Lalibela
Introduction
Lalibela is one of king in Zagwe dynasty ruler in Ethiopia at the end of 12th century up to beginning of 13th century. He built the 11 medieval monolithic cave Rock-Hewan church at the high Christianity place of Ethiopia and still its pilmigrage and devotion place. Lalibela town is located 645km north east of Addis Ababa and the meaning of Lalibela is “the bees recognize
his sovereignty “. The church is shaped as Greek cross.The town of Lalibela was known as Roha. Lalibela Tour
Day 1:- Domestic flight to Lalibela and drive to the town. Start visiting one of the most amazing UNESCO world heritage Rock-Hewn church called Lalibela. The monastery is one of the highest monasteries in Ethiopia set at an altitude of more than 3000 meters-carved in to the rocky face of the Abuna Yoseph mountain. Asheton Maryam is one of three popular monasteries in the mountain out side Lalibela, the other being Yemrehane Kerstos and Na’akuto La’ab monastery. The monastery can be accessed by hiking with mule straight from Lalibela. Alternatively visitors can drive to nearby and climb on foot. By the starting the hike from the car park, visitors will then be able to pair the trip with a longer trek on to the escarpment for an overnight stay at the beautiful Hudad Lodge. Day 3:- Domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Visit Addis Ababa for half day with cultural dinner. What ever your budgets, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure,We can help. The Simien Mountains General Introduction
The Simien Mountains are located 900km from north of Addis Ababa Ethiopia, northeast of the old capital called Gonder. The mountains are comprising 220 square kilometers and the highest peak is 4550 meters called Ras Dashen(Degen). The mountains are consist of peaks, plateaus, vistas and valleys. Ras Dashen is the highest peak in Ethiopia and the tenth in Africa. The Geographical and Geological analysis show that the mountains are one of eruption creatures between 40&25 million years ago deep in the oligocene period, covered the entire Simien range with thick Lava thousands of meters deep. The Simien Mountains National Park is an exotic and fascinating range of natural habitats. The endemic species of the national park are Walia Ibex, Gelada Monkeys and Ethiopian Wolf. The park was recognized as one of UNESCO World heritage site. Simien Mountains National Park Trekking & Hiking
Tours Introduction
The nearest major city to the Simien Mountains is Gondar. Which is easily accessed by via Ethiopian domestic flight network. It is possible to spend up to two weeks trekking, that will be both the highland and Lowland part. There are Two loges and nine campsites, the major campsites are Sankaber, Gich & Chennek. Simien lodge is Africa’s highest lodge and site inside the national park. And out side the park their is arguably Ethiopia’s finest lodge, Limalimo Lodge. The visitors should have to booked in advance. The major trekking routes are:-
1- Buit Ras to Jinbar Fall
2- Sankaber to Chennek
3- Hike to Imet Gogo
4- Hike to Mt. Bwahit
5- Hike to Ras Dashen
6- Highland to Lowland trek
7- Lowland trek to Adi Arkay. Nine Days Itinerary
Day1 : Gondar to Sankaber
A car will pick you up from Gondar and drive for 2 hours and half to Debark. At Debark you’ll meet trekking leader, scout and Simien Mountains National Park. You’ll have an acclimatization hiking route between Debark and Sankaber for 2-3 hours and 7km length. You’ll ascend Over 3000 meters above sea level, surrounded by jagged peaks and Gelada Baboons. When you arrived at Sankaber, you’ll have delicious dinner and big welcoming at the campsite. Route : Debark to Sankaber(3200m)
Length of hike: 2-3 hours, 7km
Day2 : Sankaber to Geech
After a nourishing breakfast you’ll star to the long ridge. There’s a wonderful vantage point which offers some incredible views over the foothills some 800 meter below. The Mountains are know world wide for their biodiversity. A long walk trial passes through Gelada Baboons, Klipspringer and Walia Ibex make regular appearances and birds soar on the thermal below. A highlight of today’s trek is Genbar Falls, a waterfall is an incredible sheer drop from 500m. After a break for lunch you’ll visit traditional villages. Geech camp is great spot to watch Gelada Baboons when they climbing down the precipitous slopes to their caves in cliffs below. You’ll enjoy sun set on a grassy plateau. Route: Sankaber to Geech (3,600m)
Length of hike: 5-6 hours, 15km
Day3 : Geech to Imet Gogo
Today you’ll head to 3,926 meters with an incredible view of 360 degree Simien Range. At the pick of the mountain you can see west back toward Sankaber and Geech, and south-east along large gorge towards tomorrow’s destination, Inyate and Cheneck camp. Before you head to the camp you’ll pass through Giant Erica woodlands and emerging on the moorland which is the second highest peak in the western part of the park called Inyatye. Spend night at Chenek camp which is best spot to see both Ethiopain Wolves and Walia Ibex. Route: Geech to Chenek
Length of hike: 7-8 hours, 18km
Day4 : Chenek to Mount Bwahit
The third highest mountain in Ethiopia is located about 16km west of Ras Dashen standing at an impressive 4430m. The hike is quite a steep walk. You will have best chance to see Walia Ibex at great view points. After regular breaks we will pass by farm land, new settlement of liruLeba and step here for well deserved (soft drink or beer). The trail will continues down and heading up to the eastern side of the village where you’ll camp simply. Route: Chenek to Ambiko
Length of hike: 5-6 hours
Day5 : Ambiko to Ras Dashen
Today you’ll head up to tallest mountain in Ethiopia called Ras Dejen(Dashen). You’ll arrive at the moorland top where the dirt road disappears and gives way to remove villages as your trail turns north-east and shake up the final peak. In true explore fashion, reaching to the top requires a couple of hand holds and man-oeuvres. At maximum elevation you will enjoy and relax unbelievable view from 4,533 meters up. Menteber is village and where you’ll camp awaits. Route: Ambiko to Menteber
Length of hike : 11 hours, 23km
Day6 : Kiddus Yared
Rise with the sun over some warming porridge before starting your ascent up Kiddis Yared, The second highest peak in the Simien range. After wards, The trail follows the ridge westwards for those who haven’t had quite enough mountain. Conquering, you can trek up Abba Yared at 4,409 meters before joining the live stock paths that head towards your campsite at Arkwassie(3600m). From here it’s pretty much all down hill as you press on to our campsite. Route: Menteber to Arkwassie
Length of trek: 12 hours, 25km
Day7: Meker Abiye
You’ll head over the ridge and down to the northern lowland of the park. The path cling to the highland and leads to a pretty location called Sana (3020m) at the bottom, there is swimming river at (2000m) altitude. Meker Abiya is pretty village underneath Imet Gogo. You’ll relax and enjoy in the campsite view of the mountain top in the distance. Route: Arkwassie to Meker Abiya
Length of trek: 7-8 hours, 21km
Day8: Mullit
Is the easiest walk of the trip with the set of along river valley and back over onto the ridge. There are attractive villages and farmland with the Omnipresent peaks of the Simien range at the background. After you enjoyed swimming and coffee in one of the villages you’ll arrive to Picturesque village of Mullit (2050m). Route: Meker Abiya to Mullit
Length of trek: 5-6 hours, 17km
Day9: Limalimo Lodge or Debark
From Mullit is short walk to town of Adigrat Arkay. You can return to Debark for your onward journey but we do recommend you to spend night at the incredible Limalimo Lodge to relax after your adventure.
