Ethiopian Explorer 14 days

What's Included

An experienced English-speaking leader, accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary, transfer to hotel on arrival, entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary.

Accommodation, Transport & Meals

Transport

• Boat
• On foot
• Plane
• Private vehicle
• Trek

Accommodation

• 2 nights Camping
• 11 nights Hotel

Meals

• 13 breakfasts
• 1 lunch
• 10 dinners

Equipment Included

• camping equipment
• sleeping mat

Not Included

* Visa costs
* Border Taxes
* Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
* International flights
* Departure transfers
* Meals other than those listed
* The single supplement does not cover the camping in the Simien Mountains.

For the 2 nights camping, basic equipment such as sleeping mats will be provided, but you will need to bring your own sleep-sheet. Sleeping bags can be hired locally for around US$5. As we are trekking through some of Ethiopia’s most remote regions, please be prepared for very basic washing/toilet facilities. Our tour leader will carry a comprehensive medical kit throughout the duration of the trek.

Fitness

Trekking.
The trek included in this trip is graded B - Moderate and consists of two short walks, approximately three hours each in length – one on the day of your arrival in the mountains, and one the following morning. You will start the trek at around 3,000m, although there will not be too many ascents and descents while you are actually walking. Although no previous trekking experience is required for this trip and everyone can walk at his or her own pace, it is recommended that you have a reasonable level of fitness before joining this trip – the more physically fit you are, the more easily your body will adapt to hiking. We also recommend that you bring hiking boots with ankle support as footing can be treacherous. Please note that this trek must not be used as a way of getting fit - you must be fit before starting this trip.
As well as your tour leader, you will be accompanied by a scout (compulsory for all visitors to the National Park), and mule handlers will take care of your luggage, leaving you to carry only your day pack. Our porters will also take care of all other necessary tasks, such as setting up the communal camp and cooking meals. Most food is fresh and we try to limit tinned or dehydrated food. Our camping accommodation will be in twin share tents Basic equipment such as sleeping mats will be provided, but you will need to bring your own sleep-sheet. Sleeping bags can be hired locally for around US$5. As we are trekking through some of Ethiopia’s most remote regions, please be prepared for very basic washing/toilet facilities. Our tour leader will carry a comprehensive medical kit throughout the duration of the trek.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory for travelling to Ethiopia.

Yellow Fever: These days the only compulsory vaccine is for yellow fever.  It should be done at least 10 days before travel and must be recorded in an official certificate book. You may need to show this certificate book when entering the destination, and also to immigration/customs on returning to your home country. 

Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return.

For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we recommend the Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics (see www.traveldoctor.com.au or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia). Travellers from countries other than Australia and New Zealand should contact similar organisations or their travel doctor for advice. General health and vaccination information is available to all travellers at
www.traveldoctor.com.au/travelreport. Some vaccines require more than one dose, so arrange for your visit at least 4-6 weeks before you travel.

Malaria: There is no vaccination against malaria, which is transmitted by mosquito bites and is a risk in many less-developed tropical areas in Africa and Latin America. Protection against mosquito bites is essential and where the risk is considered high, anti-malarial medications are recommended. Anti-malarial medications should be discussed with experts as there are different medications available and not all medications suit all people or all destinations. Where malaria is considered prevalent in mountainous regions we prefer that trekkers to altitude try to avoid the use of mefloquine (Lariam) if possible.