Gonder

Overview

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Itinerary

• Sankaber (3250m), 3-4 hoursnnAn early start from Gondar takes us along a good gravel road to the park headquarters in Debark (100km, 3 hours by 4u00d74), where we obtain permits and meet our knowledgeable local guide and scout. We drove (1 hour by 4u00d74) into the National Park before starting our first-day introductory walk. This is an easy hike along the northern edge of the escarpment with impressive views over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. You will encounter gelada baboon along this hike and will be welcomed to Sankaber campsite with tea and coffee, where your camp will be prepared in advance of your arrival.

• After a hearty breakfast, we follow the northern escarpment eastward, before descending a little into the Kaba valley. We then climb to reach Gich Abyss and continue over a narrow ridge to a cliff, which reveals a spectacular view of the abyss and Simien foothills to the north. To the east, we have striking views of a large waterfall, where the Jinbar River plunges 500m into the abyss. Two hours further on, wenbreak for lunch on the banks of the Jinbar River. From the valley, we ascend through gelada baboon-filled fields of barley to reach the idyllic village of Gich. From Gich village it is a short walk to Gich camp, perched dramatically above the village and an excellent place to spot lammergeyer, black kite, and thick-billed raven. After a relaxingnafternoon (optionally punctuated by a coffee ceremony), we take a short hike to Kedadit (3760m) to enjoy the sunset and gorgeous shaded landscapes down the cliffs of the escarpment, before returning to camp for a freshly prepared dinner.

• From Gich camp we pass endless fields of giant lobelia before the high pasture gives way to the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926m). (An optional extended route from Gich camp to Imet-Gogo meets the escarpment further north, at the gelada baboon-covered, 3785m-high viewpoint of Saha, before following the precipitous cliffs southwards up to Imet-Gogo.)Time spent at Imet-Gogo is rewarded by superb views over the mountain valleys below and the strikingly-shaped domes in the distance. the contrasting view of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape from here gives the impression that vast chunks of the mountains have been blown away. We climb from the valley to the summit of Inatye (4070m), a spot for lunch. After lunch, we descend for about two hours along a steep trail to reach Chennek. and to spot Walia ibex grazing close to the edge of the escarpment and sometimes skirting the edges of the campsite. The day concludes with a well-deserved dinner served in gratifyingly generous proportions!

• We begin our trek towards the distant Ras Dejen range by ascendingneastwards from Chennek camp, our climb of Buwahit Pass (4200m)naffording fine views of the verdant valley that we are leaving, ofnBuwahit peak to our right and ahead over the very different landscapenof the Menesha River valley and its tributaries to Ras Dejen beyond.nFrom this viewpoint we descend steeply into the valley, passing throughnthe village of Chiro-Leba, before joining walking alongside antributary along a path that leads eventually to the Menesha River.nWe then branch away from the river to ascend to the camp at Ambiko,nwhere we spend the night in preparation for our ascent of Ras Dejennearly the following morning.

• Our climb of more than 1000m to the peak of Ras Dejen begins with breakfast before dawn. We leave Ambiko by following the valley, passing the village of Misma (3500m) before reaching the crest of a ridge that gives excellent views of the sun rising over a larger valley below. We continue to follow the path eastwards in the direction of Ras Dejenu2019s rocky west face. With the sunu2019s rays beginning to reach over the peaks ahead of us, we follow a wide ridge to reach a corrie surrounded by three imposing summits. Following a gulley to the left, we climb up to the highest of them, Ras Dejen, to enjoy views into the distance in all directions, with the rocky features of the rangeu2019s east face highlighted by the morning sun. After allowing plenty of time to rest and appreciate this unique place, we return to Ambiko by the same route. We spend the afternoonnrecuperating over a large lunch and a well-earned rest.

• Return to Cchiro leba drive back to Gondar (3600m), 3_5hrsnWe return to chiro leba by re-tracing the path that we followed onnDay 4. With the sun at our backs as we walk westwards, this treknprovides an excellent opportunity to contrast the peak of Buwahit u2013nahead of us to the south-west for most of the walk u2013 and the westernnthe escarpment of the National Park, with the Ras Dejen range that wenwalked towards on Day 4. then drive back to Gondar

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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