Ethiopia - Simyen Mountain / Gondar Itinerary (days: 7)

The Simyen Mountains constitute one of Africa's largest ranges, including several peaks above 4000 metres. One of these, Mount Ras Dashen is the fourth highest mountain on the continent. Mule trekking is the way to get around the Simyen National Park, as the terrain is challenging and the area is vast. Views over the valleys and lower mountains are awesome. Commencing at Sankabar campsite on mule back , the best part of the journey is from that camp site to the high -lying Geech camp. An extension to Mt. Ras Dashen is available on request for serious trekking enthusiasts.

DAY 1, SUNDAY: Fly from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa. Collect your baggage and proceed through customs. You will be met by our agents (Galaxy Express Services) outside the international arrival hall, who will transfer you to the Crown Hotel. Afternoon city tour to see the Entoto Hills, National Museum and Trinity Cathedral. Overnight stay at the Crown Hotel (dinner)

DAY 2 , MONDAY: Flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar. Transfer to the Goha Hotel. Transfer from Gondar to Sankabar by road (4 hours drive). Overnight camping at Sankabar camp. (Full Board) From this point you can walk to the edge of an abyss, where you marvel at the spectacular scenery

DAY 3, TUESDAY : Short walk from the campsite to the "Jinbar Falls". Mule trek from Sankabar to Geech camp (4 - 5 hours). This trek leads mainly through cultivated areas to the 3,660 metre campsite. Gelada baboons are common here. Look for the endangered Wahlia Ibex. Birds include Lammergeyer; Ruppell's Griffons and Choughs as well as endemics like Thick-billed Raven; Black-headed Siskin; White- collared Pigeon; Wattled Ibis, White-billed Starling and White-backed black Tit. Overnight camping at Geech. (3.660 meters). (Full Board)

DAY 4, WEDNESDAY : Mule trek from Geech to Imet Gogo (3.900 metres). Geech warrants a second day's stay as there are several good spots where you may see Wahlia ibex, Gelada baboons and birds. There are breathtaking views from Gidgergot, K'adadit and Saha. Return by mule to Sankabar. Overnight stay camping (full board)

DAY 5, THURSDAY : Transfer from Sankabar to Gondar by car. Overnight Goha Hotel. (Full Board)

DAY 6, FRIDAY : Flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa. Afternoon spent at the Merkato area which has many leather shops as well as wonderful coffee bars and snack bars. A huge variety of curios are available for sale here. Overnight at the Crown Hotel (Breakfast & dinner)

DAY 7, SATURDAY : Transfer to the airport and flight from Addis Ababa to Johannesburg.