Bahir Dar, Gondar and Trekking in the Simien Mountains National Park
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10 JOURS |
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NORD DE L'ÉTHIOPIE |
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Dès 750€/pers. |
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DIFFICULTÉ 3 |
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DEMANDE DE DEVIS |
- Bahir Dar and Gondar, Ethiopia’s top cultural cities
- 6 days trek in the Simien Mountains National Park : discovery of its wildlife, encounter with the people living in these mountains, breathtaking views, especially from Imet Gogo, climbing up to the Mount Ras Dashen
Day 1
Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar. After checking in to your hotel, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the selected island monasteries of Azwa Maryam, Ura Kidane Mihret, and Debre Maryam as well as the Zege Penninsula. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls to hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You will end your day watching the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 2
After breakfast, take a three-hour drive to Gondar which stands at an altitude of 2200m in the highlands north of Lake Tana. After briefly settling in your hotel, visit the Royal Enclosure which surrounds the famous 17th & 18th century castles. You will also visit Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, known for its lavishly painted ceiling. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, where Timket is celebrated. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 3
Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankaber. We will drop you near to Buyit Ras for a 3-4 hour hike to Sankaber, which passes close to the escarpment edge. Nearing Sankaber, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. In Sankaber, you will be met with your supplies. Overnight camping in Sankaber. (3-4 hours trekking)
Day 4
From Sankaber, depart into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) river runs. (This river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss. Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. Overnight camping in Geech. (Total trekking time: 5-6 hours)
Day 5
After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Emet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metaya, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeyers. Overnight camping in Chenek. (Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours)
Day 6
From Chenek, continue east up a valley to Bwahit Peak, overlooking the camp from where you just came. After crossing the Bwahit Pass, you come to a viewpoint offering wonderful views of the Mesheha River Valley as well your first glimpse of Ras Dashen. From here, the path descends, passes through the village of Chiro Leba, and finally leads to the Mesheha River. Across the river, you will climb back up the valley to the village of Ambikwa. Overnight camping in Ambikwa. (Total trekking time: 6-8 hours)
Day 7
Starting early, you will continue up the valley to the village of Mizma, after which you will have a steep ascent to a ridge crest overlooking a large valley. The path then follows along the side of the valley, straight at Ras Dashen. You will eventually reach a point where you will see three distinct buttresses. The buttress on the left is the summit of Ras Dashen. A pile of rocks at the top of the buttress marks the summit. Afterwards, you return to Ambikwa for overnight. (Total trekking time: 8-10 hours)
Day 8
Full-day trek to return back to Chenek, last chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Simien mountains. Overnight camping in Chenek. (Total trekking time: 6-8 hours)
Day 9
Today, you will drive back to Gondar. On the way back to town, you will visit the Falasha Village, home of the last Ethiopian Jews, and the Ploughshare Women’s Training Center, renowned for its traditional black pottery. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 10
Take a morning flight to Addis Abeba.
Options available :
- Full-board
- French-speaking guide
Package inclusions :
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Private ground transportation with English-speaking driver-guide
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Hotel accommodation, double or twin share including breakfast
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Entrance fees to all locations including local guide service and boat trip on Lake Tana
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All applicable taxes
For Simien Trekking: :
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Transportation to and from the Simien Mountains
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English-speaking guide for the Simien Mountains
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Camping tents, sleeping bag and mattress
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Armed scouts, mules and mule handlers
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All food & water while camping
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All cooking & camping materials, including cooking tent, tables & chairs
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Cook to prepare food for the entire team
Package Exclusions :
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Domestic airfare
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Lunch and dinner (except while camping)
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Alcoholic beverages
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Camera and photo fees
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Personal expenses
