The landscapes and wildlife of the north of Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains
November to April
9 days / 7 nights – from £ 3,490 per person
Naturalist and photographic trip with Henry Brousmiche
Would you like to discover rarely visited reserves with grandiose landscapes of valleys, peaks and vertiginous precipices?
Would you like to watch, from a boat, the sun rising on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, one of the two sources of the Nile, and visit the second largest waterfall in Africa?
Would you like to observe endemic Ethiopian species such as the impressive but peaceful Gelada baboon, the Ibex Walia, the Wolf of Abyssinia, the Klipspringer, the Thick-billed raven (the largest sparrow in the world) and the Bearded Vulture?
Join the naturalist, author and professional photographer Henry Brousmiche to live these unique experiences.
Some of the highlights of this safari are the following:
– live in immersion in immense territories rarely visited, including legendary lakes and mountains
– observe and photograph endemic fauna and birds
– benefit from naturalist knowledge and personalized photographic advice
– maximize time with animals and in landscapes when conditions are optimal for observation and photography
– enjoy staying in a lodge with an exceptional panorama in the heart of Simien Mountains National Park, allowing you to be close to the action and animals
A superb adventure on mythical lands, rarely visited!
Day 1: Departure from Europe to Ethiopia
Departure from Europe during the afternoon or early evening for a direct night flight to Ethiopia and its capital Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Arrival in Addis Ababa and continuation to Lake Tana
Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport early in the morning. Welcome at the airport, breakfast (on own account) with Ethiopian coffee and private transfer for a visit to the National Museum (optional) or a direct departure to the north of the capital of Ethiopia for a visit to the Entoto Mountains, famous for their abundance of birds.
After lunch, departure by domestic flight to Bahar Dar and transfer to the shores of Lake Tana to the Kuriftu Hotel (or equivalent) for the night. Dinner at the hotel.
Night at the Kuriftu Hotel. Full board.
Day 3: Lake Tana and the Blue Nile
Departure from the hotel very early to witness the sunrise on board a boat on Lake Tana, which allows observation and photography of the water birds on the lake and its islands in the golden light of dawn.
After lunch, transport by road to the sources of the Blue Nile and walk to admire and photograph the landscape.
Night at the Kuriftu Hotel. Full board.
Day 4: From Lake Tana to the Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, departure by road for the Simien Mountains National Park passing by Gondar, the ancient capital of Ethiopia, (3 hours) which will allow a short stopover to visit its Millennial castle and its thermal baths. Continuation of this day of transit to the Simien Mountains National Park (3 hours) and arrival in a beautiful eco-lodge, in time to relax before dinner.
Night at the Simien Lodge. Full board.
Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park – Chilkwalit area
After a hearty breakfast, departure for a 3 to 4 hour hike in the Chilkwalit area. This loop will allow photography of the endemic species of the park and the opportunity to meet the first troops of the endemic Gelada Baboon.
In case of difficulty, a vehicle will be available and in any case it will provide transportation back to the lodge.
Picnic lunch and hiking tour in the afternoon, taking advantage of this time to admire the striking landscapes of the park. Return to the lodge in the afternoon.
Night at the Simien Lodge. Full board.
Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park – Sankaber and Jinbar area
After breakfast, departure by road for Sankaber (3,250m) and start of a hike to the Jinbar Falls. This walk in the sun will allow the chance to see dizzying falls and likely the impressive sight of Bearded Vulture and Corbivorous Corbels. Perhaps there will also be the chance to spot one of the rare Wolf of Abyssinia of the park.
Picnic lunch and hiking tour in the afternoon, then return to the lodge.
Night at the Simien Lodge. Full board.
Day 7: Simien Mountains National Park – Chenek area
After a hearty breakfast, departure for a 3 to 4 hour hike to the Chenek area (3,620m). It is the best place to observe the local endemic ibex: the Ibex Walia; the only goat in sub-Saharan Africa, whose survival has been made possible by the temperate climate of the Ethiopian mountains and plateaus. With a population of no more than 500 individuals, however, the Ibex Walia is threatened with extinction.
Picnic lunch and hiking tour in the afternoon, then return to the lodge.
Night at the Simien Lodge. Full board.
Day 8: From the Simien Mountains National Park to Gondar
After breakfast, departure by road to Gondar, arriving for a lunch at the Four Sisters restaurant.
The afternoon will be devoted to the visit of the city and its palaces and, if time permits, the churches Dabr Birhan Selassie and the Trinity on the Mount of Light, which houses a rich pictorial cycle representative of the Gondar period.
Night at the Goha Hotel. Full board.
Day 9: From Gondar to Abbis Ababa
After breakfast, continuation of the visit of Gondar and transfer to the airport for a flight to Addis Ababa where you will have access to a day room at the Ghion Hotel to refresh and change clothes.
Farewell dinner.
Private transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your return flight or to your next destination.
Indicative price:
From £3,490 per person on the basis of 6 participants sharing double/twin rooms.
Subject to availability at the time of booking, and assuming the international flights are booked on Ethiopian Airlines.
The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation that will depend on the exchange rates at the time. The minimum number of participants to guarantee the departure is 2 and the group will count a maximum of 6 participants.
– The transfers from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and return, and all transportation by road in privatised 4×4 vehicles (1 vehicle for 2 to 3 participants) driven by specialised driver guides
– The domestic flight Addis Ababa – Gondar and return (subject to changes)
– The services of Henry Brousmiche as a tour-leader, naturalist and photographic advisor
– 2 nights at the Kuriftu Hotel (or equivalent) in Bahar Dar in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– 4 nights at the Simien Lodge in the Simien Mountains National Park in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– 1 night at the Goha Hotel (or equivalent) in Gondar in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– 1 day room at the Ghion Hotel in Addis Ababa in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets
– All Park Fees (subject to possible changes)
– International flights to Addis Ababa and return
– Travel or Insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks and any additional insurance)
– Visas to be purchased at arrival in Ethiopia
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as “free” or “on own account” in the itinerary
– Drinks other than the ones mentioned
– Porter charges
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
Please consult us.
