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Simien Mountain Dossier

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS

14 DAYS

CODE XPD080

GRADE – DIFFICULT

ITINERARY – COSTS – INCLUSIONS

 EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

 Ethiopia remains an enigma to many. It is an ancient land with history going back 3000 years. Its society is rich with colorful culture, of secret societies and centuries old Churches. Ethiopia retains the Julian Calendar of 13 months in a year and is said to be home of the Holy Grail of the Old Testament.

The northern and central regions of the country boast some of the most magnificent mountain ranges in all of Africa. In this region alone there are over 20, 4000m peaks. These ancient ranges are dramatic, with enormous gorges being gouged out by torrents of water over the millennia. They are the home of the beautiful lion like Gelada Baboon and the highest peak of Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4563m).

Your expedition will take you through this amazing country, from the fertile lowlands and rural communities to the summit of Ras Dejen. We will visit the island Churches of Lake Tana and through remote villages of the Simien region. We will also visit the awesome excavated Churches of Lalibela. Ethiopia is still one of the world’s best kept secrets. Join us on this unbelievable and unforgettable expedition.

EXPEDITION GRADE

The Simien Mountains can be a difficult and challenging expedition. We consider it in the Difficult range. Please see our expedition rating chart at the end of this document.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa and welcomed by a No Roads representative for transfer to Hotel.

Day 2: Gondar

After breakfast we head back to the airport for the internal flight to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. On arrival, transfer to the Goha Hotel for lunch.  This afternoon we will visit the walled Royal enclosure which contains several well preserved and medieval looking castles, dating from as early as 1650.  Gondar is well placed, watered by mountain torrents and sitting at an altitude of 2300 meters. There are views from the city, which extend across the surrounding farmland to Lake Tana, 35kilometers to the south. This is a historic settlement with an atmosphere of mystery. Overnight at the Goha Hotel, which is situated on a hill overlooking the town.

Day 3: Debark- Sankaber

In the cool of the morning, we will make the 2 to 3 hour drive from Gondar to Debark. This is a small market town at an altitude of 2700 meters close to the boundary of the Simien Mountains National Park. Here, an armed scout-one of the park regulations- joins you. Then we drive towards Sankaber where you walk the last couple of hours of the day to your camp for the night.

Day 4: Sankaber – Geech

Today we will meet the muleteers and the trek equipment is loaded on to their mules. Starting out, you descend in the Michwahtis valley and begin the climb up the other side, making a short diversion to see one of the most impressive sights in the Simien Mountains, where the Jinbar River plummets into the Geech Abyss.

Day 5: Geech – Chenek

The route today takes us along the edge of the escarpment to the promontory and a small peak known as Imetgogo.  From here you descend into an open, grassy valley filled with 3 and 4-meter tall giant Lobelias. The Chenek campsite offers superb views across to the opposite escarpment and the prominent peak of Imetgogo.

Day 6: Chenek – Ambiquo

To reach the village of Ambiquo at the foot of Ras Dejen, you must initially climb up above your camp towards Amba Bhawit (4477m.), the second highest mountain in the range.  At 4200m you pass through Bhauit pass.  Here, you will also get your first sighting of the Ras Dashen (4620m), the highest point in a wall of cliffs and peaks on the skyline. Crossing the Meshawa River after more than 1000 meters of descent, you climb steeply to the village of Ambiquo, where we will camp for night.

Day 7: Ambiquo – Summit Day

Today’s climb to the highest point in Ethiopia, the summit of Ras Dejen, requires a dawn start. You climb slowly and steadily through giant Lobelia forests, passing the tiny, perched village of Mizma and gaining an area of open pasture where there are herds of cattle and goats with their attendant herdsmen. The triple-summited bulk of Ras Dejen looms above and it is far from obvious which of these is the highest. Finally, after 5 hours of ascent, you reach steeper, rocky ground and a short scramble to the cairned summit. We usually take an hours rest on top to enjoy the views that, in clear weather, extend to North of Ethiopia. A 3 hour descent takes you back to the campsite in Ambiquo.

Day 8: Ambiquo – Arkwaziye

Rather than retracing your trek to Sankaber (which is the usual Simien Mountains trek) we have chosen to extend the itinerary and make the return towards Gondar through the lowlands, which will give you the chance to see a greater range of the Ethiopian countryside. Descending from your camp at Ambiquo for an hour, you then have an easy 3-hour stroll, heading back westwards to the camping place in Arkwaziye (3600m.).

Day 9: Arkwaziye – Loma

A day of descent, as you head for the village of Makarabia in the region known as Lamo. You are leaving behind the high plateau and your route crosses several major ridges before dropping 1000meters alongside Ansiya River to the rarely visited lowlands. It becomes progressively warmer as you descend to the camp at Loma (2000m,).

Day 10: Mulit

An easy day, contouring far below the escarpment on a trail, which passes through scrub and stands of palm trees. You have plenty of opportunity to interact with the local people and learn a little about their way of life. Set beneath towering rock pinnacles. The campsite faces across the valley to a circle of mountains with Amba Tsion in the center.

Day 11: Adi Arkai – Gondar

A final short stroll of a little over 2-hours takes you to the market town of Adi Arkai (1700m.). Here you say goodbye to your trek crew, have a look around the bazaar and then board the car for the drive back to Gondar. Overnight at the Goha Hotel.

Day 12: Gondar – Lalibela

After a relaxing morning, transfer to Gondar Airport to leave for Lalibela which used to be called Roha until the end of 12th century. Today the little town of Lalibela is home to the  remarkably excavated 12th century rock hewn churches. Once you have checked into your hotel we will start visiting the first group (consisting of 6 churches) of churches that symbolizes the New Jerusalem. Overnight Roha Hotel.

NB. While entering each church, you are kindly requested to take off shoes and dress modestly. This should be applied to all the churches in Ethiopia.  

Day 13- Lalibela – Addis Ababa

In the morning, we will visit the second group of churches (consisting of 4 churches) and the third group consisting of only one but possibly the most beautiful and monolithic of the all, the church of St. George. It is said to symbolize Noah’s Arc. In the afternoon we will take a flight to Addis. That night we will have a farewell dinner for all. Hotel that night. 

Day 14: Addis Ababa / Departure

Transfer to airport for return home End of Expedition!!

 

PRICE

AUD$3790 ex Addis Ababa

A single supplement applies in Ethiopia of AUD$220.

INCLUSIONS

-Hotel accommodation (double room sharing)
-Internal airfares
-All the 3 meals of the day according to the itinerary.
-All transfers and city tours
-All entrance fees
-Ground transportation
-Camping gear (Tent, mattress, sheets etc)
-Experienced Guide
-Experienced cook and porters

EXCLUSIONS

-International air transport & embarkation fee
-Domestic airport tax
-Telephone, laundry, any payable drink and porters for luggage
-Tips and any other personal interest, which is not specified in the itinerary.

EXPEDITION DATES

Please check out our website (www.noroads.com.au) for the latest expedition dates.

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS
We are able to organize private expeditions for those that want familiar people to join them or our scheduled departures don’t suit.  We are also able to organize personalized itineraries. We are able to depart for these Private Expeditions at anytime.

EXPEDITION EXTENSIONS

Ethiopia is an awesome and huge country, diverse in both its terrain and culture. After the Simien Expedition, why note see another side of Ethiopia by heading south into Omo River region where we will see both fascinating wildlife and colourful and fascinating cultures such as the Hammer, Karo and Dassanech tribes. Want to know more about these trip extensions or stand alone trips? Give us a call or log onto our website.

PREDEPARTURE INFORMATION

Once your expedition is confirmed we will send you detailed Pre Departure Information which includes a list of recommended clothing and personal equipment, along with many other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. Prior to the trip departure from Moscow, you will attend a detailed trip briefing and orientation meeting to make sure that you are well prepared for your river trip and trek.

WHEN TO GO

Ethiopia can visited any time of the year as it provides you with 13 months of sunshine or any kind of weather you like. It depends on the region that you want to visit and/or the activities you want to join.

However the best time for climbing is between October and May and of course when there is a full moon.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Full board is provided throughout the trip: breakfast and dinner in a hotel, lunch with salad and fruit. During the treks, breakfast and dinner is prepared at the camp. The food served is mostly European style. While trekking, we sleep in tents and sleeping mats are provided. The group will be accompanied by a professional guide and cook.

The food and drink of Ethiopia reflects the many different cultures there. A typical dish is Wot, a hot spicy stew of meat or vegetables, seasoned with a blend of Berbere (chillie powder). It is made with Doro (chicken), and normally served with Injera, the traditional spongy pancake made from a fermented Teff flour batter.

Ethiopia produces its own wines; Dukam and Gouder are fine reds, while Axumite is sweeter. Crystals is a dry white wine. The famous honey wine or Tej is found all over the country as is Tela, a local beer, and Katikala, distillated liquor.

RELIGION

Christianity and Islam are the two main religions in Ethiopia making up 45% of the population each, with other religions making up the rest. Most of the Christians belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. 

WHILE VISITING CHURCHES

Shoes must be removed before entering Churches.  One should never smoke anywhere near a church. Only priests are allowed to step into the Holy of Holies where the 'TABOT'- replica of the Ark of the Covenant is kept. 

VISA

Visa is required for any foreign visitors to Ethiopia except Kenya and Djibouti.  This can be secured from Ethiopian Diplomatic and consular missions abroad.  In addition visitors from the countries listed below can obtain visa on arrival at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) the cost is US$20. The countries are:

Australia, UK, US, Canada, Brazil, South Africa and Spain.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

It is useful to bring some medication with you, such as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, eye-drops and sun-block lotion for mountains. We don't recommend that anti-malaria measures be taken, because the only place where malaria is present is Bahir Dar, but only during the rainy season (June to August). We do however advise that you bring mosquito repellent with you.

Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to his/her arrival in Ethiopia.

CUSTOMS

Duty-free import are permitted for up to:
v 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or 1/2 lb of tobacco
v 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
v 1/2 liter, or two bottles of perfumes
Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding Birr 500, although some articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.

TIME

Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone. While this is the official line, the Ethiopians run on their own time. They figure most people get up in the morning at around 7am our time. So that should be the first hour of the day and thus it is 1 o’clock. This all get very confusing as lunch time is at 6 o’clock and dinner is at 12 o’clock.

ETHIOPIAN CALENDAR

Ethiopia still retains the Julian calendar, in which the year is divided into 12 months of 30 days each, and a 13th month of five days and six days during the leap year. The Ethiopian Calendar is almost eight years behind the Gregorian calendar.

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr made up of 100 cents. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, providing declaration of such currency is made to customs on arrival.

Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks and hotels. The currency declaration form must be retained, as this will be required by customs on departure. Visitors, however, will be able to change any excess Ethiopian Birr to foreign currency at the bank in the airport before departure.

CLIMATE

There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September.

TOPOGRAPHY

Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and in the center of the country, there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4000 meters.

LANGUAGE

Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state with a great variety of languages spoken in the country, of which there are 83 with 200 dialects. The main three languages are Amharic (the national language of the country), Tigrigna and Oromigna. English is also widely spoken.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

 Ethiopia uses 220 volts 50 cycles AC.

PEOPLE

The population is estimated over 65 million, over 50 per cent are under 20 years old. The average number of inhabitants per square kilometer is 49.

HOTELS

Addis Ababa has hotels that cater for all pockets, from the luxurious Sheraton and Hilton hotels to the tourist class hotels. Outside Addis, mainly in the 'Historic Route', there are best available standard hotels. However, to visit the remote and the people of the wilderness, our camping equipments are of high standard.

TIPPING

This depends on the service of the trekking team. As a rule of thumb the  Guide US$40-50 Cook US$20-30 and Porters US$15. This is not mandatory.

INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
If you have any comments, questions or want more information, please let us know. We are here to support you with all information to help you prepare for your travels to Ethiopia.

EXPEDITION GRADE

GRADE 1 - EASY
Easy trekking,  generally between 900m/3,000ft. and 2,000m/6,500ft. Clients need to be regular walkers to get full enjoyment from their experience. It is possible however to design 'easier' three to four day treks with perhaps only three to four hours walking per day on request.

GRADE 2 - MODERATE
Moderate trekking 900m/3,000ft. and 3,000m/10,000ft. but possibly involving side trips to higher elevations.

GRADE 3 - DIFFICULT

Reasonably demanding trekking at altitudes up to 4,000m/13,000ft. with side trips to higher elevations. Some treks included here will, in part, be well away from villages on ill- defined mountain trails.

GRADE 4 - STRENUOUS
Treks of a demanding nature, requiring all participants to be fit and in excellent health, often in remote alpine areas and sometimes reaching altitudes in excess of 5000m/18,000ft.

ALPINE

Extremely demanding treks sometimes in very remote areas on rough terrain. Participants should have at least a basic knowledge of use of crampons and ice axes, though first time climbers may be accepted on some of the so called 'easy' routes on these peaks. Medical certificates are required prior to acceptance on any climbing treks.

BOOKINGS

If you would like to discuss this or any other matter with us please feel free to call us on (03) 9598 8581 or email us at info@noroads.com.au