actionchallenge in This incredible trek takes us into the Simien Mountains, from the market town of Debark to the barren summit of Ras Dashen at 4,533m. It is a fantastic, unforgettable ten day challenge across stunning mountain scenery. Together with our guides and muleteers, we set off on our journey following a typical, rollercoaster path which leads us down into the Michotis Valley, up the other side, down to the Jin Bahir river crossing and back up to Geech where we camp for the night. As we continue our hike, far up into the n Highlands, we see many impressive afro-alpine plants and are treated to stunning views across the Lowlands, characterised by their rocky spires and mesas. The area is rich in wildlife and will hopefully deliver us a glimpse of the rare Walia ibex, Simien fox or the Gelada baboons as they scamper about in the surrounding vegetation. We make our way over the high Bwahit pass (4,200m), enjoy lunch at Chiro Liba village school and descend into Mesheha River valley (2,850m). Each night we sleep under canvas at our camps where we tuck into hearty meals to keep our energy levels up for our spectacular trekking days. Our goal is the summit of Ras Dashen (4,533m). It s a long day of trekking as we contour a number of steep gullies until we reach a high rocky plateau dominated by three peaks. From here it s an easy scramble up to the top of Africa s fourth highest mountain. Together we stand, high above and look out over the barren rocky mountain below us. We feel an incredible sense of achievement that will stay with us forever. Our last day is spent in Gondar where we explore its Italian piazza and historic Royal Enclosure before having a special meal together to celebrate our fantastic achievement. at a glance Activity: Trekking Location: Simien Mountains, Duration: 10 Days / 5 days trekking Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 80 km Group size: 15-25 trip highlights Reach the summit of Ras Dashen (4,533m) Addis Ababa Spot the rare Walia ibex See afro-alpine plants Cross the Bwahit Pass (4,200m) Experience an n Coffee Ceremony Explore the town of Gondar Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life. www.actionchallenge.com
introduction This fully-inclusive adventure to will begin as soon as you register! You will receive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all the essentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offer pre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet our trek leaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges around the world. On the day of departure you will meet your group and Action Challenge leader at the airport in London. Whether you re joining the challenge on your own or with others, you will instantly be made to feel welcome.. As a team we will board our flight to, ready to take on the hike of a lifetime! brief itinerary Please visit our website for more details All inclusive trip cost from 1,899 Initial 399 deposit to sign up Three payment options available Please visit our website for more details Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Depart UK Arrive Addis Ababa Gondar-Geech Camp Chenek Camp Ambikwa Camp Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Summit of Rash Dashen Chenek Gondar Depart Addis Ababa Arrive UK what s included International flights Action Challenge trek leader Full support team, including local guides UK medic All accommodation All meals, except in free time Airline taxes Treated drinking water All transfers in local vehicles National Park entrance fees Celebration dinner Invitation to a challenge briefing in London Discounted training weekends in the Peak District and Wales Fitness and training guide Discounts from UK retailers Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health This has been classed as a moderate challenge with five days of trekking and periods of prolonged climbs. Each day of trekking will last between 5 and 12 hours dependant on the distance walked so a good level of aerobic fitness will be needed. has an average day temperature of 27 C all year round. The nights are also warm, only dropping to 25 C. Heavy rains affect the area during June and October so these months should be avoided but all other months are ideal for a visit.
itinerary DAY 1 - Depart London We depart in the evening for an overnight flight from London to Addis Ababa. Meals: Dependent on flight schedule DAY 2 - Addis Ababa We arrive at Addis Ababa airport in the early afternoon and transfer to our hotel to relax. If time allows there will be free time to visit Addis Ababa s historic sites including the National Museum, where we can see the 3.2 million year old remains of Lucy, whose skeletal remains where discovered in 1974. This evening we have a briefing by our guides, followed by a welcome dinner. Meals: L,D Accom: Hotel DAY 3 - Gondar-Geech Camp This morning we take an internal flight over stunning scenery to the city of Gondar (2,175m) in the North Eastern Highlands of. On arrival we transfer 5 hours through increasingly mountainous environment, to the market town of Debark where we stop for lunch. This afternoon we meet our local guides and muleteers and start our challenge with a descent into the Michotis Valley. After climbing up out of the valley we have great views of the Jin Bahir River plummeting into the Geech Abyss. We later descend to cross the Jin Bahir and, after a steep climb, we reach Geech camp (3,600m) where we stay overnight. Breakfasts each morning will be at our accommodation, whilst lunches will be en route. Evening meals will be freshly prepared for us either in camp or at our hotel/lodge in time for our arrival with a variety of rice, pasta, vegetables and a selection of fresh meat and fresh fish. We can cater for all dietary requirements if informed in advance. Two nights in 2/3* hotels 5 nights camping All accommodation is on a twin/tripleshare, single-sex basis and we will pair you with someone of a similar age, where possible. If you wish to share a room with someone you are travelling with, please specify this Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Time trekking: 5 hours DAY 4 - Cheneck Camp After an early camp breakfast we head to the escarpment edge at Saha and Imetgogo (3,926m) where there are stunning views over the lowlands, characterised by rocky spires and mesas. Clinging to the escarpment edge we trek over undulating terrain towards our camp at Chenek. On the way we see many impressive Giant Lobelia which dominate the Afro alpine landscape. There is also a high chance of seeing some Gelada baboons. If you decide that you would like to have your own room on the challenge, we can accommodate this in the majority of places. Please email us for more information Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Time trekking: 6-8 hours DAY 5 - Ambikwa Camp Today we start our trek to the Bwahit Pass (4,200m) which runs below the Simien Mountains second highest peak. Our hard work is rewarded with incredible views and, after a rest, we descend steeply towards the village of Chiro Liba, where we enjoy lunch at the local school. This afternoon we continue our descent to the Mesheha River valley (2850m) before climbing again to reach Ambikwa camp at (3,200m), where we stay for the night and enjoy an excellent evening meal. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Time trekking: 7-9 hours Insurance - approximately 60 Visa - 14 Vaccinations - Yellow Fever and up-todate on boosters. Malaria tablets will be required. Please seek advice from your GP. Tips for local staff - recommended amount $30 Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as applied by airlines. Please note that this is capped at a maximum of 150.
DAY 6 - Summit of Ras Dashen This is the most challenging day of the trek as we tackle the summit of Ras Dashen (4,533m). After a early hearty breakfast we trek up to the head of the valley and the village of Mizma where we get our first view of our imposing goal. To reach it, we contour round a number of steep gullies ascending all the time, until we find ourselves on a rocky plateau dominated by three peaks. We then have a relatively easy scramble to the top of Africa s fourth highest mountain where we take in the view. After a brief rest and lunch on the summit we descend by the same route back to Ambikwa camp, where we enjoy a well-deserved rest for the night. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Time trekking: 10-12 Hours DAY 7 - Chenek Today we retrace our steps to the small village of Chenek. From there we transfer to our camp for our last night under canvas in the remote environment of the Simien Mountains. A kit list will be sent to you on receipt of registration. Many everyday items can be used on this challenge, and we offer a kit hire service to keep costs down. If you are planning on travelling to before the challenge or wish to organise your own flights, we do offer a land only option, with a significant discount off the trip price. You will be required to meet your group at the hotel on day two of the itinerary. Please email us for more information Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Time trekking: 8-9 Hours DAY 8 - Gondar This morning we transfer to our hotel in Gondar where we have a free afternoon to relax or explore the town and visit the famous Fasil Ghebbi fortress. Tonight we celebrate our incredible achievements over the past few days with a celebration dinner. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel DAY 9 - Return to Addis - Depart In the morning we transfer to the airport for our internal flight to Addis Ababa where we catch our connecting flight back to the UK. Meals: B,L,D training weekends / briefings We run a number of training weekends throughout the year in the Peak District, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. These are fully-inclusive - 2 night s accommodation and all meals. We also organise training days in London and the North and South downs. On both, you will get the chance to meet our mountain leaders and test out your kit and fitness! You will also receive an invite to a challenge briefing in central London. DAY 10 - Arrive UK Alcoholic drinks Drinks and food outside of meals, other than water Personal kit / equipment Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as applied by airlines. Please note that this is capped at a maximum of 150.
payment options A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of 399 (for 2015) is required to secure your place. We offer 2 deposit payment options: OPTION 1: Deposit paid in full, by card at the time of registration. OPTION 2: Deposit paid in two 50/50 split payments. The first 50% is paid when you register and the second is charged to your payment card at the end of the following month. For this option, a 10 supplement will be charged with the first instalment. ATOL is a scheme that protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. Action Challenge is 100% ATOL bonded, which provides you with full financial protection. On receipt of your registration fee, you will receive an ATOL certificate explaining your protection. Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost. Full details are on our website. 1) SELF FUNDED For anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves. It s then completely up to you whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice. The total all inclusive cost of this trip is 1,899 (for 2015), which, after you pay the 399 Registration Deposit, leaves a balance of 1,500. This final balance is due for payment 10 weeks before your departure along with any fuel surcharges levied by the airline. 2) SPONSORSHIP FUNDED This is for anyone who wants to take on this challenge and will link it with fundraising a significant sum of money for a charity of their choice. You would have to raise at least 3,000 (for 2015) via sponsorship and donations from friends, family and colleagues, and be confident at the outset that you can achieve this total. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 3,000 (for 2015), your charity will pay for the balance of your trip costs to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is 1,500 (the same as if you were you were Self Funded ) - the charity will retain at least 1,500 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure. how to book To book on to this challenge, please visit our website; www.actionchallenge.com for a full list of prices and all available dates. private groups If you are a charity, business, school or private group with a minimum of 10 people and fancy your own bespoke trip, please call us on +44(0)207 609 6695 or you can send us an email to events@actionchallenge.com for more information. 3) MIXED FUNDED A mix of the 2 options above! You pay about half the trip cost yourself, and also fundraise for your charity. They pay the remaining balance of your trip costs. Ideal for anyone who wants to take on the challenge and also fundraise for a charity, BUT is happy to pay a reasonable proportion of the trip cost themselves, which with your registration deposit, is set at a level that covers at least the costs of flights & accommodation; perfect for those who feel more at ease asking for sponsorship in respect to the challenge component of their trip. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 2,250 (for 2015), your charity will pay a portion of your trip cost to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is 900. At the same time, you will be required to pay the remaining balance yourself, which will be a figure of 600 (These two amounts add up to the same as the Self Funded final balance) - the charity will retain at least 1,350 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure. @actionchallenge www.facebook.com/actionchallenge Action Challenge UK Ltd United House North Road London N7 9DP United Kingdom