Simien Mountains 10Days
Simien Mountains National Park Simien Mountains National Park, Trek in Simien Mountains National Park, EXPLORE Walia Ibex, gelada Baboons,…
Simien Mountains National Park 10 Days
Simien Mountains National Park
Simien Mountains National Park, Trek in Simien Mountains National Park, EXPLORE Walia Ibex, gelada Baboons, Lammergeyer and landscapes in Semen Mountains
Itinerary
Program: Nature, Wildlife & History
Tour Code: Ibex 09
Duration: 10 Days
Transportation: Drive, trekking & Flight
Tour starts: Addis Ababa
Tour ends: Addis Ababa
Day 1: City Tour of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is centered at the heart of the country. Addis Ababa in Amharic language means “New Flower”. It was founded by Emperor Menelik in 1886. An estimated population of 4 million people is dwelling in the city. Addis is graced as Africa’s diplomatic capital with the presence of the head quarter for the African Unity, a seat for numerous embassies and is the port of entry for most travelers
After Breakfast, we drive to the Entoto Mountain (3300m) for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum with historical and royal exhibit, The Church of St. Mary, built in 1885 and the old palace of emperor MenelikII. Take some images at Mount Entoto and we drive back to Addis for Ethnological Museum that exhibits the culture and handicrafts of various Ethiopian ethnic groups, the National Museum in which you are visiting different archaeological findings (including Lucy’s Skeleton). After lunch, visit the Trinity Cathedral, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII at Bààta Church and finally Merkato – the largest open market in Africa. Overnight - Addis
Day2: Lalibela Churches
Morning, fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and visit the first group of six churches: 1.Bet Golgotha, 2.Bet Mikael, 3.Bet Mariam, 4.Bet Meskel, 5.Bet Danaghel and 6.Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem is the largest monolithic rock hewn church in the world, built like a Greek temple! In a corner there are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight –- Lalibela
Day 3: Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches
Early morning, Climb Asheten Mariam (optional) for a panoramic view of the region and a mountain Church named Asheten. After breathing on the top (more than 3000 m), descend down to Lalibela (at 2630m above sea level), one of the most fascinating historical sites of Ethiopia. After lunch and a short siesta, continue exploring the fascinating churches (Second group): 7.Bete Amanuel, 8.Bete Marqorewos, 9.Bete Abba Libanos, 10.Bete Gabriel -Rufael and 11. Bet Giyorgis is the most elegant of all Lalibela churches, which lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the town on a sloping rock terrace. Also visit Nakuto Làabe Cave Church (5km from Lalibela). Overnight –Lalibela
Day 4: Drive from Lalibela to Awra Amba - Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park
Drive from Lalibela to Simien Mountains National Park via Gashena – Debre Tabor - Wereta Road – Gondar Road(366 km on which 64km rough Road). On the way; short visit of Awra Amba village. Awra Amba community is famous in their work activity. Any member, whatever the type of task or knowledge they perform, the share distribution among them is equal. They believe any member of the community should be treated fairly (denying the difference of knowledge, skill & task hardship) & get their support until death. When a member dies, only two people bury the dead body. No one cries for the dead but go working!! The founder of the community is called Zumra, an old man, still alive!! Continue to Gondar then to Debark (100km asphalt Road). Collect entrance tickets in Debark and drive to Sankaber, overlooking landscapes of Simien Mountains and Gelada Baboons (endemic). Overnight –Tented Camp - Sankaber
Day 5: Geech (Gich)
Morning, start the first day trek From Sanka Ber to Geech (also spelled as Gich)). At many points on the way, you will discover the endemic Gelada Baboon. Lunch at suitable place on the way. Overnight – Tented Camp – Geech
Day 6: Imetgo peak Mountain
Climb Imetgo and Kedadit (Peak Mountains) and proceed to Chennek. On this day, you will appreciate the extremely fabulous Simien Mountains landscape, Gelada Baboon and a big chance for the Walia Ibex at Chennek. Overnight – tented Camp - Chennek
Day 7: Buayt -Ambiko
Morning, explore Chennek area to see Walia ibex in groups. Here, you may see ibex and Gelada Baboons heating the morning sun together. After Breakfast, trek from Chennek to Ambiko via peak mountain named Buayt (4430m). Overnight – Camping – Ambiko
Day 8: Ras Dashen (Ras Dejen)
Morning. Climb Ras Dashen, the Highest Mountain in Ethiopia from Ambiko (4543 meters). At the top of this mountain, you will indeed feel the climax experience and mountain breathing satisfaction amongst peaks in the Simien chained mountains. Descend down to Ambiko for dinner and overnight – Ambiko
Day 9: Simien National Park & back to Gondar Castles
Trek back to Chennek and drive to Gondar. Overnight –Gondar
Day 10: Gondar - Addis -Departure
Morning, fly from Gondar to Addis Ababa and City tour of Addis. Depending on the remaining time & interest, drive to the Entoto Mountain for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum and the old palace of MenelikII (at Entoto Mountain), the National Museum, where one can see different archaeological findings, trinity Museum, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII and finally Merkato – the largest open market in Africa. Evening, dinner at ethnical live dance club to observe different cultural dances (Habesha Cultural Restaurant or Yod Abyssinia Restaurant) & transfer to Bole International Airport for departure (end of the trip)
