7 Days  Simyen Mountains and Gonar
ADDIS ABABA – ADDIS ABABA

The vast Simyen Mountains constitute one of Africa’s largest ranges and several of the continent’s highest peaks are here. One, Mt Ras Dashen, is Africa’s 4th highest. Mule trekking is the way to get around much of the Simyen National Park, as terrain is challenging. Views over the valleys and mountains from some high-lying vantagepoints are awe-inspiring. Commencing at the
Sankabar campsite, the mule trek covers the most impressive part of the trip in terms of scenery.  As Gondar has the closest airport to the mountains, you will have chance to explore the castles.

Price per person double room sharing: subject to change so please confirm:

One passenger traveling alone:                           US$ 2.857
If there are 2-3 passengers travelling together:    US$ 2.172
If there are 4-5 passengers travelling together:    US$ 1.812
If there are 6-8 passengers travelling together:    US$ 1.739
Single room supplement:                                    US$    142

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. Our agents will meet you at the Bole International airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Holiday Hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2: Transfer to the airport your flight to GONDAR, the town so well known for its 17th century castles. Transfer from the Gondar airport to the outback town DEBARK, the access town for SIMYEN NATIONAL PARK. There, mules, permits, muleteers and guides are organized. Supplies will also be bought in Debark. (Be sure to have cash available). Transfer from Debark to SANKABAR by car and then trek to Geech. (Total drive time for day: 4 hours). A short walk from the campsite to the Jinbar Falls and then mule trekking from Sankabar to the high-lying GEECH CAMP. (5 hours). The trek passes through cultivated areas and then into the proper Afro-alpine zone, a weird place where Giant Lobelias stand like sentinels presiding over the unworldly landscape. You should see troops of the Gelada Baboon - the males have leonine manes and 'bleeding heart' patches. Birds include Rueppell's griffons, Choughs and Lammergeiers, all Common there. Overnight at Geech camp - 3 660 meters.. Organized camping overnight at Geech camp. (Full board)

DAY 3: Mule trekking from Geech camp to IMET GOGO (3990 meters). This is where you may well see the Wahlia Ibex, another seriously endangered Ethiopian mammal. They keep to cliff faces. Breathtaking views from Gidgergot; K' adadit and Saha. Overnight camping , Geech Camp. (Full board)

DAY 4: Mule trekking from Geech camp back down to SANKABAR. (5 hours). Overnight camping at Sankabar camp. (Full board)

DAY 5: Transfer by car from Sankabar campsite to GONDAR (4 hours). Afternoon visit of the Royal Compound to view the castles. Overnight at Goha hotel. (Full board)

DAY 6: Transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Transfer to Holiday hotel. Balance of the day for a souvenir-shopping trip to the sprawling Merkato (market area). Holiday hotel. (Full board)

DAY 7: Transfer to the airport and depart.

Included in this tour: all transfers and assistances, all accommodation as specified above including camping, camping equipment, full board throughout the tour, all excursions to sites of interest as per itinerary, English speaking guides for all the historical places, entrance fees for all sites.

Price includes: Domestic flights with Ethiopian airlines, hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, organised camping with all equipment, meet and greet on day of arrival and all airport-hotel transfers, all excursions to sites of interest as per itinerary, English speaking guides for all places, cook and mule, scouts.

 Not included: International flights, visa fees, drinks, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes, domestic airport taxes,
Please note: All rates are subject to hotel/flight availability and currency fluctuations on a daily basis