Walks Worldwide’s fully guided 18-day Simien Mountains and Lalibela trek in Ethiopia, combines the UNESCO World Heritage Simien Mountains National Park, including an ascent of Mt Ras Dashen (14,872 ft) the region’s highest peak, with explorations in Axum, home of the Ark of the Covenant, and the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Lalibela, reputedly built by angels.
From Ethiopia’s cosmopolitan capital, Addis Ababa, fly north to explore the old imperial capital of Gondar, famous for its many churches, castles and magnificent mountain scenery. From Debark, enter the Simien Mountains National Park, and the beginning of the trek, following small tracks along the top of the escarpment to the campsite at Sankaber. The next four days are spent approaching Ras Dashen (4,620 metres), the region’s highest peak.
Follow rugged trails across rock tower-studded lowlands, with views of characteristic flat-topped ‘amba’, mountains, through green pastures of Giant Lobelias, crossing streams and waterfalls along the way, before a final climb to the summit for a spectacular road and town-free panorama. As well as stunning landscapes there will be opportunities to spot rare, endemic Gelada Baboons, Ibex and overhead, Lammergeyer vultures. Continue out of the National Park via a little used, yet stunningly beautiful, route to the north, traversing rich, cultivated farmland.
Next, descend 1,000 metres to the Ansiya River where warmer temperatures provide great swimming opportunities. Ascend again, to the village of Hawaza, past towering monoliths to the final campsite at Mulit. Here, enjoy a memorable final evening of the trek with dinner, followed by singing and dancing around the campfire, and that’s just the trekkers… Transfer by road to Axum, for exploration of its renowned ‘stellae’ (elaborate, enormous and mysterious standing stones) and well-guarded and never seen ‘Tabot’ (Ark of the Covenant), before flying on to Lalibela for a guided tour of the rock-hewn churches. Return to Addis Ababa for a final night and a farewell dinner with traditional dance, before homeward flights next day.
The tour costs £2,295 p/p and includes scheduled international flights, accommodation, all transfers, most meals, local mountain guide, porters, camping equipment and entrance fees.
For more information and bookings, log on to Walksworldwide.com.