9 Days & 8 Nights Semien Mountain Trekking Tour - FOOTPRINT Ethiopia Tours & Travel

Meet at Bole International airport and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is exploring the town of Addis Ababa; we begin with the National Museum to view the 3.6 million year old remains of Lucy, whose skeletal remains were discovered in 1974, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and time permitting Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis and Mercato the open market.

Early morning fly to Gondar. Upon arrival drive to Sankaber it is here that we start the trek to Geech, which will take between 5 – 6 hours. After about 1 and half hours walk we see the Jinnbar River and falls, we will cross the river later in the day. After crossing the river, we ascend for about two hour to Geech, which is full of Giant Lobelias. The scenery is wonderful, and heard of the endemic Gelada Baboon can be seen on our way. O/n Camping at Geech Campsite (3600m).

This day we will be waking to the best viewpoints in the National park. First we walk to Imetegogo, the view here enables one to look 3600 to all directions this one of the best view in the national park. After a short stay here continue walk to Seha, the other terrific viewpoint in the National park. We will have our picnic lunch and we continue to the last viewpoint, Quedadit. After some stay we walk back to Geech camp site. The walk this day is not hard; it takes about 4 – 5 hours. It is the day that we will be walking in the best part of the national park. If we are lucky we might have the chance to see mammals like the Simien wolf, Walia Ibex and Klipspringers. Overnight Camping Geech – (3600m).

We trek to Chenek, we will be walking through the Giant lobelia trees and under these trees African field Rats are common. After picnic lunch we walk on the edge of Enatye escarpments (4000m. above sea level), which is another breathtaking view in the national park; finally we descend to Chenek. Chenek is the best place to see the endemic Waliya Ibex and more Gelada Baboon. It takes 6 – 7 hours walk. O/n Camping at Chenek.- (3600m).

We walk to Ambikwa climbing Bwahit (14530ft/4430m) Mountain the 2nd highest peak next to Ras Dashen in Semien Mountain ranges, giving excellent views over the whole area. After refreshment at the summit, you descend towards Chero Laba crossing the Mesheha River, we will reach to Ambikwa and resting for the night here, before the big day on Ras Dashen. The walk of this day takes 7- 8 hours. O/n Camping at Ambikwa – (10496ft/3200m).

Very early morning we start walking to mount Ras Dashen. You get up in the pre dawn chill for what will be the most challenging day of the Trek. To reach the summit can take up to 6 hrs. You will head up the valley from campsite to the small village of Mizma, from where you will climb steeply up wards, eventually reaching an impressive amphitheatre made up of three major buttresses of expanded rock, one of which is your goal, Ras Dashen. It is then an easy scramble to the summit, Ras Dashen, which is the fourth highest peak in Africa (14901ft/4543m). After taking in the impressive views descend back to Ambiquo for an overnight. The whole round trek takes from 8-10 hours .O/n Camping at Ambiquo – (10496ft/3200m).

You walk back to Chenek passing through the side of the Bwahit Mountain. Overnight is camping at Chenek campsite. (3600m) it takes about 6-7 hours walk. . – (3600m).

Drive back to Gondar enjoying the scenic views of the Semen Mountain. The transport will arrive early to take us back to Gondar via Debark for a well-earned hot shower and relaxing afternoon we will explore the castles of king Fasilidas, which is said to be the wall of the castles bathed in blood and painted in the pomp of royalty. Often called the Camelot of Africa, this description does the royal city a disservice: Camelot is legend whereas Gondar is reality. Drifting through the old palaces, banqueting halls and former gardens it’s not difficult to imagine the courtly pageantry, ceremony and intrigue that went on here. The entire compound contains numerous castles and the place has been completely preserved with the aid of UNESCO and was made one of world heritage site in 1979. By far Fasiladaâ’s palace is the most impressive and also the oldest building. Continue our visit to one of the most famous and stunning churches of the nation Debre Birhan Selassie church. The church would have probably been destroyed like most of the Gondar churches by the marauding armies of the dervishes in 1880s if it were not for a swarm of bees. When the dervish showed up at the gate of the church, a giant swarm of bees surged out of the compound and chased the invaders away. Overnight stay Goha Hotel.

Transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. We will visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy St. George Cathedrals and Complimentary farewell dinner party from FOOTPRINTS ETHIOPIA TOURS will follow in one of the most renowned Cultural restaurant in Addis to test the cultural food and drinks and enjoy dances from the different ethnic groups. The tour ends at the end of the farewell dinner party on day 8. You may choose to fly out that same evening/night or you have the choice of spending one more night in Addis. The preceding morning can be used for souvenir shopping, taking walks on the main streets of Addis, and discovering Addis bustling outdoor markets, exotic dishes, espresso bars and patisseries which are reminiscent of Rome and the Mediterranean.