Ethiopia. Summit Ras Dashen- the Roof of Ethiopia Rare wildlife Add on a visit to Lalibella. Guided Group Departures

Transcription

1 Ethiopia The Simien Mountains Summit Ras Dashen- the Roof of Ethiopia Rare wildlife Add on a visit to Lalibella Guided Group Departures Tour Grade D Tour Code - TETH For dates and prices visit: Group Size:- Min 6 Max 15

2 Introduction Imagine yourself in the heart of Africa s highlands trekking up a steady slope and heading for Ras Dashen, the roof of Ethiopia. To the south mile upon mile of green cultivated land, intersected by dramatic gorges stretches out beneath you. Here on the high plateaux the rare Ethiopian Wolf, Walya Ibex and Lammergeier call this home. Troops of Gelada Baboons abound and the giant Lobelia can grow up to 10m in height. The awesome landscapes of the Simien Mountains are simply breathtaking with amazing canyons and immense, bizarre rock formations. Surprisingly verdant and in contrast to the surrounding arid plains, the Simien Mountains present a wonderful setting for wild trekking. The traditional lifestyle of the locals adds an important extra dimension to this imaginative adventure and guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since the late 1960s, the Simien Mountains present perhaps the most dramatic scenery in Africa great volcanic plugs, formed some 40 million years ago and eroded over the aeons into fantastic crags, pinnacles and flat topped mountains, the chess pieces of the Gods, as one writer described them, tower over precipitous gorges, river valleys and plains stretching all the way to Eritrea. We believe that this is simply one of the best treks in the whole of Africa, if not the best. There s also the opportunity to extend the adventure and visit the ancient rock hewn churches of Lalibella too. The Holiday Walking conditions The daily trekking will take the strong, regular hill walker around 6 to 8 hours each day. Conditions underfoot are usually straightforward and invariably dry, stony and dusty (unless it has rained of course). Ascent and descent are a natural feature of this adventure holiday. Although most ascent and descent is well-graded there are some steeper sections, at times sustained. As you will have ponies to carry your main baggage to your overnight accommodations you are free to walk each day carrying only your usual daypack. A good level of fitness and stamina is required. A full explanation of the trip grading can be found online at. You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip. Trek staff You will be accompanied in the mountains by an English-speaking guide, as well as ponymen to look after the ponies carrying your baggage, camping equipment etc. There will be a small cook crew to prepare meals whilst on trek. The group will also be accompanied by a Simien Mountains National Park Scout to ensure all park regulations are followed by the group. What you need to provide Your personal equipment as detailed in the clothing and equipment list later in this trip dossier. A 3 to 4 seasons sleeping bag will be required. Itinerary IMPORTANT-Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your Final Joining Instructions approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. We also recommend you read the Useful Information section on our website and in our current brochure.

3 Outline Itinerary Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. Meal plan 1 Depart UK 2 Arrive Addis Ababa, afternoon city tour Addis Hotel 3 Fly to Gondar. Tour castles & churches Gondar Hotel B 4 Drive via Debark to New Simien lodge. Trek to Sankaber Sankaber Camp BLD 5 Trek to Geech Geech Camp BLD 6 Trek along escarpment viewpoints to Imet Gogo and back to Geech Geech Camp BLD 7 Trek to Chennek Chennek Camp BLD 8 Trek to Ambiko Ambiko Camp BLD 9 Optional climb of Ras Dashen, back to Ambiko Ambiko Camp BLD 10 Trek via Arkwasiye to Sona - stunning campsite on the edge of the Sona Camp BLD gorge. 11 Trek to Mekarebya, stopping for a long swim in the river - a wash at last! Mekarebya Camp BLD 12 Trek to Hawaza (beer shop!) and on to Mulit Mulit Camp BLD 13 Trek to Adi Arkai, bus to Gondar Gondar Hotel BL 14 Fly Addis. Dayrooms at hotel. Farewell dinner. (Alternatively fly Lalibella Addis BD for Lalibella extension) 15 Depart Addis, arrive UK B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.

4 Day 1 Depart UK Day 2 Rendezvous at the group hotel in Addis Ababa. See Joining Arrangements and transfers section later in this trip dossier. A single timed group transfer will be provided from Addis Ababa International Airport to the group hotel. After lunch there s a city tour, first driving north up to Mount Entoto. In 1881 Emperor Menelik II made his permanent camp there, after remains of an old town (believed to have been the capital of 16th century monarch Lebna Dengel) were discovered, which Menelik took as a divine and auspicious sign. Addis Ababa, situated at an altitude of between metres, is the third highest capital in the world and Entoto is a few hundred metres higher - as you drive up the hill there is an appreciable drop in temperature and the air is filled with the scent of the Eucalyptus trees which line the road. From the top, there are panoramic views of the capital and surrounding countryside. Entoto is an important watershed, to the north water flows to the Blue Nile, to the south to the Awash River. A visit is then paid the National Archaeological Museum. Here visitors can see exhibits ranging from the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy, through the Axumite (200 BC 700 AD) and Gondarene (1700 to 1850) periods to the monarchs Tewodros and Menelik. This completes the city tour and you return to the hotel, where you can take dinner Hotel, Addis Ababa Day 3 An early start back to the airport for the internal flight to Gondar. Early transfer to the airport (about 0630) for the domestic flight to Gondar. On arrival, you will transfer to the Goha Hotel, and after some refreshments, start your city tour, breaking at some stage for lunch. The Goha Hotel is situated on a hill with a panoramic view of the town and monuments and with great sunsets from the terrace. Occasionally visitors will see the giant Lammergeier, with its 3-metre wingspan, soaring on the air currents by the hotel. Gondar was the imperial capital from the 17th to mid 19th Centuries, and today visitors can see the imperial compound, with castles still in good condition (some recently restored) and the bath of King Fasilides. At Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany) a nearby river is diverted to fill an area the size of a small swimming pool and worshippers plunge into the cold water in a reenactment of the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan. Although many of Gondar s churches were destroyed during the Mahdist invasion from Sudan in the 1880s, one very fine example, Debre Berhan Selassie, was saved, according to the legend, by a swarm of bees, which routed the invaders. The walls and ceiling are completely covered with murals. You end your tour today with a visit to the ruined palace of Queen Mentowab, and the church of Qusquam. Hotel, Gondar Day 4 You set off north to Debark along a wellmaintained dirt road, a distance of about 100 km, which will take about three hours. After registering at the National Park headquarters, you drive on into the park to the New Simien Eco-Lodge where the ponies and ponymen join, as well as game scout and head into the Simien Mountains National Park (S.M.N.P). Today s trek is a relatively easy three to four hour introduction to the area, following small tracks along the top of the escarpment though giant heather trees. You should reach your campsite at Sankaber (3200 metres) late afternoon, perhaps in time to see some of the Gelada baboons before they take off for their night-time roosts on the cliff faces. Walking time approx. 4 hrs. Camp at Sankaber, S.M.N.P.

5 Day 5 Today you set off for Geech, which will take between 7-8 hours. After about 2½ hours you see the Jinbar waterfall, and you will cross this river later in the day. After crossing the river, you ascend for about an hour to the spacious campsite at Geech (3600 metres), which is full of Giant Lobelias. The scenery is wonderful; there is good spring water nearby and even a cold shower for the hardy! Lammergeier, or bearded vultures are often seen here and if you are lucky you may see them carrying bones to a great height and dropping them to crack the bones from which they extract the marrow. Walking time approx 8 hrs. Camp at Geech, S.M.N.P. Day 7 Today you walk to Chenek. Lovely walking through grasslands, erica and lobelia takes you across to the source of the Jinbar River before ascending gently to the summit of Inatye, the highest point of your trek so far at 4070 metres. The cliffs here are incredibly dramatic, plunging almost vertically for over 1000 metres. Day 6. With picnic in hand for later the trail heads back up to return to the escarpment and to ascend the promontory of Imetgogo (3926 metres), trekking to other viewpoints on the way there or on the return. From Imetgogo you can look north over the northern highlands, dotted with rock pinnacles and criss-crossed by deep ravines. This is surely one of the world s most spectacular views that will last in your memory forever. At the Qadadit ravine you can hope to see more Gelada baboons. You return to Geech for a second night. The area around Imetegogo is one part of the Simien range where the Walya Ibex frequent too. Camp at Geech, S.M.N.P.

6 You continue along the escarpment, dropping down and crossing valleys before coming to Chenek, which is situated in a valley set back from the escarpment among plenty of Giant Lobelias, where there are wonderful views of the northern highlands and the route down from Inantye. Walking time approx 8 hrs. Camp at Chenek, S.M.N.P. an excellent viewpoint on a ridge above the cultivated hillsides. From here tracks cut across and around the grassy hillsides dotted again with giant lobelia, ascending finally, after another two hours, to a second ridge, topped with the remains of an ancient fortification. Gently sloping ground stretches ahead, but due to the altitude it is still hard work as you walk around the east side of Ras Dashen. The final ascent to the summit involves a short section of easy, but rather hair-raising with some exposure. You will almost certainly be put to shame by the local shepherd boys bounding up and down the rocks with relative ease. From the summit the views stretch out in all directions with not a single road or town in sight!! Ponder a while on this unique panorama. A hearty lunch is usually served once you have descended the steep section. Having refreshed yourself you can enjoy the three to four hour walk back to camp at Ambiko and await the greeting from your trekking staff on your return. Mules can go to within 30 minutes of the summit, so you will have support if needed. Walking time for Ras Dashen approx 9hrs. For those not choosing to ascend to the Roof of Ethiopia, then a rest day at camp is in order. Camp at Ambiko Day 8 A challenging day takes you eventually to Ambiko, at the foot of Ras Dashen by crossing the Bwahit pass (4200 metres). You can divert slightly to climb Mount Bwahit (4430 metres), a steep ascent in places where again you may see Walya Ibex. You then leave the Park and descend a path popular with the locals to the village of Chiro Leba, before continuing on down to cross the River Mesheha, where there is a chance for a refreshing dip, temperature permitting! An hour s ascent takes you up to the village of Ambiko (3200 metres) and its delightful church where you will camp for the night. Here you may be able to buy a beer or a soft drink from enterprising locals. Walking time approx 8 hrs. Camp at Ambiko Day 9. The actual ascent of Ras Dashen is entirely otpional, but it is the highest pint in Ethiopia and as you re here well? A pre-dawn start is required as it is a lengthy day. A good path takes you up the valley through cultivated fields and villages, leading after two hours to Day 10 From Ambiko you return back to the River Mesheha, from where you ascend, steeply at first and then more gently on an undulating trail, passing through extensive cultivated fields and villages to arrive after lunch at

7 Arkwasiye, the biggest settlement on this trek with shops and a school! Continuing gently downhill now you continue through fields and occasional huts to reach a delightful campsite at 3000 metres perched on the edge of a deep ravine, affording spectacular views back up to Imetgogo where you were standing a few days earlier. Walking time approx 6 hrs. Camp near Sona rewarded with the opportunity to buy a cool drink in the village bar!! A short easy stroll from here takes you past towering monoliths to another delightful campsite at Mulit (1900 metres). Here, for the final evening of the trek, the cooks will pull out all the stops to produce a magnificent dinner followed by all the team singing and dancing around the camp fire hopefully providing a memorable finale to a trek that you will never forget. Walking time approx 5-6hrs. Camp at Mulit. Day 11 Amazingly a good path zig-zags down into the ravine below the campsite, and you follow this for the first two to three hours, dropping over 1000 metres to reach the Ansiya River to a most delightful spot for a long, lazy, lunch and a chance to wash in the tepid waters at this lower altitude. Villagers may well come and offer their locally made woven baskets for sale. After lunch it is just another 90 minutes stroll down the valley through fields of sorghum and pastures to the campsite at Mekarebya at 1900 metres. Walking time approx 5-6hrs. Camp at Makarabia Day 12 Today is relatively moderate. Initially you drop down to the riverbed, which depending on the water levels may be followed, or if there is too much water, you will take paths through the sorghum fields. After 3 hours the trail leaves the Ansiya valley and at this point there is another excellent swimming opportunity in a deep pool. The trail now climbs up again to the village of Hawaza, and in the early afternoon this can be a pretty hot ascent, but may be Day 13. The final stretch is along a rarely used dirt road to the township of Adi Arkai on the main northsouth road, about 2 hours walk. Here the group bus will be waiting to take you overland to Gondar. Hotel, Gondar Day 14 After an early breakfast it s time to take the short flight back to Addis Ababa. Those taking part in the Lalibella extension (see Lalibella extension later in this trip dossier) would fly from Gondar to Lalibella this day. Upon reaching Addis Ababa you then transfer to a hotel where the group has the use of shared dayrooms. Arriving back at your hotel you can take a late lunch after which there are various options. You can visit the Ethnographic Museum, perhaps taking in the Mercato, Africa s biggest market place where virtually every commodity from livestock to computers

8 is on sale and either there or elsewhere do some souvenir shopping. Tonight you will have a final farewell dinner at a different hotel, which serves Ethiopian cuisine and where you can see dancing from Ethiopia s different regions. After dinner a single timed group transfer is provided to Addis Ababa International Airport. (See Joining Arrangements and transfers section later in this trip dossier) for the designated group flight that departs in the small hours of the following morning. Overnight accommodation in Addis Ababa is not included in the Land Only trip price this day. Day 15 Depart Addis Ababa, arrive UK Lalibella Extension Located in northern Ethiopia, Lalibella is one of the most holy cities in the country with an almost entire population comprising of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. It is perhaps best known for it s incredible monolithic rock hewn churches, which probably date back to the 12 th Century. In fact Lalibella is supposedly constructed with (at the time Muslim occupied) Jerusalem as the inspiration. route. On arrival you transfer to the Jerusalem Guest House and after lunch you will take a tour of some Lalibella s amazing rock-hewn churches. This site really should become one of the wonders of the world! There are various compounds of churches, and a guide will take you round the first group, helping you to discover their amazing history and religious significance. Hotel, Lalibela (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Day 15 After breakfast you set off on foot to the church of Asheton Maryam, about a 4 hour round trip. The trail is steep at times passing through villages on the way up. There are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and back down to Lalibella from the top of the mountain, where the church is located. Entry to the church is through a cleft in the cliff face. You return by the same route to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon you will tour the second cluster of churches in Lalibela and have time also to wander in the town and purchase some souvenirs. Hotel, Lalibela (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Day 14 This morning you will fly to Lalibela from Gondar, passing back over the Simien NP where you may be able to spot your trekking Day 16 Today you catch the midday flight back to Addis Ababa. A day room is provided at a hotel and you can visit the Ethnographic Museum, perhaps taking in the Mercato, Africa s biggest market place where virtually every commodity from livestock to computers is on sale and

9 either there or elsewhere do some souvenir shopping. Tonight you will have a final farewell dinner at the Crown Hotel, which serves national food and where you can see dancing from Ethiopia s different regions. After dinner you ll be transferred to Addis Ababa International Airport to check-in for your International flight back to the UK, which departs in the small hours of the following morning. Overnight accommodation in Addis Ababa is not included in the Land Only trip price this day if the designated group flight requires check-in on this night. (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Day 17 Depart Addis Ababa, arrive UK. Price 690 per person (min 2 people on twin-share basis. Price Includes Domestic flights (Gondar- Lalibella- Addis Ababa), Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals as indicated above, all entrance fees and Englishspeaking guide in Lalibella. Practical Information Passports and Visas All UK citizens will require a visa to visit Ethiopia. This you should obtain yourself only when Walks Worldwide have guaranteed your chosen trip departure. For further information on visa costs and how to obtain your visit please visit Accommodation Accommodation in hotels is on a twin-share basis, unless you have requested a single room at extra cost. Whilst on trek, the accommodation is in two-person tents. Please note the single supplement applies to nights spent in hotels only. If you would prefer a tent for single occupancy only please contact us for a separate quotation. Food Meals included in the Land Only trip price are indicated in the outline itinerary. The national dish is injera, a flat, sour dough pancake made from grain, served with meat or vegetable sauces called wats. The injera is used to eat the stew with, a bit like chapattis, to pick up the sauce. Ethiopians use a blend of spices called Berbere, which gives the food its characteristic (and hot) taste. While trekking, soups, meat stews and pasta dishes will be served, with the occasional barbecue of locally purchased lamb. Vegetarians can be catered for on this trip, although options will be limited. On trek breakfast is usually served around Lunch will be sandwiches, fruit and snacks, while a hot dinner will be served at camp in the evenings. Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. As the altitudes on this holiday vary, so do the temperatures you are likely to encounter accordingly. The dry season is from October to May, although rain and short-lived storms are always a possibility and you shoud be prepared for unseasonal, inclement weather. Because the climate is dependent upon altitude and proximity to the Indian Ocean there are great variations in temperature on this trip, depending upon where in the country you actually are, i.e. the hot lowlands as compared to the cooler alpine zone of the Simien Mountains. Be prepared for it to be much colder in the evenings at camp during nights spent at higher altitudes. Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude. For further climate statistics visit Altitude This trek involves going to reasonably high altitudes, but is not something to be worried about. Most people adapt to altitude quite well and there is plenty of oxygen even at the highest point of this trip. But, you should take care to allow yourself to acclimatise. You can do this by ensuring you drink between 3 and 6 litres of liquid each day, and walk at a pace slower than you perhaps usually would, especially at the outset and when ascending. We are always happy to give further advice on altitude related concerns. Local transport All overland itinerary transfers are by private vehicles. Baggage Please note that as from July 2009 we are no longer providing complimentary Walks Worldwide Kitbags. Your main baggage will be transported by mule during the trekking element of this holiday. SUITCASES MUST NOT BE USED for your main baggage and will

10 be refused porterage. Please ensure your main baggage is packed in either a soft holdall style kitbag, or a large, unframed rucksack. Contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of your main baggage Responsible Tourism Acting responsibly in the way that we operate our holidays is very important to us at Walks Worldwide. In recognition of our Responsible Tourism values and practices, we have been awarded 4-star status in AITO s Responsible Tourism scheme. We would also request that as a client you endeavour to take part in any of our holidays with a positive attitude to Responsible Tourism and travel in a socially responsible manner. Many of our holidays travel to ecologically and culturally sensitive areas, where it is important to minimise any negative impact. We would especially recommend that before you start your chosen holiday you take the time to learn more about the country you are visiting, especially with regard to local culture, religion, customs, taboo s, acceptable modes of dress etc. Bradt, Lonely Planet and Rough Guide publications are an excellent resource for this and much more too. We are of course always happy to help and advise with regard to the country you are visiting. Vaccinations and medical precautions We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. It is generally wise to ensure that you are up to date with vaccinations of tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. You may also like to consider having the vaccinations for meningitis, hepatitis B and rabies. Anti-malarial tablets are advised for the low-lying areas, but Addis Ababa, Gondar, Lalibella and the Simien Mountains are above the mosquito zone, so unless you plan to travel elsewhere in Ethiopia, malaria prophylactics should not be necessary. A useful travel health online resource is First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Currency. The Ethiopian unit of currency is the Birr (Dh). Please refer to for up to date rates. ATM s are not widespread and although things are improving it still remains difficult to exchange currency outside of Addis Ababa. Credit card usage is very limited. As you will need to exchange your travel money upon arrival in Ethiopia, we suggest you bring this in the form of cash either in sterling or $US. A few small denominations of $US (notes only) can also prove useful outside of Addis Ababa for minor purchases, although any change will in the local currency. Language The official Ethiopian language is Amharigna. Other major languages spoken are Oromifaa and Tigrigna. Oromifaa is the language of the largest ethnic group who live in central and southern Ethiopia whilst Tigrigna is the language of Tigray and Eritrea and is related to Amharigna. There are over 80 languages within Ethiopia all with their own different dialects. Your guide will speak English and will be delighted to help you learn a few local phrases such as greetings. Know before you go Walks Worldwide are fully committed to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office s Know before you go campaign. We thoroughly recommend that all Walks Worldwide clients visit the FCO website If you have any questions or concerns about government travel advice to your chosen country please contact the Walks Worldwide office. Contact details It is not our policy to provide addresses and telephone numbers of every location that you will be staying at on this tour, as, due to frequent changes in contact details, it is very difficult to provide an accurate list for all our tours. Your Final Joining Instructions, which you will receive 2 weeks prior to departure, will show any local contact details that are required for your tour. However we will endeavour to provide you with further details if you have a specific reason. Mobile phones do work in parts of Ethiopia although in some of the areas you are trekking in there maybe no signal. If you have not used your mobile outside the UK before you will have to contact your operator to enable international calls. Please ensure your phone is set for roaming if you are taking a mobile. Please note that it is expensive to phone both to and out of a mobile when abroad. We do not however encourage mobile

11 phone use whilst walking on any of our trips out of courtesy to others please use your mobile phone discretely. If you do need to get in touch, or if anyone needs to get in touch with you, please contact the Walks Worldwide office ( ) during office hours. Tipping Please remember that all tips should be a way for individuals to thank staff for good service. Whilst tipping isn t compulsory on this trip you may feel you would like to tip the trekking staff. Your guide will advise you as to what would be appropriate. Perhaps a couple s a day. For your guide, again this at you discretion, although we suggest that 15 per group member for the guide is adequate. Maps Simien Mountains 1: published by the University of Berne contains the trekking route, although this map is difficult to obtain in the UK at times. We recommend Stanfords at Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP (Tel: ) Joining Arrangements and Transfers On day 2 of the trip itinerary a single timed group airport transfer will be provided from Addis Ababa International Airport to the group hotel in downtown Addis Ababa. In the late evening of day 14 of the trip itinerary a single timed transfer will be provided back to Addis Ababa international Airport. Should the designated group flight departure change, this transfer may be moved to the morning of day 15 accordingly. Both of these transfers will be timed to coincide with the arrival time and subsequent check in time for departure of the designated group flight only. Please note that as all International flight times are subject to change, the timings of the single timed group airport transfers will be changed to suit any changes to the flight schedule of the designated group flight accordingly. The designated group flight for this trip is the Ethiopian Airlines flight from London Heathrow to Addis Ababa. This flight usually departs London Heathrow late evening on day 1, arriving Addis Ababa the following morning on day 2. The return flight* usually departs early morning on day 16, arriving back in the UK the same day. *The return flight is frequently subject to change-see transfers above. Airport transfers are only provided for clients arriving/departing on the designated group flights. If you are arriving and departing on different flights to the designated group flight (whether you have booked flights with Walks Worldwide or otherwise) you will need to make your own Airport transfer arrangements. A private taxi to/from the group hotel is advisable. Flight Inclusive Package Options Walks Worldwide will be delighted to make your International Flight arrangements for this holiday. We have full ATOL bonding and can book flights with most Airlines Most International flight prices are variable and usually can only be guaranteed at the time of booking. If you would like to upgrade to business or first class, or even arrive at an earlier date/depart at a later date we can also arrange this for you along with extra hotel nights in Addis Ababa. Please contact the Walks Worldwide office for an up to date Flight Inclusive Package quote plus flight advice and options for your chosen holiday. The designated group flight for this trip is the Ethiopian Airlines flight from London Heathrow to Addis Ababa. This flight usually departs London Heathrow late evening on day 1, arriving Addis Ababa the following morning on day 2. The return flight* usually departs early morning on day 16, arriving back in the UK the same day. *The return flight is frequently subject to change. Please note all airline schedules are subject to change. Land Only The Land Only price does not include International flights. The domestic flights required within the itinerary are included in the Land Only trip price. These are operated by Ethiopian Airlines. However, if you are not using Ethiopian Airlines for your International flights, Ethiopian Airlines fare rules dictate that these domestic flights will attract a surcharge. If you are booking your own International flights with Ethiopian Airlines, please advise us of your International ticket numbers to avoid

12 the domestic flights surcharge imposed by Ethiopian Airlines. With the increasing choice of both scheduled and low cost airlines offering regional departure flights with simple to use online booking services, our Land Only walking holidays do not include International travel. You should book flights that enable you to rendezvous at the group hotel in Addis Ababa no later than the late afternoon of day 2. Return flights should be booked to depart no sooner than day 15. Useful online search engines for International air travel are: - searches scheduled airlines. - provides useful information on low cost airlines flights. IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. Inclusions Domestic flights within the itinerary Meals as detailed in the outline itinerary All accommodation in hotels and tents Camping equipment (except sleeping bags) Guide, cook, pony men and ponies whilst on trek Land transfers within the itinerary. Airport transfers on day 2 and day 14 as detailed in the Joining Arrangements and Transfers section Exclusions Drinks Souvenirs and personal items Insurance Meals not indicated above International flights (unless booking a flight inclusive package) Domestic flight surcharge as detailed in the Land Only section Tips (allow approx 50) Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to check the availability of the holiday BEFORE purchasing your International Air ticket. You should not book your International flight tickets or make any other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is confirmed. If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. We cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating to any flight bookings or subsequent travel arrangements you have made yourself. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable.

13 Clothing and Equipment Lists At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful for wearing in hotels on this holiday. Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your clothing and equipment. CLOTHING Walking boots and spare laces Trainers/approach shoes Socks 3+ pairs (Walking and Casual) Underwear 3+ T-shirts 3+ Trekking Pants 1+ Short trousers 1+ Light fleece 1-2 Thick fleece 1-2 Thermal Baselayer shirt Thermal underwear (optional but useful for cold nights at higher altitude camps) Waterproof jacket with hood Waterproof trousers Warm Gloves Sun Hat Warm Hat Swimwear Gaiters (optional) EQUIPMENT Daypack/rucksack (25-35 litres) 3-4 seasons sleeping bag and camping mat/thermarest 2 Large water bottles (1 litre each) Towel quick drying pack towel is recommended Torch (and spare bulb and batteries) Camera & accessories Binoculars (optional) A variety of dry bag/plastic bags Sunglasses Trekking poles (highly recommended) Reading material (optional) Washing/Shaving kit & toilet paper Insect Repellent Small personal First Aid kit (see section above) Anti-Bacterial Handwash Water purifying tablets (iodine based are best) Sun Cream & lip salve Blister plasters i.e. Compeed Tickets/E tickets Passport Money

14 The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Moisturising cream Baby wipes Snacks/Energy bars Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Padlock for your kitbag Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Small mirror Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Spare glasses/contact lenses Earplugs (against snorers) Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable) Travel adaptor

15 What to do next We hope that you found this trip dossier helpful and informative. If you would like further information, our friendly team would be delighted to help and advise with any questions you may have. As an independent walking specialist company staffed by widely-travelled walking enthusiasts, we pride ourselves on being able to provide an informal personal service to our clients, many of whom travel with us on a regular basis. How to book this trip To check availability for specific dates and to receive a flight quote please contact us, also if you are looking at a group trip please check the trip status with us before you book. The easiest way to book your holiday is via our website: or to go directly to the online booking form please CLICK HERE. There is also a booking form on the website and in the brochure which you can complete and post to us. Alternatively you can telephone ( ) us and we can accept your booking over the telephone. Deposit We require a deposit of either 100 per person or 10% of the total cost of the holiday (whichever is greater), including extensions, single supplement and flights if we have quoted these separately to you. Certain non-refundable, instant purchase flights will require full payment we will advise you this at time of enquiry. Your deposit can be paid by cheque, debit or credit card. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION We are an ATOL bonded tour operator authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Every holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under our ATOL licence number In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking. We protect all UK customers who purchase tours that do not include flights from the UK through the AITO-arranged AITO Trust Ltd (AITOT). AITOT work closely with the CAA - they share much of their information. Their financial requirements are as rigorous as those of the CAA IATA is the Trade Association of the world s international airline industry. To become an Accredited IATA Agent we have to demonstrate financial soundness, and proficiency of staff We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. AITO represents Britain s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. We abide by the Association s Code of Conduct and adhere to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed at RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Climate Care is the organisation through whom we offer people the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions. We were one of the first travel companies in the UK to provide this facility. In recognition of our Responsible Tourism values, we have been awarded 4-star status in AITO S Responsible Tourism Scheme LOYALTY SCHEME Up to 100 off. If you ve already experienced the magic of one of our holidays, you automatically qualify for a discount on holidays offered by the other specialist travel brands in our group. See our website or brochure for details.