From the dramatic skyline of the Simien Mountains, towering over the highland plateau, down through the country to Lalibela – the legendary town of churches and history. A fantastic experience.
Option 1: 18 Days, Day-By-Day itinerary
Day 1, Gondar-Sankaber
Meeting in Gondar airport we drive to Sankaber camp via Debark, where the Park head quarter’s office is. We will get all the formalities completed and pick up the scout before heading to Sankaber campsite – we will be dropped off and walk about 3 to 4 hrs for acclimatization before staying the night at Sankaber campsite (3250m).
Day 2, Sankaber-Gich
Set off in the morning and walk about 6 to 7 hrs to Gich via the Jinbar waterfall (530m) and stay overnight at Gich campsite (3600m).
Day 3, Gich-Chennek
Leave in the morning to Chennek via Imetgogo which is one of the most spectacular views in the whole park; it takes 7 to 8 hrs to get to Chennek where we stay for the night (3620m).
Day 4, Chennek-Buwahit peak (4430m)-Ambiquo
On this day you will walk about 8 to 9hrs and we will visit Mount Buwahit, which is the second highest peak in the country – we overnight at Ambiquo campsite (3150m).
Day 5, Ambiquo-Ras Dejen-Kara
We walk from Ambiquo (the Base camp of Ras Dejen) and climb mount Ras Dejen which is the highest In Ethiopia and the fourth highest in Africa at 4543m; we continue to Kara for the night (3580) – it takes 8 to 9hrs.
Day 6, Kara-Sava river
On this day we will walk about 7hrs through villages and see a nice view, staying overnight by Sava River (3000m).
Day 7, Sava River-Debre Selam
We leave in the morning and head to Debre Selam for 6 hrs with a nice view of Beyeda area – overnight at Debre Selam (1555m).
Day 8, Debre Selam-Meshiha River
On this day we will walk about 7 to 8hrs to get Meshiha River where we camp overnight (1237m).
Day 9, Meshiha-Tekeze River
On this day we will walk about 9hrs to Tekeze River which is one of the biggest rivers in Ethiopia and where one of the hydroelectric power installations has been built. Overnight at Tekeze (1150m).
Day 10, Tekeze River-Tiska
In this day we will walk to Tiska by crossing the Tekeze River and walk about 7hrs where you camp at Tiska.
Day 11, Tiska-Serel
This day we will walk about 6 to 7hrs through beautiful views and the village of Agew – overnight at Serel.
Day 12, Serel-Sekota
On this day we will walk about 5 to 6 hrs and you will walk through Sekota territory which has got nice views – overnight at Sekota.
Day 13, Sekota-Woleh
Walk about 6hrs through the nice countryside and village of Sekota and stay overnight at Woleh
Day 14, Woleh-Aseketema
Walk about 8hrs to Aseketema a small town in Sekota area, and stay overnight at Aseketema.
Day 15, Aseketema-Taba
On this day we will walk abut 9hrs through small villages and hills and stay overnight at Taba.
Day 16, Taba-Belbela
Walk to Belbela for 8hrs through the small plateau of Taba – overnight at Belbela.
Day 17/18, Belbela-Lalibela
You’ve done it! Today we will walk 6 to 7hrs which is your last adventure of a beautiful trip and we end up in Lalibela. You are back to civilization and can get a hot shower and WiFi, ready to see the sights of this UNESCO world heritage site.
………………………..
Option 2: 12 Days, Day-By-Day itinerary
Day 1, Gondar-Sankaber
Meeting in Gondar airport we drive to Sankaber camp via Debark, where the Park head quarter’s office is. We will get all the formalities completed and pick up the scout before heading to Sankaber campsite – we will be dropped off and walk about 3 to 4 hrs for acclimatization before staying the night at Sankaber campsite (3250m).
Day 2, Sankaber-Gich
Set off in the morning and walk about 6 to 7 hrs to Gich via the Jinbar waterfall (530m) and stay overnight at Gich campsite (3600m).
Day 3, Gich-Chennek
Leave in the morning to Chennek via Imetgogo which is one of the most spectacular views in the whole park; it takes 7 to 8 hrs to get to Chennek where we stay for the night (3620m).
Day 4, Chennek-Buwahit peak (4430m)-Ambiquo
On this day you will walk about 8 to 9hrs and we will visit Mount Buwahit, which is the second highest peak in the country – we overnight at Ambiquo campsite (3150m).
Day 5 – Ambikwa-Dilibiza
From the campsite you will continue up the valley to the village of Mizma, following which there is a steep ascent to a ridge overlooking the valley. You will walk through the valley towards Ras Dashen – the highest mountain in Ethiopia, which you will trek and climb to meet the summit. After your successful arrival at the highest point in Ethiopia, continue to Dilibza for the night.
Day 6 – Dilibiza
After breakfast we depart from Dilibiza to an area of outstanding bird viewing, particularly raptors. Many interesting species can be seen here, among which are the tawny eagle, lammergeyer and augur buzzard. Approx 8-9 hrs trekking.
Day 7 – Shekina River-Meshehu River
Today we descend to the lowlands, passing several of the beautiful spots seen from above on the trek yesterday. This is one of the most scenic and spectacular trails in the park, with a viewpoint that rewards you for your efforts, showing the remarkable shape of the landscape and canyon which are the result of geological upheaval between 60 – 70 million years ago. Approx 8-9 hrs trekking.
Day 08 – Meshehu River-Tiska
Trekking to Tiska for 9-10 hrs, we pass through rural villages where you can see the Ageew culture.
Day 9 – Tiska-Sekota
Trekking to Sekota we will see the most beautiful view over the lowlands and the escarpment, and we may spot lammergeiers. Approx 9 hrs trekking. Transport where relevant
Day 10 – Sekota-Ketema
We are nearing the end of our trek now, this is again a beautiful day of views and landscapes – approx 9 hrs trekking. Transport where relevant
Day 11 – Ketema-Bilibela
After an early breakfast we depart from Ketema to Bilibela, right near to Lalibela. With stunning views over the lowland. Transport where relevant
Day 12 – Bilibela-Lalibela
We made it! Today you will trek/drive to Lalibela, passing through several small villages, with typical stone homes of the Ageew people and we approach the world famous destination of Lalibela. Approx 6 hrs trekking – transport where relevant. Now it’s time to explore this incredible place!
……………………………………………
To book or ask questions about this itinerary contact Mitiku here.
Ethiopia Treks 