Simien Mountains - Trekking Ethiopia

Simien Mountains - Trekking Ethiopia


From £3,295
Altitude 4,620m Grade: T5

Trek in this World Heritage Site with unique mountain scenery and an ascent of Ras Dashen.

Trekking in the scenic landscape Simien Mountains really does seem out of this world. A short flight from Addis takes us to the historic city of Gondar, renowned for its castles and churches. As we drive north towards the Simien Mountains the surprisingly green land just gets greener. Monolithic pinnacles and towers emerge out of the ground, backed by cliffs tumbling 1000’s of vertical metres to the verdant valleys below. We trek for ten full days through this protected wilderness, gradually sinking into the primeval rhythms of this serene world. Following the tops of the precipices, we cross plateaux and rivers and after an ascent of RasDashen (4620m), Ethiopia’s highest peak, we descend to lower, warmer levels stopping at some stunningly gorgeous campsites to emerge from the mountains on the north side at Adi Arkay.

During the trek we can expect to see many Gelada Baboons, the endemic Walia Ibex and if we are lucky the rare Simien Fox. A trek through this region will remain vivid in one’s memory for ever as there really is nowhere else in the world with comparable atmosphere and scenery.

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Dates & Prices

Show prices in
All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

Dates
Flight Inclusive
AvailabilityDays
With Flight
Price
Land Only
Price
With Flight
Select
20th Oct 2024 - 3rd Nov 2024 Spaces15 £3,295£4,095 Book Now
3rd Nov 2024 - 17th Nov 2024 Spaces15 £3,295£4,095 Book Now
15th Dec 2024 - 29th Dec 2024 Spaces15 £3,295£4,095 Book Now

* A deposit of £400 will be required at checkout.

Extras

Extras can be added per-person when you book onto a date

ItemPrice
Lalibella extension £650

* A deposit of £200 (or the full extra price, whichever is lower) will be required at checkout for each extra added per-person on this trip

What's Included

  • Estimated International flights from London (flight inclusive package
  • Accommodation - 4 nights hotels, 9 nights camping
  • Meals - 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 evening meals
  • Park fees
  • All road transfers in country
  • Local guide
  • Local trekking staff to assist (cook and pack animals)
  • All camping equipment (excl. personal kit)
  • Qualified UK group tour leader (subject to minimum numbers)
  • Adventure Peaks kitbag. A logoed top will be substituted for returning customers and non-UK clients
  • 24hr back-up and support from our UK staff
  • Domestic flights in Ethiopia (surcharge may be applicable if your international flight is NOT with Ethiopian Airlines)

What's Excluded

  • Personal equipment
  • Travel Insurance
  • Drinks and personal spending
  • Tips for local staff
  • Meals if not indicated above in 'inclusions'

 

Itinerary

Days 1/2Depart UK and arrive Addis the following morning. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon you will be given a tour of the city.

Day 3 A short morning flight takes us over the rugged Ethiopian plateau to the historic town of Gondar, famous for its 17th and 18th century castles and churches - truly bizarre sights here in the centre of Africa! A tour around the town will be offered in the afternoon.

Day 4 We drive 100km to the small town of Debark, the hoping off point for the Simien National Park. After completing formalities here we drive further on up into the park to start our trek.We get out first views over the northern escarpment down across the foothills below, a taste of what is to come over the next week. 3 to 4 hours walking.

Day 5 Still following the ridge, it is likely we will encounter endemic wildlife (Gelada Baboons) and plants (Giant Lobelia) this morning. After a couple of hours we arrive at the 500m Junbar waterfall - a favourite location for the abundant Lammergeyer. We then skirt around the top of the waterfall, cross the river, pass through a tiny settlement and ascend to our spacious campsite, home for two nights.7 to 8 hours walking.

Day 6 The day is spent exploring the viewpoints, ridges and highpoints of the escarpment. We aim to ascend Imetgogo (3925m), not only a spectacular viewpoint but a landmark we will be able to look back at virtually every day from now on. 4 to 6 hours walking.

Day 7 Again following the escarpment we pass Imetgogo and drop into a valley full of lobelias. A diagonal ascent through heather takes us to the summit of Inatye (4070m). After a level section along the top we descend steeply to camp among the lobelias at Chenek. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 8 A long day. We ascend parallel to the dirt road through dense vegetation where we have our best chance to spot the endemic, endangered and rare Walia Ibex. We cross the Bwuhit Pass (4200m - the enthusiastic can ascend Bwuhit Peak 230m higher) and then make a long descent through the village of ChiroLeba to the Mesha River. A short ascent the other side takes us to Ambiko. 8 to 9 hours walking.

Day 9 Optional ascent of Ethiopia's highest mountain, RasDashen (4620m). A pre-dawn start is needed for this long ascent which is mostly on good trails. Initially we climb steadily through fields and villages to reach higher pastures as the trails rounds a spur. A few zigzags take us up to the plateau from where we skirt around the back of the summit ridge to make the final ascent (a short scramble onto an exposed ridge) from the east side. Often we will be accompanied by shepherd boys who spend the season up here watching over their precious flocks. After enjoying sweeping views from here, we return to camp the same way to be greeted as heroes by our camp staff when we return. 9 to 11 hours walking.

Day 10 Another long day but with only gentle gradients to contend with. We descend to re-cross the MeshawaRiver, and then head off north across fields and passing scattered houses to the sprawling village of Arkwasiye. We continue through this village, and after another couple of hours descending gently arrive at a spectacular camp perched on top of a ravine at Sona. 8 to 9 hours walking.

Day 11 Don't miss the sunrise from here - it cuts across the face of Imetgogo where we stood a few days ago. After breakfast we descend 1100m down into the ravine on a good path to reach welcome warm air and a very inviting set of pools in the Ansiya River where we take a long lunch break. Our camp is an easy 90 minute walk further down the valley. 5 hours walking + lunch!

Day 12 We carry on down river, either following the river bed or tracks through the fields to reach another fine lunching and bathing spot where a side stream enters the main river. After lunch it is a hot steep ascent for a couple of hours to reach the village of Hawaza - and a shop!! We are now amongst the rock towers that we looked down on from the escarpment earlier in the trek and our final camp is set on a spur with views that typify the whole aura of the most beautiful place. Take pictures - but rest assured the memories will last forever. 5 to 7 hours walking.

Day 13 A 2 hour walk along a rough road brings us to AdiArkay, a rather grubby town on the Gondar to Aksum 'highway'. Here we meet our vehicles and return, via Debark back to Gondar. 2 hours walking, 4 hour drive.

Day 14 We fly back to Addis where there is usually time for further exploration before going out for dinner with traditional dancing. After dinner we transfer to the airport to check in for the night flight back to the UK.

Day 15 Arrive back in the UK.

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/



We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : https://microsite.campbellirvinedirect.com/adventurepeaks/

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)

You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com

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