School Groups - ETHIOPIA - The Simien Mountains
Ascent of Ras Deshen, Africa’s fourth highest mountain ~ Viewing rare wildlife ~ Trekking through the Simien Mountains National Park ~ Lalibela's monolithic rock-hewn churches
5 nights hotels and lodges, 8 nights camping, 6 days trekking, max. Altitude – 4620m / 15,157ft. All meals included.
Grade 6
Ethiopia is a very different African destination and an remarkable school group destination. Known as 'The Roof of Africa', this is a land of surprises, with a wealth of superb trekking and a rich cultural heritage. Ethiopia includes some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa, notably in the Simien Mountains which have been designated a World Heritage Site. This highland area in the northern part of Ethiopia includes many summits over 4000 metres (13,100 feet), the highest being Ras Deshen, the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Geographically, the mountains comprise several major plateaux, which are underlain by basalt lavas thousands of metres thick. It is the erosion of these lavas that has created the dramatic escarpments and freestanding pinnacles which are characteristic of the range and which are comparable in terms of spectacle to the Grand Canyon. We access this northern region by way of a short internal flight from Addis Ababa to the ancient capital of Gondar. This latter is a wonderful, historically important, city with an unusual collection of 17th century castles and churches. Six days of trekking takes us through a land of natural wonders and of rare wildlife, including the Simien red fox, the strikingly-maned Gelada baboon and the majestic lammergeier or bearded vulture. Passing several villages, notable for their carefully tended farmland and friendly people, the trek reaches its climax at the summit of Ras Deshen (4620m), where the views extend northwards to Eritrea. A 2-day visit to Lalibela, with its collection of amazing churches, carved out of solid rock, is a great way to end this exceptional Ethiopian adventure. Providing a variety of completely new experiences, this is a great school group itinerary.
Educational perspective
Housed in the National Museum in Addis is 'Lucy', the oldest and most complete hominid skeleton ever found. Discovered in north-east Ethiopia in 1974 and only 3 feet, 8 inches tall, she is over 3 million years old!
Amend or Extend
Add time to trip to include a visit Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile or even a visit to Axum, where the St Mary Church of Zion is said to hold the original Ark of the Covenant.
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The trip pages are only a brief summary of the details available within our trip dossiers. It is important that you read the full day to day description and further information for this trip before making your booking.
Download a dossier for School Groups - ETHIOPIA - The Simien Mountains
