FAQs | Ethiopia Hiking

First & MOST Common FAQs : meetup say the trip is full, yet only a few are in GOING list. So is there any more slots ?

Please note : For any paid trip event, if the GOING is not controlled, anyone can add themselves to going. This will be even confusing right ? So The system is set up so you cannot put yourself in "Going" list. Only those with confirmed payment will be moved manually by Organizer. This will truly reflect the actual confirm people going.

By when can the trip be confirmed?

When we received 10 confirm deposit payment. After which flights (Int'l & domestic) will then be booked & you will be asked to pay the group ticket cost.

Can I pay the deposit after the trip is confirmed ?

Of course, you can. But the early bird discount will not apply. Also subject to the 4 flights' availability. If we cannot secure the flights, we will have to return you the money & close the rsvp.

Also if everyone is waiting for someone to pay the first 10 deposits, then the trip will not get confirmed, the flight will not be secured. In the end, everyone ends up waiting for no one.

What if I pay the deposit now (the first 9 pax) - and the trip is NOT confirmed ?

All 9 deposits will be FULLY refunded, flights will not be booked. So there is NO cost deducted. And there is absolutely no harm or worry paying up the deposit now & enjoy the early bird discount right ?

What if after I pay the deposit and trip confirmed BUT I cannot make it for the trip ?

All payment will be issued receipt licensed travel agent. If you cannot make it for the trip due to medical or reasons accepted by your travel insurance, you can use these receipt to claim back your deposit / full payment / ticket cost. So do remember to purchase travel insurance once you made the deposit. Usually they cover 180 days before the trip start date. Do remember to check this before buying.

Is camping very basic type ? With simple food & bare minimal standard ?

Will we be squeezed into a big tent where 6-8 person has to fight for limited space inside ?

Do we have to carry our lunch which be cold by then ?

No No No. See the photos below. It is rather more like glamping. Tables & Chairs are setup at each campsite.

All breakfast & dinner will be served hot. At least 2 -3 lunches during the hike will be picnic style with our food wrapped in aluminium foil.

Examples of Meals served during Camping :

~ Breakfast : omelets or scrambled eggs; pancakes; porridge; bread with jam peanuts and honey.

~ Lunch : (3) cooked lunch like, rice with mixed vegetables or pasta. Packed/picnic lunch with vegetable & tuna.

~ Dinner : 3-course dinner like starter soup, main dish and dessert;

e.g soup - vegetables, tomato, carrot or garlic soup

e.g main dish - grilled tibis or spaghetti with different vegetables

e.g dessert - fruit like bananas, pineapples.

~ Tea & coffee will be served every morning and evening.

Do we get to shower at campsite ?

To avoid AMS (Acute Mountains Sickness), we strongly do not recommend at all. Wet wipes / powder bath are best. At most campsite altitude, it will be cold too. Shower or wash hair may face the danger of you catching a cold. At high altitude this is dangerous. Water are carried by porter & should be used for consumption.

Is the view & climb worth the trip ?

Watch this video & decide for yourself ► https://youtu.be/iOf5UUjPVY8

The altitude is rather high, will there be proper briefing or guidance on how to manage AMS ?

YES ! Definitely - just like all our trips. With our extensive experience in high altitude trekking / camping & experience ground operator - this will well be managed. There will also be the provision of emergency mule and vehicle standby at designated locations for emergency evacuation. Oxygen tank will be available during the hike all the way.

There were concerns on AMS for this trek. [acute mountain sickness] We feel its better we address it & how we normally handle it as in many of our past treks above 3,000 m.

So long you DO not have any medical conditions related to blood, lung or hearts & should be living an active lifestyle or regular exercises in any form. [that will ensure your BMI is healthy]. This also ensures you are not having any weight problems as well. There are NO requirements that you must have done a > 3000 m trek before. With proper preparation - AMS can be managed even for anyone who never done a high altitude trek.

Below is a summary of our recommendations [explanation / details during the trip briefing - proven in many past trek]

Take 1 tablet of 250 mg Diamox the day before flying to Ethiopia
First time taking diamox ? U must test 1 in SG before the trip.
Drink a lot of water when arrive - till all your urine is clear & light brown colour
Slow down all your routine activities : talking, walking etc
Strictly no alcohol, less caffeine drinks like coffee/tea
Before the trip, lot of vertical training
2-3 week before start taking Chinese herbs 红景天 Hong Jing Tian

Worst case scenario : If all treatment fails & no sign of improvement is observed, the affected hiker(s) will be asked to descend with a guide to the nearest hospital. If descending (which in most cases will work) is good enough & there is no time/chance to catch up with the main group, hiking will end for these people. They will have to return to our starting city & pay for the few nights room before the main group return. Please ensure these will be covered by your travel insurance.

Africa is famous for wildlife, what can we see in Ethiopia Mountains ?

Ethiopia is one of the most unique landscapes on Earth, with lush forests, snow-capped peaks and arid deserts. As a country with such varied habitats, Ethiopia is home to many species that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. With UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted around the country, Ethiopia is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. It’s the only place in the world to see the fascinating gelada baboon, as well as the endangered Walia ibex and the Ethiopian wolf—the rarest canid in the world. Ethiopia also boasts more than 22,000 species of butterflies and moths, in addition to more than 800 bird species, 23 of which are unique to the country.

Watch this interesting video .... it's relatively easy to spot them the gelada baboon in our trek ► https://youtu.be/F-4q_vZOuYI