Trekking

DAY 1: ADDIS ABABA ARRIVAL AND CITY TOUR

Depart from your country flight to Addis flight and arrive at Bole International airport, meet our company representative and transfer to hotel. Then start Addis Ababa city tour including a drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic view of the city, national Museum which is the resting place of our ancestor LUCY, Ethnological museum to see the different tribe’s culture, Merkato the biggest open Market in Africa, Museum. Overnight Caravan hotel 3*.
www.caravanaddis.com

DAY 2: ADDIS TO BAHIRDAR

Morning drive to Bahirdar on the way visiting monastery Debre Libanos, Portuguese bridge and Blue Nile Gorge. You will cross many Amhara people village and there is great chance to see their culture, village, Overnight Jacaranda hotel.
www.jacarandahotelbahirdar.com

DAY 3: BAHIRDAR

Morning boat excursion over Lake Tana to the Zeghie peninsula to visit the beautifully painted churches that are found hidden in the small forest: Ura Kidane Miheret, on the way you will have the chance to over view Kibran Gebriel and Entos Monastery and the outlet of the Blue Nile river. P.M drive 70KM round trip to visit Tississat named after the water falls of the Blue Nile River (the life blood for the Sudanese and Egyptians). You have the chance to meet the real country side of Ethiopia and enjoy the people way of life. Be informed that clients will walk about 20 minutes to arrive near to the water falls on Blue Nile. For those who don’t want to walk, we use boat both ways to arrive at the water falls. Overnight Jacaranda hotel.
www.jacarandahotelbahirdar.com

DAY 4: DRIVE TO GONDER

Morning drive to Gonder. On the way visit the Guzara castle, admire the wonderful landscape and view. Afternoon hotel you will be taken to visit the castle compound where you can see the medieval castle of king Fasilidas, King Yohannes, King Eyasu, King Dawit, King Bakafa and Queen Mentewab further visit of the churches of Debre Birhan Selassie with awesome wall paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas . Overnight Goha hotel
www.gohahotel.com

DAY 5: DRIVE GONDER – SEMIEN MOUNTAIN

Morning drive to Semien Mountain. Five kms from Gonder you will visit the previous black Jewish village. In Semien Mountain visit the marvelous scenery of the Semien Mountain, the endemic animals of Walya Ibex, Chilada Baboon and birds. Overnight Sona hotel at Debark.

DAY 6: SEMIEN MOUNTAIN “ROOF OF AFRICA”

After breakfast, drive to Sankaber and walk around. Sankaber lies within the Park and found at an altitude of 3825msl. It is the place to see troops of Gelada Baboon on the way. They are very attractive and so taking picture of them is unforgettable. These are a different primates found only in Ethiopia and live on vegetables and soft roots. Walk to the wonderful viewpoints around Sankaber. Lunch box will be taken on the site/view point. Later, drive to Chenek and walk around to see the scenic mountains and views in the surrounding. Chenek lies at an altitude of 3800 m ASL in the valley at the bottom of the second highest pick called Buahit 4000 m ASL. It is the ideal place to see one of the endemic mammals found in the park, the Walia Ibex. They adapt living in the gigantic cliff age and high altitude. This adaptation comes from habitat loose because in the past they used to live at around 2500 m ASL. The males are big in size while the females are smaller. With such a colossal horn curved to the back, the males are easily spotted sleeping on the rock or standing near the giant lobelia. They are very solitary, the female are very close to each other and the family is organized by the dominant mother. It is very common to see one of the high altitude plant called giant Lobelia. When it grows fully, it reaches a height of 9 to 12 meters with a flowering part on the top. For this plant it is quite a struggle to grow at such high altitude where the weather is very difficult. But nature has it all in it. Overnight Sona hotel at Debark.

DAY 7: SEMIEN MOUNTAIN- AXUM

Morning view of the beautiful scenery of the Semien from Debark and drive to Axum Enjoying the western side of the dramatic Simien Mountain, Pass Limalimo, the most challenging road in Ethiopia but awesome landscape, cross the Tekeze Valley and arrive in Axum. Here you will see the Tigray people way of life and their culture. Visit some small villages. Overnight Yared Zema International hotel.

DAY 8: VISIT AXUM

Morning start to visit the historical sites of Axum including the St. Mary church (where the Arc of the covenant is said to be kept) and the stele park, the ruins of the former palace of Queen of Sheba (Dungur Palace) the ruins of the former tombs of King Kaleb and his successor King Gebre Meskel. Overnight Yared Zema International hotel.

DAY 9: DRIVE AXUM – GHERALTA

After breakfast, we will depart to Gheralta. On our way, we will visit the Adwa Mountains which was the battle place where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians in 1896, pre-Axumite Temple of Yeha, which is the first civilization of Ethiopia started before Axum, some of the tigray rock hewn church Overnight Geralta Lodge.
www.gheraltalodgetigrai.com

DAY 10: GHERALTA CLUSTER CHURCHES

Today we will visit the Gheralta village, clime to Abune Yemata church (The climb to Abune Yemata is tough and you will be ready for this trip. The view is awesome and amazing. Optional visit to the less challenging churches of the Tigray if Abune Yemata is challenging for our clients. The other option will be Mariay Korkur. As there are many churches our guide will take you as per your interest and ability to walk/climb. Overnight Geralta Lodge.
www.gheraltalodgetigrai.com

DAY 11: DRIVE GERALTA- MEKELE

Morning visit the Geralta Rock hewn churches of , Abreha Atsbeha and Wukro chirkos . Further drive to Mekele o/n Axum hotel for breakfast and dinner.
www.axum-hotels.com

DAY 12: DRIVE MEKELE - LALIBELA

After breakfast you will visit the salt market in Mekele and then we will drive to Lalibela through Ambalage Chains of Mountain. Picnic Lunch en-route, arrive in Lalibela. Overnight top 12 hotel.
www.toptwelvehotel.com

DAY 13: VISIT LALIBELA

Morning start to visit the 1st group churches which are included Bieta Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savior) which is the biggest and Bieta Mariam (Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar containing inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act) of saintly king. Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “double – church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the remains of King Lalibela are and also because it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity). PM Visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra and visit the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George. Overnight top 12 hotel.
www.toptwelvehotel.com

DAY 14: LALIBELA

In Lalibela you will have optional mule excursion to Asheten Mariam church situated at a very hill top, to see the town of Lalibela and the surrounding attraction. In the afternoon, you'll be driven to the charming semi–cave church of Neakutoleab, a church of the early 13th century. Overnight top 12 hotel.
www.toptwelvehotel.com

Second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra and visit the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George. Overnight top 12 hotel.
www.toptwelvehotel.com

DAY 15: FLIGHT TO ADDIS.

After breakfast transfer to airport for the flight back to Addis. Have city tour and evening attend farewell dinner in the traditional restaurant. Depart to airport for the night flight and end of the trip.

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON: - 4WD Cars used
• 2 PAX = Euro 2,511 per person. - One 2014 model
• 4 PAX = Euro 2,118 per person. - One 2014 model
• 6 PAX = Euro 1,901 per person. - Two 2014 model
• 8 PAX = Euro 1,817 per person. - Two 2014 model
• SRS= EU 143

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP

Distance: 10.75km
Altitude Gained: 1210m Machame Gate to Machame HutsMachame Route day 1
Our adventure begins after breakfast at around 8am when our car arrives to pick you up from your hotel and take you to Machame Gate (1828m), where you must register.
The first day of the trek takes you into the forest bearding Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. It’s quite a sweaty uphill walk of 10.5km or so, though there is plenty to distract you as we look out for some of Kilimanjaro’s unique, endemic flora, as well as colobus and blue monkey and other creatures of the forest. We will also break for lunch while in the forest.
At the day’s end we reach the upper limit of the forest and the Machame Camp (3032m), with views over the treetops to the plains below. Your porters will already have your tents erected and will be busy preparing dinner.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAVE

Distance: 5.3km;
Altitude Gained: 818m Machame Day 2Machame Huts to Shira Caves
Once again the second day involves a steepish trek as we leave the forest behind and plough through the heath and moorland – Kilimanjaro’s second vegetation zone. (There are four or so vegetation zones on the mountain, which is why some people say that the climb is going through four seasons in four days.) During today, and fairly early on, we will also catch our first glimpse of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s famed, snowy summit – and our ultimate destination. Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro’s nearest neighbour, is also visible during today’s trek. You will notice, too, that we will be setting a deliberately slow pace from today onwards, to help everyone acclimatize to the thinning air.
About an hour after lunch, the gradient levels out slightly as we approach the Shira Plateau, with more celebrated Kilimanjaro flora such as groundsels and weird lobelias.

Our final destination on this second day is the Shira Cave Campsite (aka New Shira Campsite), with views up the plateau towards Kibo as well as westwards towards Kili’s little-known third summit, Johnsell Point. As with every campsite on the route, your tent will be erected and snacks will be served upon arrival, followed by a main meal later in the evening.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAVE TO BARRANCO CAMP

Distance: 10.75km;
Altitude Gained: 147m (788m up to Lava Tower, then a descent of 641m)
Machame Route day 3Shira Caves to Barranco Huts
The morning begins with a lengthy crossing of the plateau as we head due east toward Kibo. It’s a long walk but a very photogenic one with the snowy summit of Kilimanjaro a constant looming presence ahead; most people, I find, say that this is their favourite part of the walk.
Lunch this time is taken near the Lava Tower, at the foot of Kibo. We are now heading into some serious altitude, with Lava Tower standing at 4530m above sea level. For this reason, it is normal for people to have a slight headache when they finally reach our campsite for the evening, Barranco Camp, following a steep descent to 3986m. This is entirely normal, and only worrying if the symptoms persist. By way of compensation, Barranco is the prettiest campsite on the route, set amongst a grove of senecio hard against the south face of Kibo. Snacks and then dinner is served in the evening.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO BARAFU HUTS VIA KARANGA VALLEY

Distance: 8.5km;
Altitude Gained: 676m
Machame Route Day 4Barranco Huts to Barafu Huts Today is a short day of only three hours or so, built in to make sure you are fully rested and relaxed in order to prepare you for the extra long day tomorrow. Nevertheless, the start of today is a bit of a shock as you are immediately confronted by the Barranco Wall. Taking over an hour to climb, you may need to use your hands on occasions to haul yourself up the rocks but please don’t be over-concerned – this is not mountaineering, the wall is not dangerous (I’ve never heard of anyone falling off it), and nor have I ever heard of anyone failing to complete it.

At the summit of the wall the path drifts and meanders gently to the Karanga Valley, a gorgeous little place where malachite sunbirds flit from flower to flower. If we were on a seven-day trek we would find our campsite lies at the top of the other side of the valley, a stiff but short climb up from the Karanga stream. Both lunch and dinner will be served at this campsite. But for a six-day climb we still have another three hours or so to go as we traverse the southern side of Kibo, walking through a spectacular lunar landscape bereft of life on our way to Barafu Camp, on the south-eastern shoulder of Kibo.
Here we will rest, take lunch and dinner, and try to get some sleep before the rigours of the night ahead.

NIGHT 4 / DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT AND DESCENT TO MWEKA CAMP

Distance: 4.86km to Uhuru Peak; then 11.5km descent to Mweka Camp;
Altitude Gained: 1233m to Uhuru Peak, then a descent of 2789m.
Barafu Huts to Uhuru PeakMachame Route Summit
Arising at around midnight, we begin our slow march up to Stella Point (5745m) on the edge of the Kibo crater. It’s a steep, slow, cold march and a test of your endurance – this is where you’ll earn your Kilimanjaro certificate. Nevertheless, providing you have avoided altitude sickness and have acclimatized well, there is no reason why you shouldn’t make it up to Stella Point. This we reach, all being well, at around 5am, though it can be much later depending on your condition.

From Stella Point it is a mere 45 minutes further on, past glaciers and snowfields and with views over the Kibo Crater, to Uhuru Peak – at 5895m the highest point in Africa! Here, if we’re on time, we can watch the sun rise over the African continent, take photos – and take a breather too!
After a rest at the top, we continue back down to Barafu Camp – a walk that is considerably quicker than it was on the way up! At Barafu we take breakfast and relax for an hour, before continuing our march down the mountain, this time on the Mweka Trail. Today’s walk takes us back down through the alpine desert, heath and moorland zones until we once more enter the forest zone via Millennium Camp (3827m). There, amongst the trees, we find the Mweka Campsite (3106m), our final stop on the trek. We should arrive there at about 4pm – and you have been walking for around 16 hours, less breaks! Exhausting but, if you made it to the top, you’ll think it was worth it!

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

Distance: 9.1km;
Altitude Gained: 1473m
Mweka Huts to Mweka GateMachame Day 6
It’s just a couple of hours further now from the campsite to Mweka Gate (1633m), where those who made it to the summit or Stella Point will collect their certificates. A car will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, and a land of warm showers and cold beers. Your trek is at an end.

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON:
• 1 PAX = Euro 3,167 per person.
• 2 PAX = Euro 2,753 per person.
• 3 PAX = Euro 2,541 per person.
• 4 PAX = Euro 2,305 per person.
• 5 PAX = Euro 2,235 per person.
• 5 - 10 PAX = Euro 2,017 per person.
• 11 - 15 PAX = Euro 1,797 per person.
• 16 - 20 PAX = Euro 1,710 per person.

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