Simien Mountain Trek (14 Days)

This adventurous trek takes you into the very heart of the highlands of Ethiopia, before traveling to Lalibela - one of the greatest historical religious sites in Christianity. The Simien Mountains dominate and divide the country into distinctly contrasting highland and lowland regions. With over 20 peaks towering to heights above 4000 metres, this massif can rightfully lay claim to be the 'Roof Of Africa', even though at 4543 metres its highest point, Ras Dashen, is only the fourth highest peak on the African continent. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and is characterised by gentle highland ridges that end abruptly with 1000 to 2000 metre drops down the ravine from the top of the escarpment. The precipitous cliffs and deep canyons provide a feast for the eyes and the natural lookout points enable us to enjoy views as far away as 100 kilometres over the lowland valleys.

Our trekking experience on this trip is unusual in many ways. We are fully supported by a team that include guides, armed scouts, camp assistants and a cook, whilst mules and their handlers work as porters. Our trek takes place in a national park that provides a habitat for some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife. Whilst trekking it is not unusual to walk among troops of gelada baboons, see wyala ibexes on the rocky cliff face and hear or observe some of the country's many endemic birds. If we are very fortunate, we may even come across the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf. Combined with this is the chance of interacting with rural villages and gaining an insight into the daily lives of the villagers, as they struggle to survive in a harsh environment with few natural resources. As we follow the paths trodden on over the ages by the highland people we are often joined by young herdboys, as they tend to their cattle and sheep. Lalibela provides a fitting finale to our trip, as a place of both historical and archaeological significance along with a rich Christian heritage. Both within town and outside, there are numerous examples of ‘rock-hewn’ churches. Excavated out of rock from the inside out, they provide fascinating insights into the masonry skills of Ethiopians from a bygone era.

The trek requires a good level of fitness as it involves traversing mountainous paths that climb to peaks before dropping again down to river valleys. The up and down nature of our walk commonly results in gains and losses of hundreds of metres in altitude each day. However this is a trekking adventure that leaves us with incredible memories of the outstanding beauty of Ethiopia and warmth of its people.