Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest civilizations and offers unique experiences in history, archeology, culture and nature. Discover the natural wonders of the Simien Mountains on this trekking trip through some of Africa’s highest peaks. Explore Gondar and Lalibela’s rich historical sites. Knowledgeable guides will make your trip special and accommodations are the best available in this developing country, but are basic. Camping is first class with a private cook. This trip is for travelers in excellent physical fitness and an adventurous spirit who are willing to occasionally sacrifice comfort to experience a new destination.
Day 1 – ADDIS ABABA: Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Hilton Addis Ababa. Overnight here. (Airline meals)
Day 2 – BAHIR DAR & GONDAR: Fly to Bahir Dar and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting several island monasteries dating to the 14th-16th centuries. At Gorgora, meet your driver and transfer by road 40 miles to Gondar. Overnight Goha Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 3 – SANKABER: Today you will drive to Debark and continue on to the Simien Mountains by road (3.5 hrs). Enjoy short hikes to acclimatize and spot Ethiopia’s Gelada baboon. Throughout the journey you are accompanied by a private cook and professional trekking crew and guide. Our camping includes the best camping gear available. (B, L, D)
Day 4-9 – TREKKING IN THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS: Trekking daily from 5-8 hours in elevations up to 15,000 feet. Each day trekkers are awed by incredible vistas of the Simiens. Opportunities to spot Ethiopia’s rare endemic Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboon and Walia ibex are good. Highlights of the trek include Imet Gogo with its views of the escarpment, Chenek with baboons and ibex, Buhit Peak—Ethiopia’s second highest peak and Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak. Overnights camping. (B, L, D)
Day 10 – RETURN TO GONDAR: Drive to Gondar where you’ll visit the Royal Enclosure, Bath of King Fasilades and Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for paintings of angels which adorn its ceilings. Founded by Emperor Fasilidas in 1635, Gondar is called “Africa’s Camelot” because of its many medieval castles. Overnight Goha Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11 – LALIBELA: Fly to Lalibela. Once the thriving capital of the medieval dynasty, Lalibela boasts 13 rock-hewn churches cut out of a solid red volcanic rock. Some of the churches lie almost completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves. Visit the first and third groups of churches. Overnight Roha Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 12 – LALIBELA: Morning optional excursion to Ne’akuto Le’ab Cave church or to semi-hewn church of Asheten Mariam on mule back. Return to Lalibela to visit the remaining group of rock churches. Overnight Roha Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 13 – ADDIS ABABA/FLIGHTS: Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of the city. Evening farewell dinner party and then transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B, D)