Ethiopia Trekking in Simien and Bale Mountains

This Ethiopia trekking takes you to the two main parks of Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains. They are well known for breathtaking landscape and rich wild life.

TOUR CODE: AAT-TT-55
DURATION: 15 DAYS/ 14 NIGHTS
SITE: GONDAR, SIMIEN MOUNTAINS AND BALE MOUNTAINS
TRANSPORT: BY AIR & SURFACE

Tour Highlights

Climb Mount Ras Dashen, Africa’s fourth highest peak
Enjoy dramatic landscapes, high peaks, gigantic drops, wide valleys and endemic wildlife in the Simien Mountains, known as ‘The roof of Africa’
Enjoy dramatic landscapes, wide valleys, afro-alpine vegetation and various wildlife as you trek the Bale Mountains
Climb Tullu Deemtu, the highest peak of the Bale Mountains
Watch colourful birdlife and endemic mammals, like the Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyalas and Menelik’s Bushbucks
Experience the unique highland vegetation of the Bale Plateau, which is said to be a paradise for trekkers
Traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner with “coffee ceremony”

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Itinerary

Departure Day: Daily Guaranteed Departure with 2 participants minimum

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
WELCOME TO ETHIOPIA. On arrival in Addis Ababa our representative will meet you at Bole
International Airport. After transfer to your hotel an overview of the program will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where the 3,6 million year old skeletal remains of “Lucy” rest, which were discovered in 1974. Proceed to the Unity Park at the National Palace, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Mount Entoto, which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight in 4-star hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Gondar, Drive to Sankaber
In the morning drive to Debark, ca. 100 km from Gondar.
After we pick up our local guide we drive on to Sankaber, the first campsite of the park. On this drive you will gain a first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, enjoying endemic Gelada Baboons while bone breaker Lammergeyer roar around. Camping at Sankaber (3200 m)

Day 3: Sankaber to Geech
Today we start the trek accompanied by muleteers and mules who carry the equipment. The walk to Geech takes about 5-6 hours and brings us to the Jinnbar Falls. After crossing the river we ascend for about two hours to Geech through giant Lobelia trees. The scenery is wonderful and herds of the endemic Gelada Baboons can be seen on the way. Camping at Geech campsite (3600m)

Day 4: Geech – Imetegogo – Geech
This day we walk to the best viewing points of the National Park. Imetegogo enables you to look 3600 to all directions. After a short break continue to Seha, the other terrific viewpoint. After picnic lunch we continue to the last viewpoint, Quedadit and return to the campsite afterwards. The walk takes about 4-5 h and is not hard. If we are lucky we might see mammals like the Simien Wolf, Walia Ibex and Klipspringers. Camping at Geech

Day 5: Geech—Chenek
We trek 6-7 h to Chenek through giant Lobelia trees, where a lot of wildlife can be seen. After picnic lunch walk on the edge of the Enatye escarpment (4000 m), which offers an other breathtaking view. Finally we descend to Chenek, the best place to see the endemic Walia Ibex and more Gelada Baboons. Camping at Chenek (3600 m)

Day 6: Around Chenek
This day you will be wandering around Chenek. Chenek has the best view from all camp sites and it is also the best spot to observe the Walia Ibex.

Day 7: Chenek – Gondar
The vehicle can reach the campsite of Chenek, where they will pick us up. Drive to Gondar with stops at some viewing points. Rest of the day at free use.

Day 8: Fly to Addis Ababa
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day at free usage.

Day 9: Bale Mountains - Dinsho Lodge
Full day's drive to the Bale Mountains National Park, traveling through the southeast part of Ethiopia, where fertile land is cultivated by the Oromo people. We arrive at Dinsho, the Park head quarter, in the afternoon, in time for a walk around to see endemic mammals like Menelik's Bushbucks and Mountain Nyalas as well as a variety of birds such as Blue-winged goose, Abyssinian long claw, Wattled ibis, Rouget’s rail, etc.

Day 10: In Dinsho and Geysay Valley
Arrangement of the trekking staff and packing animals and trekking around Dinsho and Geysay Valley to see endemic wildlife.

Day 11: Dinsho - Wolla Valley (Kotera)
Accompanied by your guide, a scout and packhorses we trek 5 hours through lush highland vegetation to our campsite. The air here is clean and crisp and the scenery utterly stunning.

Day 12: Wasema Valley
After breakfast trek for about 7-8 hours to Wasema Valley. The trek offers the chance to see endemic Abyssinian Wolfs. Around Worgona mineral spring, Giant Mole Rats can easily be seen. Camping at Wasema Valley

Day 13: Gebre Guracha
Today you trek through the highlands, ascending the Sanetti
Plateau and crossing Mount Batu (4200 m). Here again there is a chance to see Ethiopian wolfs and other wildlife. Camping at the base of the valley, viewing Lake Gebre Guracha.

Day 14: Sanetti Plateau to Goba
After breakfast we trek for 5 h to Mount Tullu Deemtu (4377 m), the highest peak of the Bales and part of the Sanetti Plateau. Here you will find small alpine lakes and typical afro-alpine vegetation with Giant Lobelias and Everlasting shrubs. Vistas reach out to the strange pinnacles of Chorchora Peak and across the sheer-sided Tegona River Gorge. There are views to the steep-sided volcanic plug of Konteh Tullu and the long, craggy ridges of Mount Batu. The car will meet us here and drive us down to Goba.

Day 15: Drive to Addis Ababa, Departure
Drive back to Addis Ababa with stops on the way at the Rift Valley Lakes.
Evening have a fare well dinner in a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from different ethnic groups. Afterwards transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Trip Information

Inclusions
We respect your personal preference on what is to be included and not included on the tour cost.
But as a standard included in our given prices are meet and greet at airport, All accommodation, Meals in Addis, on bed and breakfast basis, Meals out of Addis, on full board basis, All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages, All ground transportation according to the itinerary and Guide service.

Exclusions
International flights, Lunch and Dinner in Addis Ababa , Any drinks including local non-alcoholic beverage and alcoholic drinks, Video filming and photography fees, Incidental meals, snacks and drinks and Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc

Visa and Immigration Requirements
Most nationals require a visa for entry into Ethiopia. The easiest way to get Ethiopian Visa is to get it on line thttps://www.evisa.gov.et/ . Again visa can be obtained at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions overseas.. The last option is to get visa on arrival at Bole International Airport; nationals of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia at the regular charge. The list includes Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greek, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Thailand, citizens of United Kingdom and United States.

How to get in to Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is a major hub for international airlines. Ethiopian Airlines, the national airline of Ethiopia, provides excellent links with East, West and South Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with connections to America and the Far East. The national airline also offers domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia, as well as most regional centers. All international services arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. Other airlines serving Ethiopia include: Kenya Airways, Emirates, Egyptian, Alitalia, British Airways, Lufthansa, Saudi, Aeroflot, Yemeni, and Turkish Airways.
Luggage on tour
your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. Soft rolling bag (we usually use a 22 inch roll aboard) are recommended.

Weather and Climate
There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September.
Generally except for June, July and August, most part of Ethiopia will be sunny and pleasant temperature to travel around.
When you travel to the north you are staying in higher altitude towns (Example Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Lalibela) the daily average Temperature is from 20 – 25 degrees and the temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Evenings are fairly cold and you are advised to bring something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or warm Jacket.
Those travelling to the Southern Omo Valley of Ethiopia, the weather of this region will be sunny, hot and dry; the average temperatures is about 30 degrees. During the day the sun is strong. Shorts, Hats, sun glasses, sun creams, light cotton summer clothes and layers of clothes are recommended. Although the daytime temperatures are not very high, the sun is strong and people coming pale and pasty from a European winter should be careful of sunburn -long sleeved shirts may be advisable.

Currency
Travelers are advised to travel with American Dollar or Euro. Australian dollar cannot be exchanged in Ethiopia. There is ATM machine In Most of the Regions and one can withdraw money Visa or Master Card. Banks are places to exchange money.

Accommodation
Hotel rooms are basic but generally clean with en suite toilet and bath facilities (usually shower only). In many places hotel accommodation is limited; we utilize the best tourist class properties available. Hotel in Addis is 3-star international standard.

Transport
We will be using 4WD Land Cruisers, 4WD mini buses or Coaster buses depending on the conditions of the roads and the size of the group. All our vehicles are Air- conditioned.
For internal flights, we use the national airline Ethiopian Air lines, which offer excellent domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia.

Greetings:
Handshaking is the usual mode of greeting, although friends or families who have not seen each other for some time will kiss on each cheek. (Displays of sexual intimacy, kissing or hugging, will arouse embarrassment among most Ethiopians.) Usually a handshake greeting is accompanied by a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal, and time is not that important. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional people, or in front of priests. Shoes are often taken off on entering churches, and always on entering mosques.

Security
Despite years of the civil wars in the previous regime, in terms of crime and robbers, Ethiopia is still a very safe country to visit, and Addis Ababa is still one of the safest capitals in Africa. Visitors should of course take the usual precautions, not carry large amounts of money with them and leave particularly valuable items with hotel reception. Both men and women visitors should be careful about hand and money bags, keeping them close at hand in crowded places. Like everywhere else, pick pockets and snatch thieves like to create some kind of diversion before making their move, so visitors should walk purposefully and be cautious about sudden introductions in the street.

Price includes

Price doesn’t include