Africa - Wildlife, Wilderness and Wonders

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Ann Flynn
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. PO Box 66, Camp Hill, Qld 4152 Australia 07 3843 3930 0417 611 810 info@takeawalk.com.

.. 13 February 2017 to 21 March 2017 (This trip is fully booked - we are taking bookings and expressions of interest for 2018) Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking (optional) Trip Length: 5 days / 4

Single Supplement will apply) The Serengeti, the Masai, Mount Kenya and Ethiopia Trip Length: 32 days / 31 nights (18 February 2017 to 21 March 2017) Minimum 12 guests / Maximum 18 guests (12-16 US

Arrive Nairobi, Kenya (JKIA airport) and fly to Kigali, Rwanda (D) We ll be met at the airport, and have a short break before our Kigali connection.

1 . PO Box 66, Camp Hill, Qld 4152 Australia Jambo (Hello) Africa - Wildlife, Wilderness and Wonders Gorilla tracking in Rwanda, the Serengeti, the Masai, Mount Kenya and Ethiopia February 2017 to 21 March 2017 (This trip is fully booked - we are taking bookings and expressions of interest for 2018) Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking (optional) Trip Length: 5 days / 4 nights (13 February 2017 to 17 February 2017) Minimum 8 guests / Maximum 18 guests (8-16 US $3100 / person. Single Supplement will apply) The Serengeti, the Masai, Mount Kenya and Ethiopia Trip Length: 32 days / 31 nights (18 February 2017 to 21 March 2017) Minimum 12 guests / Maximum 18 guests (12-16 US $6150 / person. Single supplement will apply) Included meals marked each day. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda Day 1: Monday, 13 February. Arrive Nairobi, Kenya (JKIA airport) and fly to Kigali, Rwanda (D) We ll be met at the airport, and have a short break before our Kigali connection. This allows us to sort our luggage and leave what we don t need for tracking the gorillas to be stored in a Nairobi hotel. On arrival in Rwanda our safari guides will meet us and transfer us to our hotel for a briefing. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in hotel Rwanda Day 2: Tuesday, 14 February. Rwanda (B, L, D) After being collected from our hotel we visit Kigali Genocide Memorial. The monument may be confronting, but it is guaranteed you will not leave untouched by this memorial honouring an estimated people buried here in mass graves. The world watched in 1994 as the genocide of an estimated one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus unfolded. Lonely Planet suggests dedicating at least half a day to this powerful and moving memorial. We then travel to Ruhengeri, in Kinigi district, near Parc National Des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park). Drive time 3-4 hrs Overnight in lodge

It may take between 2-4 hours to find the gorillas and another 1-2 hours viewing before returning to the lodge.

2 Day 3: Wednesday, 15 February. Gorilla Tracking Day (B, L, D) After an early morning breakfast we transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting to track the gorillas through the dense bamboo forests. It may take between 2-4 hours to find the gorillas and another 1-2 hours viewing before returning to the lodge. Coming face to face with one of our closest living relatives is among the most highly prized and moving encounters on the planet. Golden Monkey Overnight in lodge Day 4: Thursday, 16 February. Golden Monkey Tracking Day (B, L, D) Today we transfer to the bamboo forest near the national park to track the agile Golden Monkeys. Golden Monkeys are endemic to the high altitude forests of Volcanoes National Park area. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. That evening we will drive back to our lodge. Overnight in lodge Day 5: Friday, 17 February. Fly to Nairobi (B, L, D) You have the morning at your leisure and after an early lunch we drive back to Kigali for the midday flight to Nairobi. Transfer to hotel in Nairobi. This is the end of the Gorilla and Golden Monkey safari. We will meet those not doing this section of the trip at the hotel in Nairobi. Overnight in Nairobi hotel Those not doing the Gorilla and Golden Monkey safari will arrive at the hotel in Nairobi on Day 5. What s included in the Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking Return flights from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda. (We have allowed US $400 for return flights from Nairobi to Kigali. The actual amount will be confirmed prior to booking but will be close to US $400.) Accommodation in 3 star hotels or lodges with meals as indicated (B,L,D) English speaking guides Genocide memorial visit Park entrance fees One Gorilla permit per person One Golden Monkey permit per person Government taxes Transfer from Nairobi airport to hotel in Nairobi on Day 5 What s not included in the Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking Airfares from Australia to Nairobi, Kenya Extra accommodation in Nairobi before the trip starts Visas Tips, drinks and personal expenses

We will need to buy snacks before the border crossing as lunch in Arusha will be late. Lunch and dinner at our own expense.

3 Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Tanzania Day 6 : Saturday, 18 February. Drive from Nairobi to Arusha (B) After breakfast at the hotel we ll drive south, cross the border into Tanzania and continue to Arusha. We will need to buy snacks before the border crossing as lunch in Arusha will be late. Lunch and dinner at our own expense. Drive time 6 hrs (includes border check-ins) Overnight in Arusha Day 7: Sunday, 19 February. Ngorongoro Crater (B, L, D) We collect our picnic lunches and drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is the biggest caldera in the world with a diameter of 18 km. We spend the day in the crater viewing wildlife. There are approximately large animals living here (elephants, hippos and rhinos) and between December and March, thousands of wildebeest migrate from Ngorongoro to Serengeti to arrive in the Masai Mara around July. Ngorongoro is also a paradise for black rhinos. In the late afternoon we ll drive to our campsite. Drive time 3 hrs to the conservation area Overnight Simba Campsite - tents Day 8: Monday, 20 February. Serengeti (B, L, D) Today we ll spend in southern and central Serengeti National Park. On our game drive we will be looking for animals migrating in the southern section and big cats in the central section. We should see lions, leopards, and cheetahs. After a late lunch we ll continue on the game drive and then return to our campsite for dinner. Overnight Seronera Campsite - tents Day 9: Tuesday, 21 February. Serengeti (B, L, D) We ll spend the full day following game as we slowly make our way back from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro. The Serengeti has one of the greatest concentrations of big cats anywhere in Africa Overnight Simba Campsite - tents Day 10: Wednesday, 22 Feb. Ngorongoro to Arusha (B, L) We will have one more game drive as we head out of the park and continue to a Masai boma (village). We will collect our lunch from the Masai village and continue to our hotel in Arusha in the late afternoon. We will each pay the Masai US $30 for the visit. Dinner will be at our own expense. Drive time 3 hrs Overnight in Arusha Day 11: Thursday, 23 Feb. Arusha to Nairobi (B, L, D) After breakfast at our hotel, we ll set out for the drive back to Nairobi. Drive time 6 hrs (includes border check-ins) Overnight in Nairobi Wildebeest Masai Warriors

What s included in the Ngorongoro / Serengeti section Transport from Nairobi to Tanzania and return Hotel accommodation in Arusha on Days 6 &10 Campground

(B, L, D) Government park fees All camping equipment except sleeping bags and pillows Guides for all game drives What s not included in the Ngorongoro / Serengeti

4 What s included in the Ngorongoro / Serengeti section Transport from Nairobi to Tanzania and return Hotel accommodation in Arusha on Days 6 &10 Campground accommodation on Days 7-9 with all meals. (B, L, D) Government park fees All camping equipment except sleeping bags and pillows Guides for all game drives What s not included in the Ngorongoro / Serengeti section Extra accommodation in Nairobi before Day 6 for those not doing gorillas US $30 contribution (in cash) each for visit to the Masai village Meals other than those specified Visas Tips, drinks and personal expenses Sleeping bags and pillows The big man watches over his lioness and cubs

5 Mount Kenya Several established trails converge on Mount Kenya. We have chosen to ascend and descend by the Chogoria Route. From this route you ll see vast plains bordering the great rift valley, dense forests, deep gorges, tumbling waterfalls, moorlands, mountain tarns and even glaciers. Then there s Mount Kenya s stunning vegetation and maybe an animal or two thrown in for good measure. Most importantly this route allows us time to acclimatise. You have the option to summit Point Lenana, the third highest peak on Mount Kenya, or leave it for the hardy and enjoy an early morning stroll to meet the group as they descend. Either way, you ll be part of one of Kenya s unique and breath-taking walking experiences. Chogoria Route Day 12: Friday, 24 February. Drive from Nairobi to Mt Kenya (B, L, D) We ll stop in Chogoria town for lunch. An agricultural area, Chogoria town grew up mainly around the hospital, built in It was the vision of a Scottish missionary and is now one of the leading hospitals in the region. We ll meet our guides, cooks and porters then drive in 4x4s through the forest towards the park gate. Depending on the weather, we may need to walk one hour to our hut. Hot showers tonight. Drive time to Chogoria Park Gate 6 hrs Walk time 1 hr, easy along the road Overnight at Mt Kenya Meru Bandas - hut (2950 m) Day 13: Saturday, 25 February Chogoria Park Gate to Lake Ellis Camp (B, L, D) The cooks will prepare breakfast, then we ll set out to Chogoria Park Gate and the delightful Nithi Falls. The bamboo zone starts near the park gate and grasses grow up to 12 m high. You ll pass through grassy moorlands scattered with rosewood trees dripping with lichen. It s on to Lake Ellis and an afternoon walk up the nearby Mugi Hills before returning to camp. Walk time 4-5 hrs, easy to moderate Overnight Lake Ellis Camp - tents Altitude gain 500 m ( altitude 3450 m) Day 14: Sunday, 26 February. Lake Ellis Camp to Lake Michaelson Camp (B, L, D) Today we ll walk one hour from camp and then head uphill for six hours to a junction before walking another one hour downhill to camp. Lake Michaelson is a small lake that collects the melt water from Mount Kenya in Nithi Gorge. You ll be able to see its still blue waters from a cliff edge on top of the gorge. Walk time 8 hrs, moderate Overnight Lake Michaelson Camp - tents Altitude gain 550 m (altitude 4000 m) Day 15: Monday, 27 February. Lake Michaelson Camp and return (B, L, D) After breakfast we ll walk for around five hours along the spectacular U-shaped trench of the Gorges Valley. This will give us a chance to acclimatise before tomorrow s walk to Simba Tarn. As we traverse the slopes we should be able to spot several birds: look out for malachite sunbirds, chestnut winged starlings, augur buzzards and we may be lucky enough to see a Verreaux s eagle. Walk time 5 hrs (1 hr uphill, then 4 hrs easy walk to camp) Overnight Lake Michaelson Camp - tents Altitude 4000 m

6 Day 16: Tuesday, 28 February. Lake Michaelson Camp to Simba Tarn Camp (optional) (B, L, D) From the camp we ll walk four to five hours to Simba Tarn. (If you don t want to climb to Simba Tarn you have the option to spend another day at Lake Michaelson. A guide, cook and some porters will stay with you.) Those who proceed on to Simba Tarn will prepare to summit Point Lenana the next morning. In shaa Allah! Walk time 4 hrs, steep uphill Overnight Simba Tarn Camp - tents Altitude gain 520 m (altitude 4520 m) Day 17: Wednesday, 1 March. Simba Tarn Camp, Point Lenana (optional), Lake Michaelson, Chogoria Bandas (B, L, D) If you don t want to summit Point Lenana from here, you have the option to wait in camp for the summit group to return. Those wishing to ascend Point Lenana will start at 3 am to reach the summit in time to experience the African sunrise. From the summit, views extend to Point Nelion (5188 m), Point Batian (5199 m) and other surrounding peaks. You ll return to Simba Tarn for breakfast, then retrace your steps to Chogoria Bandas. If you decide to stay at Lake Michaelson you ll walk an hour uphill to the Chogoria Route to meet the group descending from Simba Tarn and Point Lenana. The complete group will descend to Chogoria Bandas stopping for lunch on the way down. If you ve been to Point Lenana the altitude loss will be 2035 m. Walk time for those ascending Point Lenana, 3 hrs up, 1 hr down to Simba Tarn. Walk time from Simba Tarn to Chogoria Park Gate 6.5 hrs. Total walk time hrs. Altitude gain for Point Lenana 465 m (altitude 4985 m) Walk time for those staying at Lake Michaelson 1 hr, uphill to Chogoria Route, then 5 hrs to Chogoria Park Gate. Total walk time 6 hrs Overnight at Mt Kenya Meru Bandas - hut (2950 m) Day 18: Thursday, 2 March. Mt Kenya Meru Bandus hut to Nairobi (B, L, D) From the huts we ll walk along the Chigoria Forest Walk to meet our 4x4 vehicles that takes us to Chogoria. From Chogoria we ll drive to Nairobi. On the way we ll stop at Embu town for lunch. Walk time 2 hrs Drive time 5 hrs Overnight Nairobi - hotel Day 19: Friday, 3 March. Transfer from hotel to JKI Airport for flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (B) Some of Mt Kenya s many peaks

What s included in the Mt Kenya section All ground transport Mount Kenya government park fees Mountain accommodation tents / huts Three meals per

accommodation in Nairobi hotel after the trek Transfer to Nairobi airport on Day 19 Porters and cooks What s not included in the Mt Kenya section

7 What s included in the Mt Kenya section All ground transport Mount Kenya government park fees Mountain accommodation tents / huts Three meals per day (B, L, D) Guides, cooks, porters The guides will be treating drinking water on the mountain Porter backpacks for carrying food One night accommodation in Nairobi hotel after the trek Transfer to Nairobi airport on Day 19 Porters and cooks What s not included in the Mt Kenya section Alcoholic drinks Visas Tips, drinks and personal expenses Sleeping bags and pillows Tips for guides, cooks, porters and hotels Flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

8 Simien Mountains Ethiopia Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, is the most populous, landlocked country in the world. With archaeological finds dating back more than 3 million years, it s claimed to be the region from where modern humans first set out for the Middle East and places beyond. In 1974, paleontologists dicovered Lucy in Hader, north-east of Addis Ababa. At 3.2 million years old, Lucy is is the oldest and most complete skeleton of an early human ancestor ever discovered. She was named after the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, that played over and over during a night of celebrations after her discovery. Day 19: Friday, 3 March. Arrive Addis Ababa (D) We ll check into our hotel where we meet our English speaking guide who will accompany us throughout our Ethiopian experience. There will be some time to see the sights of Addis Ababa. Overnight at hotel Day 20: Saturday, 4 March. Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar (B, L, D) After an early morning breakfast we ll be transferred to Bole International Airport for our flight to Bahir Dar where we will be met and driven to Lake Tana for a half-day boat cruise to see the monastry of Ura Kidanemihret. After lunch we will drive to the Blue Nile Falls area and walk to see the famous Blue Nile Falls. Walk time 1.5 hrs Overnight in hotel Day 21: Sunday, 5 March. Bahir Dar to Gonder (B,L, D) Drive through the Amhara people s region to Gonder. The Amhara people trace their roots to Menelik I, the child of the Queen of Sheeba and King Solomon. We also pass Tara Gedam where Judaism was preached before Christianity reached Ethiopia in the 4th century. We ll arrive in Gonder around lunch time and check in to the hotel before enjoying some sightseeing in Gonder, with our guide. Drive time 2.5 hrs Overnight in hotel Day 22: Monday, 6 March. Gonder to Sankaber, Simien Mountains National Park (B,L, D) Today we drive towards Simien Mountains National Park, a destination with unique wildlife and breath-taking views. The towers and rocky formations have been described as the chess pieces of the Gods. Gentle, grasscovered highland ridges dotted with giant lobelia end abruptly at m deep escarpments. We will stop at the park headquarters in Debark to collect our local trekking guide, game scout and park permit. After a lunch break in Debre we continue driving towards Sankaber the first campsite in the park. Before arriving at Sankaber we will walk for about two hours for acclimatisation. This may be our first chance to spot Gelada baboons. Drive time 3-4 hrs Walk time 2 hrs Overnight at Sankaber Camp - tents

Day 23: Tuesday, 7 March. Sankaber Camp to Geech Camp (B,L, D) We begin our trek with all the trekking staff including mules and muleteers who transport our camping gear and food.

9 Day 23: Tuesday, 7 March. Sankaber Camp to Geech Camp (B,L, D) We begin our trek with all the trekking staff including mules and muleteers who transport our camping gear and food. As we walk from Sankaber to Geech, we ll pass spectacular Jinbar Waterfall that plumets into the Geech Abyss. After descending to Jinbar Wenz which feeds the waterfall, we ll head uphill past Geech village to our campsite. If you are up to it, a gentle walk to the summit of nearby Kedadit (3760m) provides excellent 360 degree views. It s also a great spot to watch the sunset! Walk time 6-7 hrs. Overnight at Geech Camp - tents (3600 m) Day 24: Wednesday, 8 March. Geech Camp to Imet Gogo (B,L, D) From the campsite there is an optional hike to the summit of Imet Gogo (3926 m) the best known observation point in the Simien Ranges. From the viewpoint, it s possible to see the lowlands and gain an awesome 360 degree perspective of these incredible mountain ranges. There is also a good chance to see Ethiopian Wolves and Walia Ibex in the area. The Walia Ibex, part of the mountain goat family, is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. We return to camp by the same route. Walk time 5-7 hrs (optional) Overnight at Geech Camp - tents (3600 m) Day 25: Thursday, 9 March. Geech Camp to Chennek Camp (3620 m) (B, L, D) Today we walk along the undulating escarpment with some steep ups and downs to Kurbet Metaya viewpoint. This viewpoint is a gap in the cliff where there are breathtaking views of the sheer mountains to the west. Chennek Camp is a spectacular location in a beautiful valley at the base of Bwahit Peak and bounded by a semicircular ring of cliffs. There is a large troop of Gelada Baboons nearby. Walk time 7-9 hrs Overnight at Chennek camp - tents (3620 m) Day 26: Friday, 10 March. Chennek Camp to Axum (B, L, D) After an early breakfast in the campsite we collect our picnic lunch from Chennek Lodge and drive to Axum along one of Ethiopia s most scenic roads, snaking down through the Italian built Lima Limo zigzag road and the Tekezze river gorge. Drive time 7-8 hrs Overnight in Axum - hotel Day 27: Saturday, 11 March. Axum (B, L, D) Axum, the original capital of the Kingdom of Aksum is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in Africa. It is also the alleged resting place of the Arc of the Covenant, and the home of the Queen of Sheeba. One of the major features of Axum is a collection of obelisks around 1700 years old. The tallest obelisk, the Great Stele is 33 m long and the largest stele in the world. We spend the day with our guide visiting the historic sights in Axum. Overnight in Axum - hotel Day 28: Sunday, 12 March Axem to Gheralta (B, L, D) After breakfast in the hotel we leave Axum and drive through Adwa to Hawzen and visit the temple of Yeha, the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia. We ll also visit one of the rock churches of Tigrai called Medhanialem Adikesho before we continue on to our lodge accommodation for the night. Drive time 8-9 hrs Overnight in Gheralta - lodge Axum Christian Festival

10 Day 29: Monday, 13 March. Gheralta to Mekelle (B, L, D) A day to visit the famous rock churches of Tigray, Abreha Astebeha (4th century), a rock- hewn church with a painstakingly decorated interior and Debre Mariam Korkor, another rock-hewn church situated on one of the high mountains of Gheralta, overlooking the dramatic Gheralta Mountains. A climb from the base to the mountain brings you to the church. After lunch at Wukro we continue driving towards Mekelle for dinner and overnight stay. Drive time 7-8 hrs Walk time 1.5 hrs Overnight in Mekelle - hotel Day 30: Tuesday, 14 March. Mekelle to Hamed Ela Camp (B, L, D) We travel in 4x4s to Hamed Ela, stopping at Berhale to arrange permits and a police escort. We ll also get to see local Tigrean and Afar villages, and maybe some camel caravans carrying salt bars to their local towns. Drive time 4 hrs Overnight at Hemed Ela Camp - tents Day 31: Wednesday, 15 March. Lake Asale and Dallol (B, L, D) After an early start we ll drive to Lake Asale. At 155 m below sea level, this is the lowest point in Africa; the second lowest point on earth after the Dead Sea, and the world s largest salt reserve. After a visit to the merchant and salt workers we ll head to Dallol / Denakil Depression. This is the hottest and most active place on the earth s surface, with an average temperature of degrees Celsius. Later we ll drive back to the campsite for dinner. Overnight at Hemed Ela Camp - tents Day 32: Thursday, 16 March. Erta Ala (B, L, D) This morning we ll drive to Dodome where we ll stow our gear and water on a camel train and hike to Mt Erta Ale, an active volcano (613 m) of rumbling lava to see colourful and spectacular eruptions. It holds one of only six lava lakes in the world. Our guides will pitch tents on the caldera of the volcano where we ll spend the night. Drive time 4-5hrs Walk time 4 hrs Overnight camping on the crater rim above the active lava lake Day 33: Friday, 17 March. Erta Ala to Mekelle (B, L, D) Early in the morning we will walk around the rim of Erta Ale volcano, then walk back to the base of the mountain for breakfast, before starting the drive back to Mekelle. Walk time 3 hrs Drive time 7 hrs Overnight in Mekelle - hotel Day 34: Saturday, 18 March. Mikelle to Lalibela (B, L, D) We leave Mekelle and head to Lalibela through varying landscapes. We will stop at the town of Weldia for lunch and then drive on to Lalibela, again through the Amhara people s villages. Drive time 9 hrs Overnight in Lalibela - hotel Day 35: Sunday, 19 March. Lalibela (B, L, D) This rural town is known for its churches carved from solid rock. The churches were built during the reign of King Lalibela who ruled Ethiopia in the late 12th century and early 13th century. He intended to build a substitute for the Holy Land, notably Jerusalem and Bethlehem, at a time when Christians were not able to travel to the Holy Land. Unesco recognises 11 churches as being historically important, and having a considerable influence on Ethiopian Christianity. We ll spend the day exploring Lalibela with our guide. Overnight in Lalibela - hotel Day 36: Monday, 20 March. Lalibela to Addis Ababa (B, L, D) Transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. We ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. There will be time for lunch and some last minute shopping, or some self-guided sight-seeing. In the evening, we ll have a farewell dinner. Overnight in Addis Ababa - hotel Day 37: Tuesday, 21 March. Transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Climbing around Tigray What s included in Ethiopia Two internal flights in Ethiopia - Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, and Lalibela to Addis Ababa Land transfers as listed using Toyota Coaster bus for

nights camping (Simien Mountains four, Dallol three) Professional English speaking guides Local guides and scout in parks and villages Professional chef to prepare meals in the park and volcano All

International flight from Nairobi to Addis Ababa Camera and video charges Personal expenses, customary tips and alcoholic beverages Sleeping bag (Please note this is a recce trip.

11 Climbing around Tigray What s included in Ethiopia Two internal flights in Ethiopia - Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, and Lalibela to Addis Ababa Land transfers as listed using Toyota Coaster bus for historic routes, 4x4 Land Cruisers, camels and cameleers for Danakil trip Mules and muleteers to transport camping equipment in Simien Mountains Eleven nights accommodation in hotels or lodges Seven nights camping (Simien Mountains four, Dallol three) Professional English speaking guides Local guides and scout in parks and villages Professional chef to prepare meals in the park and volcano All camping gear and cooking utensils (except sleeping bags) All meals as listed (B, L, D) Bottled water All entrance fees Government taxes Bet Giyorgis Church,Lalibela What s not included in Ethiopia International flight from Nairobi to Addis Ababa Camera and video charges Personal expenses, customary tips and alcoholic beverages Sleeping bag (Please note this is a recce trip. To ensure the safety and the well being of the group, please bear in mind the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond our control such as weather and trail conditions, and road or park closures. The final hiking selection is at the discretion of our local tour leaders.)

Ethiopia Simiens Standard Trek and Historic Route Simiens and Ras Deshen, Gondar, Lalibela, and Addis Ababa

Ethiopia Simiens Standard Trek and Historic Route Simiens and Ras Deshen, Gondar, Lalibela, and Addis Ababa Overview The Simien Mountains Massif in the northwest corner of Ethiopia is one of the major