12 Days Simien Mountain Trek
This Eco tour uses local guides, muleteers, cooks and scouts thereby contributing to the economy. Respect for the environment is our ethos - "leave nothing but footprints". You will return home with some incredible memories.....
Day 1
You will be welcomed by Alligan Travel at Bole International
Airport. Starting with a gentle introduction to this wonderful
country we take the 100km scenic route out of Addis to Debre
Libanos. After freshening up at your hotel, you can stretch your
legs by visiting some local sites. You can choose from RasDarge’s
Bridge with its wonderful views, the modern church built in 1950 by
Haille Sellassie, or perhaps the nearby valley where you can
receive a blessing (if you haven’t eaten).
Day 2
We start early next morning for Gondar travelling via the
spectacular Blue Nile Gorge and Bahir Dar. Much of the day will be
taken up with driving to Gondar. We will stop on the way for lunch
and arrive in Gondar in time for a short rest followed by a visit
to an Ethiopian home for the coffee ceremony. Your guide will then
point you in the direction of the Bar Balageru where you can enjoy
a drink of the local honey wine (tej) or you may prefer to rest at
your hotel. You will have a traditional supper of injera with meat
and home grown vegetables.
Day 3
In the morning, we will drive from Gondar to Sankaber( 3,250m)
where we will introduce you to your muleteers, guides and scouts.
After assembling our team we will head for Debark where we will
take a 4-5 hours trek via Chinkwanit and Michibi to Sankaber. Your
luggage will be transported on mules although riding is kept for
emergencies.
Day 4
Walk from Sankaber to Gich via the Jinbar falls amidst beautiful
landscape. The walk will take 6 to 7 hours. You should see the
Gelada baboons, Lammergeyer and perhaps a glimpse of the rare Walia
Ibex. Overnight camping in Gich.
Day 5
A 7 hour walk from Gich to Chennek (3,620m) with its stunning views
of the Simiens – particularly the Imet Gogo and Bwahit peaks and
the Belegez Valley. Once again you will be treated to glimpses of
endemic wildlife. Overnight at Chennek camp site.
Day 6
A 6 or 7 hour walk from Chennek to Ambiko via the Bwahit Pass where
(about 90 minutes in to your trek) you will catch your first
glimpse of your next day’s challenge - Ras Dashen! (4533m) Downhill
from this viewpoint will bring you to the Mesheha River and a steep
climb uphill will find you at your overnight stop – the Ambiko
campsite (3100m).
Day 7
An early start from the camp site to achieve the summit of Ras
Dashen, Africa’s fourth highest mountain about 5 hours in to the
day. You will note as you are scrambling that there appear to be
two summits. The first is the highest at, it is said, 4,533m -
there is some debate about the measurements- then we return to
Ambiko for a well earned rest.
Day 8
Walk from Ambiko to Sona. We start with a descent which lasts for
about an hour and brings us down in to the bottom of the valley.
Then it’s steeply ascending again for 2 – 3 hours after which
things get easier. We will pass through a beautiful valley
populated with huge vegetation and can visit the friendly village
of Arkwasiye. Approximately 9 hours after setting out, we will
arrive at our destination. The Sona Campsite is perched on the very
top of the near vertical Devils Staircase.
Day 9
Walk from Sona to Mekarebia, also known as Lamo. You will start
with a climb down the Devils Staircase of approximately 1000m. We
are now entering the Simien Lowlands. The landscape is very
attractive and you will be rewarded for your long descent with a
swim in the river if you wish. Mekarebia, where we will spend the
night, is renowned for its beauty. We will be camping at around
2,000m.
Day 10
Today’s trek will take us approximately 7 hours from Mekarebia to
Mulit. We will enjoy some dazzling scenery (some of it pictured on
the Ethiopian Airline ticket) as we travel through the valleys.
Overnight at Mulit camp site, camping at around 2,000m
Day 11
A comparatively short 3 hour stroll from Mulit to the market town
of Adi-Arkay to meet the vehicle. Then on to Debark where we will
say our goodbyes to the dedicated scouts, muleteers and guides who
have accompanied us on this memorable trek. We will return to
Gondar to spend the night at your hotel.
Day 12
Today we will take the morning flight to Addis Ababa to be on time
for your international flight.