21/06/2019
Eighteen days Northern and southern Ethiopia travel itinerary
Day by day itinerary by simientourguide.com
Day 01
October 2/10/2019
Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, meet our representatives and transfer to the given Hotel. During the day, visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.2 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3,200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight at a hotel –.Harmony hotel
Day 02-
October 3/10 /2019
Flight Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
After an early arrived you will be transfer to your hotel then later on we will take on a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, which is dotted with some 30 islands of which 20 are home to monasteries and churches . Visit the Zega penninsula & the Monastery of Azuwa Maryam , Ura Kidane Mhiret which it is believed to date back to the 16th Century, & the island monastery of Debre Maram near the outlet of the Blue Nile River.overnight kuriftu resort.
Day 03-
October 4/10/2019
Bahir Dar - Blue Nile - Bahir Dar
Drive & visit the small town of Tiss Issat meaning ‘smoking fire’. Cross the Blue Nile on a small boat which offers stunning photo opportunities. This evening, visit Bezawit Hill to watch the wonderful sunset. Overnight Bahir Dar Kuriftu resort.
Day 04 :
October 5/10/2019
Drive bahir dar to Gondar.
Arriving in Gondar in time for lunch in your hotel, explore Fasiladas’ Castle compound, which covers an area of over 70,000sq m (229,659 sq ft), surrounded by high stone walls. Emperor Fasiladas’ Palace is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. It is two stories high, has an imposing parapet and four small domed towers. continue to Debre Berhan Salassie Church, probably the country’s most famous church and a highlight of Gondar. Its ceiling is covered with famous paintings of Ethiopian cherubs and the walls portray Ethiopian saints, martyrs, and lore. Overnight Gondar in Goha hotel.
3 nights, 4 days) Trip Itinerary Sankaber – Gich – Chennek (3 nights, 4 days)
This sample trek (4 days, 3 nights) explores some of the most striking features of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site that is home to one of the largest mountain ranges in Africa. The trek follows an extensive network of trails used by the local people to travel between the villages on the lower slopes or to reach the high pastures. The quality of these trails and diversity of flora and wildlife make this a rewarding experience for trekkers and natural history enthusiasts alike.
Day 05 :
October 6/10/2019
Sankaber (3250m), 3-4 hours
An early start from Gondar takes us along a good gravel road to the park headquarters in Debark (100km, 3 hours by 4×4), where we obtain permits and meet our knowledgeable local guide and scout. We drive (1hour by 4×4) into the National Park before starting our first day introductory walk. This is an easy hike along the northern edge of the escarpment with impressive views over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. You will encounter gelada baboon along this hike, and will be welcomed to Sankaber campsite with tea and coffee, where your camp will be prepared in advance of your arrival.
Day 06 :
October 7/10/2019
Gich (3600m), 5-6 hours
After a hearty breakfast we follow the northern escarpment eastward, before descending a little into the Kaba valley. We then climb to reach Gich Abyss and continue over a narrow ridge to a cliff, which reveals a spectacular view of the abyss and Simien foothills to the north. To the east we have striking views of a large waterfall, where the Jinbar River plunges 500m into the abyss. Two hours further on, we break for lunch on the banks of the Jinbar River. From the valley, we ascend through gelada baboon-filled fields of barley to reach the idyllic village of Gich. From Gich village it is a short walk to Gich camp, perched dramatically above the village and an excellent place to spot lammergeyer, black kite and thick-billed raven. After a relaxing afternoon (optionally punctuated by a coffee ceremony), we take a short hike to Kedadit (3760m) to enjoy the sunset and gorgeous shaded landscapes down the cliffs of the escarpment, before returning to camp for a freshly prepared dinner.
Day 07 :
Octobor8/10/2019
Chennek (3600m), 7-8 hours
From Gich camp we pass endless fields of giant lobelia before the high pasture gives way to the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926m). (An optional extended route from Gich camp to Imet-Gogo meets the escarpment further north, at the gelada baboon-covered, 3785m-high viewpoint of Saha, before following the precipitous cliffs southwards up to Imet-Gogo.) Time spent at Imet-Gogo is rewarded by superb views over the mountain valleys below and the strikingly-shaped domes in the distance. We then descend into the Jinbar River Valley; the contrasting view of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape from here gives the impression that vast chunks of the mountains have been blown-away. We climb from the valley to the summit of Inatye (4070m), a spectacularly scenic spot for lunch. After lunch we descend for about two hours along a steep trail to reach Chennek. We arrive at Chennek camp in plenty of time to appreciate the spectacular views in all directions, and to spot Walia ibex grazing close to the edge of the escarpment and sometimes skirting the edges of the campsite. The day concludes with a well-deserved dinner served in gratifyingly generous proportions!
Day 08 :
October 9/10/2019
Chennek to Buhawit (4430m), round trip, 5-6 hours
The concluding day of our visit to the Simien National Park features a morning climb from Chennek camp to the second highest peak in the Simien Mountains, Buwahit (4430m). During the climb to the summit we will spot a variety of animals including Walia ibex and, if we are lucky, a rare sighting of another mammal endemic to Ethiopia, the Simien fox, and be rewarded by scenic views into the verdant valley extending westwards beyond Chennek camp and, in a vivid contrast, the striking view to the east as far as Ras-Dejen (4543m), the highest mountain peak in Ethiopia. We return to Chennek camp for lunch, and the afternoon begins with a scenic drive through the National Park to return us, first, to Debark before continuing on to reach Gondar in the early evening. Overnight in Goha hotel.
Services Including:
√ 4WD transportation to and from Gondar
√ Domestic flights and hotel bookings
√ professional guide and scout
√ Cook & cooking materials
√ Mule(s) & mule handler
√ Tent, sleeping bags & mattresses
√ All park entrance fees
√ Plenty of food & bottled mineral water
Day 09:
October 10/10/2019
flight from Gondar to Lalibela
visit the first group of rock-hewn churche of Lalibela, Bet Medhane Alem , Bet Maryam , Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel , Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (not allowed for women). After lunch, head to the second group of rock-hewn churches which represent scenes of the heavenly Jerusalem. Finally visit the cross-shaped church of St. George which is regarded to be the third group and is the last work of church excavation by King Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela (Tukul village).
Day 10
October11/10/2019
flight from lalibela to Axum.
Discover history and myth at the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and Bath before visiting the St Mary of Zion churches, reputedly home to the Ark of the Covenant. Continue to King Ezana’s Stone, written in three ancient languages, en route to the tombs of King Kelab and Gebre Meskel, two of Axum’s most important rulers who succeeded in bringing southern Arabia under their rule. After lunch, visit the Axum stelae field and museum. A short walk offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside, before a private visit to a local artist who specialises in religious paintings. Overnight Axum (Sabean hotel).
Day 11:
October 12/10/2019
Drive to Hawsein.
Journey to a little visited but peaceful and astonishing spot ‘Yeha’ which is Ethiopia’s first known capital and considered the birth place of the country’s earliest civilization. Its ruins are impressive for their sheer age, dating from around the 5th century BC. Also the monastery of Debre Damo which is the first monastery in Ethiopia dates back to Aksumite times. It boasts the oldest standing church in the country. Overnight mekele (Sabean hotel).
Day 12 :
October 13/10/2019
Mekele to Denakil
you will drive to Ahmed Ella and stop at the entrance of the Afar region to pick up your entrance permit and police to guide you through the gate of the Afar region. overnight in a local hotel.
Day 13 :
October 14/10/2019
Ahmed Ella to Dallol to Lake Asale to Mekele then fly to Addis Ababa
Early morning you will head out to visit the Dallol Depression and witness the amazing bubbling sulfuric acid. Then you will visit Lake Asale which is known for being full of salt and a salt extracting area. This day also provides opportunities to take a camel caravan before returning back to Mekele via your vehicle. Overnight Addis Ababa harmony hotel.
Including
√ Transport latest model Toyota (4*4 jeeps) with Experienced English speaking driver throughout the Trip
√ meals-Full board including plenty litters of water per day,
√ All entrance fees
√ professional chief
√ professional English speaking guide who accompany the group
√ camping & cooking gears
√ Camel and camel tires in Afar Region as per the program.
For the duration of the trip we are responsible for all meals, water, entrance fees, accommodation, security and transportation. excluding : alcoholic drinks
Day 14:
October 15/10/2019
Flight from Addis Ababa Arba Minch Turmi:
From Arba minch (or Dorze if you stayed there the night before) you will take a boat out on Lake Chamo to visit the crocodile market and be able to have some hippo sightings. After spending time on the lake you will depart to Turmi and pass through a village called Weyto where you will be able to see the local market (market day is Saturday) and visit the Tsemai tribe. Next you will pass throught the Erbore village where you can again stop at the local market (Saturday). Your final destination is Turmi and home of the Hamer tribe. The villagers will welcome you to a night of traditional dancing known as evangadi. Here you can choose to overnight in a hotel, lodge, or campsite. Overnight Turmi Kizo Lodge
Day 15
October 16/10/2019
Turmi to Omorate to Turmi:
In the morning you will head to Omorate so you can see the Dassenech tribe, but first you will cross the Omo River by boat and arrive in the Dessenech village. You will return to Turmi to visit the Hamer village and be able to experience the traditional Jumping of the Bulls Ceremony, done to represent a man’s coming of age. You will sleep in Turmi for the night. Turmi Kizo Lodge
Day 16:
October 17/10/2019
Turmi to Jinka:
In the morning you will depart to Jink by passing through Dimeka and Key Afar where you can visit some of the most colorful and diverse markets (Dimeka’s market days are Tuesday and Saturday). Afterwards you will continue on to Jinka and stay there for the evening in a lodge, hotel, or campsite. Jinka Nasa hotel
Day 17
October 18/10/2019
Jinka to Mursi and Mango National Park to Jinka:
In the morning you will drive to the Mango National Park and have the opportunity to visit the Mursi tribe, who are known for their lower lip rings and earlobe plates. After you will return to Jinka, and on the way you will be able to visit the South Omo Museum and Research Center to learn and understand more about the traditional practices of the many different local tribes. If you would rather use this time to take a shart hike into the surrounding hills and visit the Ari village this can be arranged instead of the museum visit. Then you will return to Jinka where you will stay the night. Overnight Nasa hotel.
Day 18:
October 19//10/2019
flight from Jinka to Addis Ababa:
End of the trip.
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Asresahegn Molla
