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Prepare for a brisk morning expedition to Gonder, where you'll be greeted by the charming ambiance of this historic mountain city. Nestled amidst stunning mountain scenery, Gonder boasts a storied past as a pivotal hub along caravan routes in the 17th century, and it even bore witness to Italian presence during World War II. The captivating Art Deco structures adorning the precincts of the Royal Enclosure, replete with ancient castles and churches, serve as poignant reminders of Gonder's illustrious heritage. Later today, explore Gonder's renowned castle and the iconic churches of Debra Berhan Silassie, renowned for its mesmerizing ceiling adorned with intricate angelic motifs.
Commence your expedition from Gonder and venture towards Debark, the gateway to the park headquarters. Take a moment to fulfill entry formalities, acquire a scout guide, and savor some tea and coffee before commencing your ascent to the mountain.
Your ultimate destination is Machibiny, where your introductory hike begins, spanning approximately 3-4 hours. Wander across the mountain plateau, keeping a safe distance from the edge, and settle in for the night at Sankaber. Along this trek, keep your eyes peeled for the remarkable Gelada Baboon, a potential highlight of your journey!
We commence our trek from the northern escarpment, heading eastward until we reach the Kaba valley. Ascending again, we journey towards Gich Abyss, where a breathtaking panorama of the Simien foothills awaits. To one side, the Jinbar River cascades 500m into the abyss, offering a mesmerizing sight. After admiring the scenery, we traverse fields of barley until we reach the serene Gich village.
In Gich, immerse yourself in the traditional coffee ceremony and glimpse local farm life. A brief stroll from Gich leads us to Gich Camp, an ideal spot for spotting the Lammergeier or the Thick-billed Raven. Following a relaxed afternoon, we embark on a hike up to Kedadit, witnessing the sunset over the picturesque landscape stretching eastward. Finally, we return to the camp to savor a delightful dinner.
Let's embark on an adventure through the vast fields of Lobelia, ascending towards Imet-Gogo, towering at an impressive height of 3926m. Along the way, we'll be greeted by majestic vistas of valleys and distant domes, offering a captivating panorama. Descending into the Jinbahir Rift valley, we'll observe Imet Gogo and its volcanic terrain from a fresh perspective.
The trail then meanders along the escarpment's edge, plunging steeply by 400m before ascending to the peak at 4070m. After relishing our lunch atop the summit, we'll proceed along the trail to Chennek for approximately two hours. En route, we'll be treated to stunning scenery, with breathtaking vistas unfolding in every direction. With luck, we may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Walia Ibex during the late afternoon or early morning hours!
Today, our trek entails a combination of uphill and downhill stretches, with a predominance of ascents over descents. Despite the uphill terrain, the path presents only mild challenges, nothing akin to sheer cliffs. Along this journey, we'll be treated to breathtaking vistas, including a magnificent view of the nation's highest peak, Ras-Dejen (4543m), as well as Mt. Buhawit (4430m).
The entire trek is estimated to take approximately 5 to 6 hours on foot, followed by an additional 5 hours or so by car for the return journey to Gondar.
Embark on a journey to the legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela, often referred to as Ethiopia's own 'Petra' and Africa's renowned Jerusalem. As a fitting conclusion to your Ethiopian adventure, immerse yourself in the enchanting red-stoned churches meticulously carved out of rock. Accompanied by your guide, wander through the intricate passages and tunnels connecting each structure. These timeless churches continue to host religious services and events, preserving their sacred significance to this day.
Today, allow your tour guide to unveil something extraordinary: the eastern array of rock-hewn churches. Though not as vast as the main churches, these devout sanctuaries exhibit astonishing detail and conceal several clandestine subterranean passages to discover. For an unparalleled experience, venture into the Nakutelab rock-hewn religious site nestled within a hillside, embraced by its natural grotto. To conclude the day's expedition, engage in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a local residence, adding a delightful cultural touch to your journey.
Upon concluding our visit, we will fly back to our home base of Addis Ababa and commemorate our journey with a final dinner at one of the city's traditional hotels. Following this, we will proceed to the airport for our return flight.
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