Simien Mountains National Park – Massive erosion over the years on the Ethiopian plateau has created one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 meters. The park is home to some extremely rare animals such as the Gelada baboon, the Simien fox and the Walia ibex, a goat found nowhere else in the world.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN CITY | Gonder | |||||||||||
| DEPARTURE LOCATION | Gonder Airport/Hotel | |||||||||||
| RETURN LOCATION | Gonder Airport/Hotel | |||||||||||
| ATWEAR | Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. | |||||||||||
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For most visitors to Ethiopia, it’s all about the north. More than anywhere else on Earth, northern Ethiopia has the ability to wow you day after day after day.
Day 1: Gonder - Sankaber (3250 m), 3-4 hours
meet you Guide at Gonder airport then drive along a good paved road from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey will take around two hours. At the headquarters we will arrange our permits to the park and pick up our scout. After that we will drive for another hour before we start our first day introductory walk.
This first hike is an easy one along the northern edge of the escarpment with a nice view points over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. You will encounter gelada baboon along this hike and over nigh at Sankaber.
Accommodation at: Camping at Sankaber
Day 2 Trek from Sankaber – Gich (3600 m), 5-6 hrs
We follow the northern escarpment eastward, before we descend a little into the Kaba Valley. After that we climb up before we reach Gich Abyss and continue over a narrow ridge to a cliff where we have a spectacular view of the abyss towards the Simien foothills. We also find a large waterfall here, where the Jinbar River plunges 500 m into the abyss. We proceed for about two hours and have lunch at the Jinbar River.
After lunch we walk through fields of barley before we arrive at the idyllic village of Gich. Here we can enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in one of the huts and learn more about local farm life. From Gich village it is a short walk to Gich camp which is a good area to look for lammergeyer and thick billed raven.
Accommodation at: Camping at Gich
Day 3 Trek from Gich to Chenek 6 hur
After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of ImetGogo at 3926m. Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass KorbeteMetia, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeiers. Total trekking time: 7 – 8 hours, let afternoon Drive back to Gonder for over night.
Accommodation, Hotel in Gonder
Fly to Lalibela visit first Group of Lalibela Churches
Fly to Lalibela and take the airport shuttle transfers to the Town (40minute) and visit the rock hewn churches of Lalibela. Lalibela is most famous for its churches. Visit the 12-13th century Rock hewn churches called the Eighth wonder of the world which are still active places of worship and host many major religious Ceremonies. The churches are carved out of solid rock, and each has unique architectural features. Take a wander through the tunnels and stairways linking the churches together.
After Lunch we will drive to the site where we find a concentration of some of Ethiopians most famous Rock Hewn churches, mostly referred by many as the living wonders of the world, this churches are, they have been here for at list 900 years, an active christen shrine, the spiritual center of the counters religious life. The monolithic churches where carved out of 2600-sq natural rock terrace in the twelve century AD by king lalibela.
BeteMedhanialem, the largest monolithic Rock hewn churches of the world, Magers 37.7 ft in Height, covers an area of almost 2625 Square ft and has walls that are up to 6 feet thick. A plain building supported by 36 pillars on the inside and anther 38 pillars around the outside. BjteMedhanialemmodeled on the original st.Merryzion church build by king Ezana in 4th century at axum.
The Rock hewn churchs that we will visit today is the first group of churches and 3rd group included: BeteMedhanialem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, BeteDenagl and Bete Gologota Michal
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Second Group of Lalibela Churches – Fly back to Addis Ababa
After early breakfast attend a colorful morning ceremony at one of Lalibela churches.
After the ceremony we will continue our journey To Ethiopians long and marvelous past with a visit to other King Lalibela Remarkable churches.
There architecture and artistry must be seen to be believed.
The Rock Hewn Churches that we will visit this morning is the second group of churches and St, Gorge it included: Bete Gebral, Bete Merquros, Bete Emanule, Betelehiam & Bete Aba Libanos
Once we finished visiting the second group of churches and we will walk to the village so the complex bewildering labyrinth of underground Tunnels to the monastery where the monks and nuns live. Then we will drop you at the airport for your flight.
