Fixed Date
2019, 16 – 24 November. 9 days. Meet at the airport on 15 Nov night for group check in.
Int'l Flights
Singapore (SIN) – Addis Ababa (ADD) 16-Nov ET 639 0215 – 0635 hours
Addis Ababa (ADD) – Singapore (SIN) 24-Nov ET 638 0045 – 1405 hours
Involves 2 domestic flights which we will book all 4 sectors for participants as a whole package from Ethiopian Airlines.
Highlights
~ city tour of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia;
~ city tour of Gondar, a royal and ancient historical city;
~ hiking in The Simien Mountains, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the best trekking destinations in the world;
~ enjoy breathtaking sceneries, Jinbar Waterfall and admire in awe the fabulous Simien Mountains unblocked;
~ visit the Dinsho Park (Bale National Park) to see the indigenous trees and endemic mammals including the endemic Mountain Nyale;
~ visit Sanate Plateau to see the endemic Ethiopian Wolf, giant mole rat and the amazing scenery of Afro-alpine moorland with abundant birds;
~ watch an Ethiopian cultural performance.
Day 0 : NOV 15, Fri, 2330 hours
Meet in Changi Airport check-in.
Day 1 : NOV 16, Sat L / D
Welcome to Ethiopia ! Meet and greet upon arrival 0605 hours in Addis Ababa. Transfer to domestic flight to Gondar. Upon arrival in Gondar, enjoy welcome morning tea reception before embarking on Gondar city tour. (2,100 M). Overnight at Gondar Goha Hotel or Haile Resort. (better accom before roughing out).
Day 2 : NOV 17, Sun Gondar to Debark to Sankaber B / L / D
This morning after breakfast, coach (105 KM) to the small town Debark. Have some coffee while our guide sort out the paperwork at the National Park HQ. Then coach another 22 KM on country road. Start our trek at the lodge entrance and head towards Sankaber where we have our 1st-night camping view across the spectacular range. Today’s hike is 7 KM and estimates 3 to 4 hours walk. The dramatic skyline of peaks and jagged volcanic plugs which tower over the highland plateau of the Simien Mountains compete with rugged gorges and deep gullies to form what is, arguably, the most awe-inspiring landscape in Africa. As we trek through this distant mountain range we pass small hamlets where villagers eke out an existence from the limited arable land. We may come across large troops of Gelada baboons foraging on the escarpment; and, with luck, spot Ethiopian wolves.
Overnight camping at Sankebar. 3,250 M asl
Day 3 : NOV 18, Mon Sankaber to Geech (12 KM, 7 – 8 hours) B / L / D
Trek from Sankaber to Geech today. See the most spectacular landscape of the Simien Mountains, troops of Gelada, lammergeyer, and different types of vegetation along the way. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of The Semien Mountains. Enroute after crossing the valley, admire the stunning views of Jinbar waterfall, cascading through a hole in the rock and falls 500 m to the bottom of the gorge. Continuing the trek, cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. This last 2.5-hour hike involves a steep climb.
Overnight camping @ Geech. 3,600 M asl
Day 4 : NOV 19, Tue Geech to Chenek (14 KM, 8 – 9 hours) B / (picnic) L / D
A spectacular day as we walk to imet Gogo crossing a rolling land dotted with Giant lobelia flower. There are many outstanding views of the gorge and mountain range. Get our first glimpse of Ras Dajen You can see clearly our route for the coming days. There is a good chance of spotting the indigenous Gellada and Ethiopian wolves. This day is good for acclimatization. We will ascend to 3,929 M then continue to ascend up to 4,070 M, the highest point of the day. Then descend over 2 hours to Chennek camp.
Overnight camping at Chennek. 3,620 M asl
Day 5 : NOV 20, Wed Chenek to Ambiko (19 KM, 10 – 11 hours) B / L / D
After an early breakfast at campsite, transfer to Gonder (approx. 2.5 hours drive) across the Simiens Highlands on off trail roads until Debark. Take a short break before continuing another 2-hour journey on (tarmac) road to Gonder. Freshen up at a Hotel in Gonder before the transfer to the airport for domestic flight Addis Ababa.
Stay : Drem Liner Hotel / Nexus Hotel
Day 6 : NOV 21, Thur Addis Ababa to Goba to Sanette to Goba B / L / D
This morning, drive to Bale Mountains HQ (370 KM away). En route, admire the wonderful landscape of the Arsi and Bale Oromo people. Visit the Dinsho Park which is part of the Bale National Park to see the indigenous trees and endemic mammals including the endemic Mountain Nyale. Continue to drive to Goba where we will spend 2 nights in this town.
Stay : Goba Wabesheble Hotel
Day 7 : NOV 22, Fri Goba to Dinsho Park to Goba B / L / D
Drive to another part of the Bale Mountains National Park which is called Sanate Plateau (4,000m asl). It is the best place to see the endemic Ethiopian Wolf and giant mole rat and also see the amazing scenery of Afro-alpine moorland and abundant birds.
Stay : Goba Wabesheble Hotel
Day 8: NOV 23, Sat Goba to Addis Ababa to Singapore B / L / D
Drive back to Addis Ababa (approx. 415 KM) via Asela. Upon arrival, visit the largest open air market. If time permits, there will be chance for some last minute shopping. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the best traditional restaurants with folkloristic dances and music.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Day 9: NOV 24, Sun Arrive Singapore
Our onward flight back to Singapore will depart at 2320 hours. Estimate arrival into Singapore will be in the afternoon around 2.50pm. This gives you a good half day rest before working the next day !