Walking in the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Why book this trip?

Trek in one of Africa's most stunning and least visited wildernesses, the Simien Mountains of northern Ethiopia. Discover this isolated region, admiring the spectacular scenery of rocky plateaus, dramatic peaks and deep gorges, keeping an eye out for gelada baboons.

Lalibela - Explore the remarkable rock cut churches

Gondar - Discover the well preserved 17th century castles

Ras Dashen - Climb to Ethiopia's highest peak at 4,543 metres

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

es-2019 es-2020 es-2020-timkat-gondar

Day 1 - Join trip in Addis Ababa. PM orientation tour of the city: Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, situated at an elevation of around 2,438m and just over a century old. It has some elegant modern buildings and is quite spacious with wide streets and green areas. It remains the capital of a predominantly rural area and the Mercato is one of the largest open markets in Africa.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Jorge Bole International Airport (ADD), which is 10 minutes' drive from our hotel.
For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 11:30 am for the welcome meeting followed by a guided orientation tour of the city after lunch. We will visit the Ethnographical Museum and the church of the Holy Trinity, whose large dome and slender pinnacles make it a landmark in the city, followed by a drive up Entoto Hill to take in a panoramic view of Addis Ababa.
The majority of international flights arrive early in the morning, breakfast will be provided on your arrival at the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Please note that if you wish to join the city tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 1:30pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport and from the airport to the hotel is around 10 minutes' drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 12pm.

Accommodation:

Ghion Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Fly to Gondar and visit local sites including castle ruins: Today we take a short, but scenic flight to Gondar, located on the high plateau just north of Lake Tana. The town of Gondar was the imperial capital of Ethiopia for 200 years. Gondar's most famous monuments are its exceptionally well preserved 17th century castles. The largest and best is that of King Fasilidas. It is a stone-built construction with round turrets and wooden balconies. This whole complex of buildings is unique in Ethiopia and unlike anything found elsewhere in Africa. On arrival, as well as visiting the castle ruins and King Fasilidas baths, we'll also make a visit to the Debre Berhan Selassie Church famed for its ceiling frescoes of many angel faces.

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Drive to Simien Mountains National Park via Debark; PM trek to Sankaber: Today, we drive to Debark, the village base for hiking in the Simien Mountains.The range lies north of Gondar and many of the peaks rise above 4,000m with the highest being Mount Ras Dashen at 4,543m. The mountains are criss-crossed with tracks made by the local people travelling from village to village or moving their animals to fresh pastures. The combination of these tracks and the spectacular scenery make for excellent walking. We start our trek with a walk to our first camp Sankaber.
Today's five-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with 1oo metres of ascent and 30 metres of descent.
* During the trek we may spend each night in a different place. The circuits walked will vary depending on local conditions and on the group's ability. Details of the standard circuit we might take are given below - the itinerary for days 6 to 12 is given as an example only.

Accommodation:

Sankaber Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Trek to Geech Camp via Sankaber: We trek today to Geech camp via Sankaber, with the possibility of seeing baboons and red-hot poker plants en route. The gelada baboon is endemic to Ethiopia and has adapted to living on the nearly vertical cliff faces. We may also see the Jinbar river waterfalls today that plummet into Geech Abyss. The Abyss is a vast canyon cut into the main wall of the escarpment.
Today's 12 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 680 metres of ascent and 330 metres of descent.

Accommodation:

Geech Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Optional acclimatisation hike to Imet Gogo from Geech Camp: A flexible day with a morning optional acclimatisation hike to the viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3,926m). From the viewpoint there are spectacular views of the lowlands and across the Simien range with rock spires and mesas prominent . Keep a close look out for the elusive simien fox. It's misnamed as it is not really a fox but a member of the dog family restricted to Ethiopia.
Today's optional 10 kilometre circular walk is expected to take around four hours.

Accommodation:

Geech Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Trek to Chenek Camp traversing the Jinbar river: We aim to trek to Chenek camp today on a good trail via Inatye (4,070m) and along the escarpment. This exciting walk traverses the Jinbar river and provides us with fantastic views. You may like to take the opportunity to freshen-up in the nearby stream south of camp.
Today's 13 kilometre walk is expected to take around eight hours with 810 metres of ascent and 770 metres of descent.

Accommodation:

Chenek Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Trek to Ambikwa: Today we trek to Ambikwa and plan to stop at a spectacular viewpoint (4,200m) north of Bwahit where, on clear days, we can see across the Mesheha river to Ras Dashen peak. We then descend steeply and pass through the village of Chiro Leba to follow a stream bed until we reach the large Mesheha River. We'll cross the river and follow a path up the east side of the valley to Ambikwa village, (3,200m) where our camp sits in a little meadow next to a small church.
Today's 17 kilometre walk is expected to take around 10 to 12 hours with 1,000 metres of ascent and 1,400 metres of descent.

Accommodation:

Ambikwa Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Ascent of Ras Dashen; returning to Ambikwa: Starting before sunrise we follow the main valley up and climb steeply via Mizma village houses to reach a ridge crest and open grassy slopes (3,700m) on our invigorating ascent of Ethiopia's highest mountain. Next we traverse around ridges and climb more steeply to a broad col at 4250m. Keep an eye open for giant lobelia, by far the most spectacular plant of this region with flower stalks up to 8m high. Eventually we enter a huge semicircular basin of rocky peaks and buttresses - Ras Dashen. The last section involves some steep scrambling and climbing to a fine viewpoint at 4,543m. We'll spend the rest of the day hiking back to our camp.
Today's 21 kilometre walk is expected to take around10 to 12 hours with 1,300 metres of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Ambikwa Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Recross the Mesheha River en route to Arkwasiye: Today we recross the Mesheha River as we make our way to Arkwasiye and our campsite there (3,700m). Today trek has a different feel to it as we walk through the fields and meet local farmers cultivating their land. We will have the opportunity to visit the local school and meet the children.
Today's 15 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours.

Accommodation:

Arkwasiye Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 - Walk to roadhead and drive to Gondar: This morning we walk from Arkwasiye to the roadhead where our vehicle will be waiting. From there drive to Gondar passing by Chenek (3,620 m). We have an early start this morning for our trek . We leave with a packed lunch before our drive to Gondar. The drive takes four to five hours and about a third of the road is unmade. On arrival we check into our hotel for the night.
Today's four kilometre walk is expected to take around two hours.

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Fly to Lalibela. Visit rock stone churches: This morning we fly to Lalibela for a two-night stay in one of the world's most remarkable historic sites. Although churches carved in rock are found in other parts of the world, those found in Ethiopia are particularly interesting. Generally, they were excavated on all sides of a rectangle, leaving a large block of granite isolated in the centre. This rock was then shaped and formed both inside and out and the carvings show extremely skilful workmanship. Lalibela, the New Jerusalem, is thought to have been constructed some 800 years ago by King Lalibela as his capital city. These days, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a small village. This afternoon's tour involves a certain amount of scrambling through a labyrinth of tunnels. The churches stand in two main groups on either side of a stream, known locally as 'The River Jordan'. There are 11 rock-cut churches, and we will visit several. The most impressive of the churches is Bet Giorgis, which is carved in the form of a Greek cross and approached through a passage in the rock. Between them, these rock-cut churches are one of the great wonders of the world.

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - Mule trek to Ashatan Maryam Church: Located among the mountains that encircle Lalibela are several more isolated churches. Using mules, we journey for some two hours to Ashatan Maryam Church and are rewarded with stunning views over Lalibela and the peaks and mountains of these remote highlands. Reached by steep shale paths, it will be necessary to dismount in places due to the terrain. Good footwear is a must. Vertigo sufferers or people with a low level of fitness may choose not to partake in the mule trek, your tour leader can advise you.
This afternoon we return to Lalibela, allowing more time to explore the rock-cut churches.

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Fly to Addis where the trip ends: After a free morning in Gondor we take a flight back to Addis Ababa (depending on flight schedules you may take an earlier flight). The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to further explore the city, you could visit the open-air market and the National museum. The majority of international flights depart in the late evening or early tomorrow morning, day rooms are available to use at our hotel.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart Bole International Airport (ADD), which is 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. If you are booking your own flights, the earliest your flight can depart is 8pm.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Country information: Ethiopia

Climate

Ethiopia is generally pleasant and warm, but varies with altitude. The long rains usually arrive mid- June to early September and the short rains between mid-February and April although this pattern has been completely erratic in recent times. After the rains, the highlands of northern Ethiopia are usually green and thus particularly scenic. The temperature all year round rarely falls below 18°C. Night-time temperatures in the mountains can be cold and can drop below freezing at higher altitude. There is a strong risk of sunburn at high altitude in Ethiopia. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

+3

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian, Islam

Language

Amharic, English

Budgeting and packing: Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Addis Ababa - National museum £3.00

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it can become cold, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind.

-Socks: It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don't breathe well and can cause blisters.

- Jacket: After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A very warm jacket is the most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops.

- Waterproofs: Breathable waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They breathe and avoid condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs.

-Long Trousers: For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

-Thick jumper/fleece jacket: A thick jumper or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.

-Thermal underwear: Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.

- Shorts: Can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold. Follow your tour leaders advice on local sensitivities to wearing shorts during the trek.

- Gloves: Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Also bring a scarf to cover your face from the dust during the day and a warm hat/balaclava.

- Swimwear: There may be swimming opportunities during the trek

Footwear

We recommend you bring waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good tred- leather or fabric are both fine. Trekking shoes will not be suitable for the walks as they do not give ankle support.

Gaiters are useful to keep snow and scree out of your boots and bringing spare boot laces is advised.

Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

You may choose to bring trainers which will be useful in villages and general wear.

Luggage

15Kg

Luggage: On tour

A kitbag/barrel bag carried by mules on trek, a stuff-sack to store surplus belongings while on trek and a daysac. Pack mules are used to carry equipment, food and most personal gear. Pack heavy/dense items into your trek kitbag.

Trek Kit Bag
Before leaving Gondar there is plenty of time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Gondar. Think about what you are taking on trek (remember your sleeping bag) and then think how big your kit bag needs to be. A nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is suitable, it must be strong and a sof bag is preferable - Framed rucksacks are unsuitable. The weight limit for the bag and its contents is 15kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. Please note there are occasional opportunities to hand wash clothing whilst on the trek.

Small Rucksack/Daysac
During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage that is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 2litre), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Other optional items in a daysac might be binoculars, a diary or a book to read at lunch time. It is usually more comfortable to carry a slightly larger pack that is not full than to carry a small pack that is overfull or with 'bits' tied on the outside. Something between 20 and 30 litres capacity is probably the most suitable. A shoulder bag is not a practical alternative.

Dry Bags
If you pack your gear in dry bags or plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay dry in case of rain. It will also be easier for you to sort through. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.

Equipment

-Sleeping Mat - Regular sleeping mats will be provided but if you would prefer an inflatable thermarest style you will need to bring your own.

-Reusable Water Bottle - Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Take at least a 1 litre personal water bottle, preferably insulated. Each day you must sterilise water with purification tablets/drops with which to fill your own bottle. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. On this trip you MUST bring your own personal supply of water purification tablets/drops (such as Chlorine Dixoide), enough to purify 30 litres is advised. For environmental reasons, we do not encourage the purchase of bottled mineral water nor the boiling of water due to fuel and power shortages.

-Sunglassesnow Goggles - A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

-Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve - Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

-Energy snacks, including chocolate and sweets, are also recommended whilst on trek.

-Torch/Batteries/Bulb - A small torch is essential for finding things at night. Often a head torch is useful for the early ascent to the summit. Remember to bring some spare batteries.

-Personal toiletries - Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap (preferably biodegradable), small towel. Wet wipes are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those.

-Personal First Aid Kit - on each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local staff without consulting the tour leader.

-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)

-Walking poles are recommended

-Insect repellent

Equipment Hire and Trek Training Days -Trek Hire UK hire out a wide range of kit including quality sleeping bags, down jackets, therm-a-rest sleeping mats and walking poles http://www.trekhireuk.com. They also run regular trek training and preparation days from their base in the Surrey Hills, ideal for getting an indication of your overall fitness level and also covering advice on kit and altitude.

The following equipment list is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:
2-person tents
Sleeping mat
Stools and table
Portable toilet tent

Tipping

Explore leader

Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty afor included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow approx. US$100.00 per person for tipping of local drivers, guides, muleteers and for any miscellaneous tipping of hotel staff.

Ethiopia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch price

£3 - 5

Dinner price

£6 - 10

Beer price

£1.5

Water price

£1

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Ethiopian Birr.

Recommended Currency For Exchange

It is advisable to take your spending money in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars cash (high denomination notes usually get better exchange rates). Please note that any pre- 1999 or torn US Dollar bills will not be accepted in Ethiopia. Please keep any receipts as you may be able to change back any unused local currency.

Where To Exchange

Your Tour leader will advise you.

ATM Availability

Very Limited.

Credit Card Acceptance

Limited.

Travellers Cheques

Very difficult to exchange and are not recommended.

Transport, Accommodation & Meals: Transport Information

Bus, 4WD, Flight

Accommodation notes

Trekking in the Simien Mountains we spend 7 nights wild camping. Two-man and three-man tents are provided with plenty of room for one or two people and bags. There is also a dining tent and basic long drop toilets. The trek is fully supported by our team of mountain guides, cook and camp assistants who set up the camp (before you arrive), take down the tents, and prepare our meals. A bowl of warm water will be provided to you for washing each morning and when you get to camp after a day's walking. Mules will be used to carry water, tents and all bags except daysacks.

Essential Information: FCO Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice click here.

For more information from Explore about travel advice, click here

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

Ethiopia: Visas for UK nationals can be obtained on arrival, although this can change at short notice, and you should be prepared to queue on arrival. Please ensure you have 2 recent passport sized photos with you when applying on arrival, these may or may not be asked for.

For a single entry visa you can apply via the e-visa website: https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home. You will need to print a copy of your evisa approval letter and present this with your passport at immigration upon your arrival. The approval letter will take a minimum of 3 days to be processed so we strongly advise for you to apply within plenty of time before your departure. You will be permitted to stay within Ethiopia for upto 30 days or upto 90 days depending on which single entry visa you request. We strongly recommend for you to read the Help section on the e-visa website before applying.

Should you wish to apply for a visa prior to departure via the consulate in the UK, please note that a single entry visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so you must submit your application no more than two weeks prior to departure. It is also possible to apply for a multi-entry visa which is valid for 3 months from issue.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

4543

Altitude information

In the Simien Mountains trekking is strenuous with 6-8 hrs a day walking on average, at altitudes of 3,000- 4,500m, though there are some longer days (including the ascent of Ras Dashen, 4,543m). There is very little flat walking involved. We cover approx 65 miles, ascend 7460m and descend 6880m. Your leader will ensure that during your stay in the mountains you acclimatise enough before an ascent of Ras Dashen. At altitude you will find yourself moving slower than usual, but this gives an excellent opportunity to admire the spectacular views. Bear in mind that the trek to the summit of Ras Dashen is optional, and can be omitted if so wished.

Please note this trip goes to an altitude where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity - as well as the height at which AMS develops can vary greatly between individuals; being physically fit affords no special protection. If symptoms occur while on tour you must let your tour leader know immediately. For further advice when travelling at altitude we recommend visiting the medical advice website of "Medex" and downloading their information booklet: http://medex.org.uk/medex_book/english_version.php

Travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or taking the contraceptive pill must seek the advice of their GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trip reaches (please refer to Tour Essentials box on front page of your Tour Notes). Please take these to your medical appointment so that your doctor has the full details of your trip.

You must have adequate travel insurance for your trip. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude indicated above. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.

Ethiopia

Vaccinations

We recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on the Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Although the risk is low you may also consider immunisation against rabies and meningococcal meningitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Walking and Trekking information: $\text{[math]}$

Walking grade

Challenging

Trek details

Trek on 8 days for between 2.5 to 12 hours, mostly above 3,000m (day 5 is optional). Maximum altitude is 4,543m. Mules carry all food, luggage and equipment.

Max walking altitude (m)

4543

Additional Information

Dates, prices and booking

All trips are subject to availability and prices are subject to change

Mon 18 Nov 2019 - Sat 30 Nov 2019 Guaranteed departure

ES_2019

US$2700

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Single room (optional) +US$240

ES_2019

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0 spaces available

All customers that travel on an Explore Group or Private Journey trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule are customers who are booked on a trip where the joining and/or ending point is the airport or station. In this particular case there will be a specific time provided for when the trip starts and ends. On these particular trips, only one arrival and departure transfer will generally be provided for the whole group. Please see free transfers for terms and conditions.

These trip joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
For those not eligible for a free transfer the joining / ending time and location for your trip are detailed below:

Joining Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time and place

11:30 AM at Hotel Reception

Ending Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time

6:00 PM

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

Fri 17 Jan 2020 - Wed 29 Jan 2020 Guaranteed departure

ES_2020 Timkat Gondar

US$2910

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Single room (optional) Call us

ES_2020 Timkat Gondar

See joining information Download Trip Notes

Joining Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time and place

11:30 AM at Hotel Reception

Ending Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time

6:00 PM

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

Mon 30 Mar 2020 - Sat 11 Apr 2020

ES_2020

US$2700

was Save

Single room (optional) +US$240

ES_2020

See joining information Download Trip Notes

Joining Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time and place

11:30 AM at Hotel Reception

Ending Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time

6:00 PM

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

Mon 12 Oct 2020 - Sat 24 Oct 2020 Guaranteed departure

ES_2020

US$2770

was Save

Single room (optional) +US$230

ES_2020

See joining information Download Trip Notes

Joining Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time and place

11:30 AM at Hotel Reception

Ending Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time

6:00 PM

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

Mon 16 Nov 2020 - Sat 28 Nov 2020 Guaranteed departure

ES_2020

US$2770

was Save

Single room (optional) +US$230

ES_2020

See joining information Download Trip Notes

Joining Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time and place

11:30 AM at Hotel Reception

Ending Point

Town

Addis Ababa

Time

6:00 PM

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

Trekking Ethiopia's Simien Mountains

Why book this trip?

Included meals

Trip staff

Transport

Accommodation

Walking grade:

Group Size:

Trekking Ethiopia's Simien Mountains

Itinerary

Accommodation:

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Accommodation:

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Accommodation:

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Ethiopia

Climate

Time difference to GMT

Plugs

Religion

Language

Optional activities

Clothing

Footwear

Luggage

Luggage: On tour

Equipment

Tipping

Ethiopia

Food and drink

Foreign Exchange

Transport Information

Accommodation notes

FCO Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance

Price Guarantee

Visa and Passport Information

Booking conditions

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book. Booking a land only package with Explore

Joining Tour Abroad

Insurance

Flight information

Flight Information

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore