African Mountains Trekking Holidays, Ethiopia
Simien Mountains Walking Holiday in the Horn of Africa
Jun 15, 2009
Most keen walkers thinking of a trekking destination in Africa will choose Tanzania or Kenya, drawn by the high peaks of Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Few consider Ethiopia for an adventure holiday, probably as the first image that comes to mind is one of famine and drought.
Yet Ethiopia hides a wealth of cultural and historical heritage together with what is arguably the most beautiful mountain range in Africa, the Simien mountains. The precipitous jagged rocks and deep gorges that characterize the Simien National Park are known as the “chess pieces of the gods” after Homer likened the landscape to a chess playground for the gods.
Simien Mountains Adventure Holiday
The Simien mountains National Park lies in the far North of Ethiopia close to the border with Eritrea, a source of ongoing conflict. At 179 sq km in size, the park is a UNESCO world heritage site and lies at an altitude of between 1,900 and 4,430 m. Trekking holidays here take the traveler through tiny villages and lowland fields then onto steep gorges and sheer precipices. The upper slopes are dry, cold and barren and the high point of Ras Dashen lies at 4,543 m.
Trekking in this part of Ethiopia offers a unique and often humbling experience, especially when camping near poor villages. Eager children only a few years old will endeavor to hold hands with foreigners; the realization that their leathery palms are the result of living in such a harsh arid landscape rather than the result of disease puts modern western life into real perspective.
Trekking Route through the Simien Mountains
Whilst the most impressive sections of the park can be seen by a keen walker in just a few days, most responsible travel trekking companies organize tours lasting 8 to10 days. This allows time to take in the spectacular scenery and observe the endemic wildlife whilst also visiting typical villages to experience the coffee ceremony, a key part of Ethiopian culture. Walkers also need plenty of time to acclimatize if they wish to make the tough but optional ascent of Ras Dashen.
Tours start at Debark where mules, cooks and guides are obtained together with armed guards, necessary though initially intimidating for protection.
Highlights of the Simien Mountains Trekking Holiday
- 17th century churches at Gondar, before starting the trek proper from Debark.
- Close-up views of endemic wildlife in their natural environment. Gelada Baboons are seen on leaving the first overnight camp and, though from a distance, Walia Ibex can be viewed. Among the many birds is the majestic Lammergeyer which can often be seen circling camps in search of food.
- Gazing at the famous “chess pieces” from outside Geech camp on a plateau known as Imet Gogo.
- Ice cold washing water if there is any at all!
- Ascent of Ras Dashen. Though the scenery there is not exactly stunning, it is a surreal experience to sit on a high peak alongside tiny Tigrayan children who live there tending goats.
- Participation in the coffee ceremony in a poor mountain village.
- Dancing the iskista at the post trek party – a dance movement with shoulders juddering up and down in a set rhythm and jerking of the head.
- Sampling fasting food like the pancake called injera made from the local cereal tef, plain yet tasty with spicy vegetables.
- The aromas that are remembered more than the sights such as walking down a street in Gondar surrounded by bags of dried chilies literally roasting in the sun.
Responsible Holidays to Ethiopia
Trekking tourists are encouraged to bring pens for school children and to make any donations directly to the tour company in support of active projects like the Gondar Eye Surgery initiative.
This project, supported by the adventure tour company Exodus, aims to combat the high levels of blindness especially in children, easily preventable via simple cataract surgery and eye-drop treatment for diseases like fly-borne conjunctivitis.
African Mountains Trek
Consider Ethiopia for a trekking holiday and experience breathtaking beauty, wonderful wildlife and life beyond the images of famine and strife which puts modern western life into stark perspective. Be humbled and give as much back as you take away.
Sources:
Country wealth ranked by GDP per capita, Country Comparison, CIA World Factbook, 2008 est.
Related Articles
You may also be interested in Responsible Travel in Ethiopia and Things to do on an Adventure Holiday in Ethiopia.
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