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The fundraising and training is about to pay off as the big day has finally arrived. Having waved goodbye to family and friends, take the flight to Ethiopia to relax ahead of this gruelling challenge or spend time getting to know your teammates before the hard work begins.
The group will be met by a local Charity Challenge representative on arrival in Addis Ababa. We will then be transferred to our hotel, where we can freshen up and recharge for the hard work ahead.
It’s an early start before our flight to Gondar. From there it’s three hours drive to Debark. There’s a short pitstop at the HQ of the Simien Mountains National Park (2,600m). Once there, we check our provisions, load up the mules and trek towards Sankaber. We venture around Aman Amba and keep close to the edge of the escarpment. Team dinner and overnight at Sankaber Camp.
Fertile in parts and harsh elsewhere, the route descends to an escarpment near the head of the Wazla Wenz. Back on the main path, we take the bus to Ambaras. There’s then another transfer to the rock split, from where we walk the final 30 minutes towards Chenek. There are caves at the camp which are home to the unusual rock hyrax.
Draw on all your energy reserves for this long and steep walk to Ambiko. Be on the lookout for a range of endemic Ethiopian birds, many of which reside amid the Simien mountains. Sadly the Simien Wolf has vanished and a growing number of animals are becoming endangered. We arrive at our camp in Ambiko for a well-needed rest ahead of summit day tomorrow.
It’s a 4am start for a long day. We start by ascending Ras Dejen in a loop to the south-east, then north to the summit. This is Africa’s fourth highest mountain and the highest in Ethiopia. Revel in the glory at the summit, but don’t forget that the hard work is not over yet! We retrace our steps for the long descent back to camp.
Rise and shine early again for a steep descent to the valley floor, followed by several hours of climbing to the top of the main escarpment. Walking alongside a river, we see the imposing summit of Ras Dejen. The route heads up to the village of Arkwasiye at 3,400m, before venturing downhill for two hours to Sona, perched right on the edge of the spectacular Devil’s staircase.
The day begins with a near vertical descent (3,300ft/1000m) down the Devil's staircase. We will lunch at the bottom and have the chance to take a swim in the river, before following a slightly undulating path to Lamo. Situated at around 2,000m, Lamo – also known as Mekarebya – is one of the most stunningly beautiful spots in the Simens and will be our welcoming home for the night.
As you awake, take note of the magical view that surrounds you. Have your camera at the ready for a day of ridge and valley treks through some spectacularly beautiful scenery to Mulet, where we camp for the night. Prepare for a night of celebrations after our challenge the Simien Mountains, and before we part ways with the trekking crew.
The final day of walking leads out of the national park. The route heads downhill for up to three hours, before reaching the village of Adi Arkay (1,600m). We stop for a celebratory drink, then bid farewell to our muleteers and camp staff. Feeling exhausted but elated, we hop on the support vehicles for a five-hour drive to Axum, where we spend the night in a hotel.
Axum has a long history, dating back at least 1,000 years before the time of Christ, when the Queen of Sheba made it her capital. The day begins with a tour of the historic sites. It is known for its massive, towering sculptures, some of which are more than 2000-years-old. After lunch, the group flies to Addis Ababa for a final team dinner and hotel stay.
Be sure to exchange contact details with your trekking partners as you head back home to the UK. Armed with a sense of achievement, you can feel proud as you touch down and share your fantastic journey with your family and friends.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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