit. We climb
to around 4200m before leaving the confines of the Park and dropping down into the
next valley, heading east towards Ambikwa. We drop over 1000m in elevation to the
valley bottom before crossing the river and climbing back uphill towards our
campsite. Night camp (3400m).
affects people differently and being
Trek approx. 8 hours
super-fit is no guarantee of being less
Day 7: Ambikwa – Ras Dashen (4620m) – Ambikwa
likely to feel the effects. Our route allows
for excellent acclimatisation to the
A hearty breakfast sets us on our way to the summit of Ras Dashen, the highest
altitude, allowing us to trek higher than
mountain in Ethiopia. A steep climb out of the valley takes us over the ridge and into
we sleep as we gradually gain elevation.
easier flatter terrain as we traverse the ridges around the mountain and pass under
spectacular rocky cliff faces. Another steep push finally brings us to the flatter side of
This trek is achievable for most people
provided they train well in advance. We
will supply you with a thorough training
guide when you have registered.
Weather
Accommodation & Food
Bikes
When trekking we camp in two-man
tents with large dining-tents and
fantastic views! Facilities are basic, as
The weather is generally dry and warm,
you would expect in this remote region,
though it can be chilly early in the
but our local crew look after us well. The
morning. Altitude has a great effect on
hotel in Gonder is clean and
temperatures and it will get cooler as
comfortable; rooms are twin-share.
you climb higher. It will also be cold at
night, sometimes below freezing. In the
mountains the weather can change
frequently and you should be prepared.
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All food is included except where
specified in the itinerary. The food is
good, plentiful and will give you plenty of
energy! Please let us know any dietary
requirements well in advance.
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Detailed Itinerary (cont)
Ras Dashen, and round to the bottom of the rocky outcrop just below the summit. A
final scramble brings us to the top (4620m), where the awe-inspiring views stretching
in every direction will take your breath away, if the altitude hasn’t already! We return
to Ambikwa the way we came, with a rigorous descent in the last two hours back to
our campsite at Ambikwa. Night camp (3400m).
Trek approx. 10 – 12 hours
Day 8: Ambikwa – Chenek
Retracing our steps, we climb back towards Chenek, dropping down into the valley to
camp, where we can indulge in a few freshly-delivered beers to celebrate our
achievement. Tired but elated, we enjoy our final night under canvas. Night camp
(3600m).
Trek approx. 9 hours
Day 9: Chenek – Gonder
Crew & Trip Support
We transfer by bus back to Gonder and our hotel. After checking in there will be an
opportunity for a bit of last minute shopping before meeting up in the evening for a
Your trip will be led by experienced
well-earned celebration meal. Night hotel.
Discover Adventure leaders. Our leaders
are selected for their experience in harsh
(Dinner not included)
wilderness environments, knowledge of
Drive 5 – 6 hours
travel in remote areas, friendliness and
approachability, sense of humour and
Day 10: Gonder – Addis Ababa – London
ability to safely and effectively deal with
We take the morning flight back to the capital in time for our international flight home.
any situation that arises. They are also
NB: Depending on flight schedules we may sometimes arrive on Day 11.
trained in expedition first-aid. You are in
very safe hands with a Discover
Adventure leader.
Depending on group size, an expedition
(Lunch not included)
Discover Adventure reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for
safety reasons should local conditions dictate.
Copyright Discover Adventure 2004 / Updated 2016
doctor or medic will also accompany the
group. The crew will have radios and
emergency satellite phones, extensive
Passport & Vaccinations
medical kit and other safety apparatus
where necessary.
A ten-year passport is essential, valid
for at least six months after entry into
Our local support crew is made up of
local guides, drivers, cooks and
muleteers. Mules will carry all the
Ethiopia. UK passport-holders require a
visa; this can be obtained upon arrival
at Addis Ababa.
luggage, food, water and camping
equipment. Local guides know the local
Your routine UK schedule of
area well, and are a great source of
vaccinations should be up-to-date
knowledge about local customs and
(including Tetanus); check with your
lifestyles. The Discover Adventure crew
GP for additional travel health advice. A
work closely with the local crew to
Yellow Fever injection is required and
ensure your trip runs smoothly and
you may be asked to show your
safely.
vaccination certificate on entry.
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Trek the Simien Mountains
2017
6 - 15 Sept 2017
Pricing Information
All costs are based on a minimum of 15 participants. Please refer to our website for latest prices and offers.
REGISTRATION FEE
FUNDRAISING TARGET
TRIP COST
Payable 10 weeks prior to trip
departure
Payable 8 weeks prior to trip
departure
You commit to raise the fundraising
target. Your chosen charity will
retain 50% of this target plus any
additional fundraising you achieve.
Paid by your charity
providing they have received
all of the Fundraising Target
From £4150.00
N/A
Your contribution (Part Payment Trip
Cost) to the trip cost gives you a
lower fundraising target. You
commit to raise this target and your
chosen charity will retain 50% of
this target plus any additional
fundraising you achieve.
Set contribution (Part
Payment Trip Cost) paid by
you at this time.
Remaining costs paid by your
chosen charity, providing
they have received all of the
Fundraising Target
Payable on registration
FUNDRAISING
OPTION
Paid to Discover Adventure to
secure your place on the trip.
This is applicable to all payment
options and is non-refundable.
£299.00
PART –
PAYMENT
OPTION
Paid to Discover Adventure to
secure your place on the trip.
This is applicable to all payment
options and is non-refundable.
All Airline Taxes paid by
charity.
All Airline Taxes paid by
charity.
From £3150.00
£299.00
SELF PAYMENT
OPTION
Paid to Discover Adventure to
secure your place on the trip.
This is applicable to all payment
options and is non-refundable.
Raise as much as you can and 100%
of your donations will go to your
chosen charity
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All transport from London to Gonder return
All meals except where specified, accommodation &
camping equipment
Discover Adventure leaders; doctor with group of 15+
participants; local guides, cooks, drivers, mules &
muleteers
Local support and back-up equipment
Entry to National Park and any other sites visited as part
of the itinerary
Paid by you together with
applicable Airline Taxes
(capped at £225.00/£250.00)
N/A
£299.00
What’s Included
From £500.00
From £1850.00
What’s Excluded
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Two meals as specified in itinerary
Travel insurance
Personal spending money, souvenirs and drinks
Tips for the local guides and support crew
Inbound airport departure tax (no tax applied at time of
writing)
Entry visa
Sleeping bag & sleeping mat
Fees for any optional sites, attractions or activities
Airline taxes: we cap these so that £225.00/£250.00 is
the maximum you will pay
Any applicable surcharges as per Terms and Conditions
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 290 5289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com