TET 005 TREKKING ROUTE – 9 days
Transportation: Surface with (4×4,Mini bus, or Bus)
Duration: 9 Days
Day 1:
Arrive Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport and meet us for transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel.
Day 2:
Meet the driver in Gonder air port continue driving to the extraordinary and majestic Semien Mountain National Park. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region. After a steep ascent onto the escarpment, a straight forward drive takes you to the first camp site called Sankaber. O/n Camping at Sankaber camp site.
135 kms to the first camp site, 1 hours flight to Gonder and 3 hours driving to the national park. Moderate to physical type hiking. 30 minuets – 2 hrs. Walking shoes is needed.
Day 3:
Trek to Geech; Following the edge of the escarpment, which narrows to form a ridge at Sankaber, we now have awesome views on both sides. Descend into the Koba River valley and up the other steep side to Michotis with its view of the large waterfall where the Jin Bahir River cascades into the Geech Abyss. Continue for another half hour before descending to the river in the Abyss and ascending steeply on the other side through Geech Village to Geech camp for an overnight A.M. Overnight Camping at Geech.5-7 hours Moderate to physical type hiking. 5-7hrs. walking shoes is needed
Day 4:
We trek 6-7 h to Chenek through giant Lobelia trees, where a lot of wildlife can be seen. After picnic lunch walk on the edge of the Enatye escarpment (4000m), which offers an other breathtaking view. Finally we descend to Chenek, the best place to see the endemic Walia Ibex and more Gelada Baboons. Overnight camping at Chenek (3600m). Moderate to physical type hiking 6-7hrs. Walking shoes is needed.
Day 5:
We walk 7-8 h to Ambiquo climbing the Buhit (4430m) peak, the 2nd highest next to Ras Dashen. After refresment at the summit we descend towards Chero Laba and cross the Mesheha River. We spend the night in Ambiquo, before the big day on Ras Dashen. Camping at Ambiquo (3200m). Moderate to physical type hiking 7-8hrs. Walking shoes is needed.
Day 6:
Pre dawn start towards mount Ras Dashen (4543m), the most challenging day of the trek. We head up the valley to the small village of Mizma, from where we climb steeply upwards, eventually reaching an impressive amphitheatre made up of three major buttresses of expanded rock. One of them is our goal, Ras Dashen. It is then an easy scramble to the summit of Ras Dashen, which is Africa’s fourth highest peak. After taking in the impressive view descend back to Ambiquo for camping. The whole round trek takes about 8?10 hours. Walking shoes is needed.
Day 7:
You walk back to Chenek passing through the side of the Bohit Mountain. Overnight is camping at Chenek campsite. (3600m) This day takes about 6 ?7 hours walk. Walking shoes is needed
Day 8:
After breakfast drive back to Gonder. After lunch visit the Complex palace of Gonder, The King Fasilida’s bath, The Debre Birhan Sellassie church, which is famous for its age old mural paintings, and the Fellasha ( Ethiopian Jews) village. Overnight hotel 160 kms, 4 hours.
Day 9:
Fly back to Addis Ababa. You have a half day city tour. Evening after the dinner program in one of the traditional restaurant transfer to air port for departure. End of the tour. Simple day. Sandal Shoes and Shorts are good.