Trek Ethiopia 2011
Trek Ethiopia
Ethiopia
March 10 – 19, 2011
Trek – 6 days – 120 km – 4,620m
This was G4G’s 33rd challenge.
It was our first adventure in Ethiopia to explore the rugged peaks and sheered cliffs of the Simien Mountains.
Referred to by many as “the gifted land”, this mountain massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen (4620m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in Africa and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points and night temperatures often fall below zero.
Created primarily to protect the endangered Walia Ibex, the national park is also home to families of the Gelada Baboon and the rare Ethiopian Wolf, along with over 50 species of birds. The trek passed through cultivated lower slopes, mountain grasslands (fescue grasses, heathers, Red Hot Pokers, Giant Lobelia) and alpine regions.
Level: This was a DEMANDING test of challenger’s fitness, but it was achievable by anyone in good health, willing to train for a minimum of 3 months to build fitness and stamina. No technical climbing was involved, but there were plenty of challenging sections and trekking at high altitude was tough. G4G ran a number of free training sessions before the challenge.
Number of participants: Maximum 25 per group
Registration Fee: AED 2,200/-
Minimum Sponsorship: AED 18,000/-
Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.
What G4G provided on the Challenge: Flights and transfers; hotels/tents (on a double-occupancy basis); food & water; guides; medical & vehicle back-up (where possible).
Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.
Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!
Closing date: Closed
Reading suggestion: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
The story is a riveting saga of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born of a tragic union between a beautiful In dian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. Orphaned by their mother’s death in childbirth and their father’s disappearance, and bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution. But it’s love, not politics — their passion for the same woman — that will tear them apart and force Marion to flee his homeland and make his way to America, finding refuge in his work at an underfunded, overcrowded New York City hospital. When the past catches up to him, wreaking havoc and destruction, Marion has to entrust his life to the two men he has trusted least in the world: the surgeon father who abandoned him and the brother who betrayed him.
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is hosting Abraham Verghese, the author of Cutting for Stone. Although the festival is on at the same time as Trek Ethiopia, they are running a Reading Group on January 18 for this book. See http://www.emirateslitfest.com/reading_group_alias_grace
Trek Ethiopia
March 10 – 19, 2011
Trekking
Day 1: March 10, Thursday
Dubai – Addis Ababa (2,300m)
The group met at Dubai airport in time for a late afternoon flight and flew together to Addis Ababa.
We arrived in Addis Ababa in the evening, where we were welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 2: March 11, Friday
Addis Ababa – Gondar – Debark – Sankabar (3,230m)
Today, we caught an internal flight to Gondar and then drove 106km to Debark, the headquarters and entry point to the Simien Mountain National Park. We continued on to Sankabar.
The participants could spend the rest of the day spotting Gelada Baboons around the camp site.
Overnight in tents
Day 3: March 12, Saturday
Trekking: Sankabar (3,230) – Geech (3,580m): 5 hrs, 15 km
We had many stops to admire the spectacular scenery during today’s hike to Geech. While crossing the river Jinbar, the participants had a chance to spot many troops of Gelada baboon.
We hiked on to Geech campsite.
Overnight in tents
Day 4: March 13, Sunday
Trekking: Geech (3,580m) – Imet Gogo (3,986m) – Geech (3,580m): 3-4hrs, 12 km
We were able to explore more magnificent landscapes during our trek to Imet Gogo (3,986m), one of the highest peaks in the Simien Mountains. We returned to Geech Campsite for another night’s stay.
Overnight in tents
Day 5: March 14, Monday
Trekking: Geech (3,580m) – Chenek (3,620m): 7-8hrs, 21 km
A highlight of today’s trek was when we passed through forests of giant lobelias. After a picnic lunch, we continued on to Chenek, where we spent the night.
Here the participants could also spot the endemic Walia Ibex.
Overnight in tents
Day 6: March 15, Tuesday
Trekking: Chenek (3,620m) – Bwait Mountain (4,430m) – Ambiquo (3,200m): 6-7hrs, 26 km
Our hike today took us to Ambiquo, passing through the Valleys of Serekawa and Mesheba, and reaching the Bwait Summit (4,430m).
Fom here, between a vista of cliffs and peaks, we could spot the Ras Dashen peak.
We then descended to Ambiquo, where we camped for 2 nights.
Overnight in tents
Day 7: March 16, Wednesday
Trekking: Ambiquo (3,200m) – Ras Dashen (4,620m) – Ambiquo (3,200m): 9-10hrs, 20 km
Today’s ascent of Ras Dashen (4620 m – the highest peak in Ethiopia and the fourth highest mountain in Africa) was not a technical climb, but it was a very long day’s hike. We started early, in order to have enough time to ascend Ras Dashen and enjoy the summit.
Once we had reached the summit, we descended back to Ambiquo and camped overnight.
Overnight in tents
Day 8: March 17, Thursday
Trekking: Ambiquo (3,200m) – Chenek (3,620m): 6-7hrs, 26 km
We returned to Chenek via the same route as Tuesday, crossing the Mesheba River.
Overnight in tents
Day 9: March 18, Friday
Chenek – Gondar – Addis Ababa – Charity visit – Dubai
We drove from Chenek to Gondar and then flew to Addis Ababa, where we were transferred to the charity centre to meet the children and learn more about the project which was funded by this challenge.
Following this visit, we were transferred to the airport for our return flight to Dubai.
Notes: This itinerary may change due to border regulation changes, unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, group strength, etc. We will endeavour to keep to the planned itinerary, but cannot be held responsible for last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, the group leader will have the final say.
This itinerary is tough and you may encounter poor weather. The trek is not for the unfit or the faint-hearted.
Most mountain treks have occasional exposure to sheer drops. Therefore, should you suffer from vertigo, you should discuss the itinerary with a member of our team.
Climate
Early mornings will feel chilly at first, but immediately warm as soon as the sun rises, and the days will be warm and bright. Daytime temperatures are around 20-25C.
Whilst we have chosen the best seasons for trekking, rain, cloud and even hail cannot be ruled out.
As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops radically and may drop below zero degrees. Night skies are usually clear and starry.
On the mountain, you will be trekking in very clear air and will need strong UV protection in particular for your skin & eyes.
A typical day
You will receive a full pre-trek briefing. A normal day on the trek would start at 7.00am, when breakfast is served. You should have packed up and be ready to leave by 8.00am.
The average walk per day varies but is usually 5 to 7 hours apart from the 9 to 10 hours trek on summit day. A picnic lunch is served each day along the route.
There is time to relax, socialize, play games or explore the area before dinner.
Washing facilities are limited but there will be warm water provided for washing morning and night.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Bottled water is available throughout the day.
Personal Equipment
Travel light! Do limit the weight of your luggage on the trail to less than 15 Kgs and less than 20 Kgs overall. All bags are to be clearly marked, lockable and soft-shelled.
Do not take or wear any valuables on the trip, it is best to leave them at home.
The key to staying comfortable while climbing is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. Please refer to the kit list, which is provided to help you choose your equipment and clothing for this trip.
All the items required for the trip can be purchased from major sports shops & camping suppliers in U.A.E. Please see our Useful Links section for a list of suppliers of outdoor equipment.
ON THE TREK
1. Food And Drinks
On the trek, the ground handlers will serve you wholesome food for replenishment and to meet your energy requirements. Special dietary requirements can be provided on prior request. The menu for the challenge will be discussed at the pre-challenge briefing. Our cooks are trained in matters of hygiene and cooking and even the dishes are washed in mild disinfectant solution. The water provided is pressure boiled and iodized.
Water bottles may be filled at night, so that you have cool water to drink the following day. Mineral water in bottles can be bought on many trek routes.
2. Your Staff On The Trip
You staff on the trek will consist of one English-speaking Guide/Escort who will be wholly responsible for the execution of the trip once it hits the trail. Helpers who will pitch the tents, serve food and guide the members on the trail will assist him. Cooks, assisted by kitchen staff, will do the cooking and surprise you with both western and local culinary delights in remote conditions.
3. We Will Provide
Tents, group camping equipment, daily meals, water, and accommodation. All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own day pack.
4. Sanitation And Personal Hygiene
A dugout latrine will be made at every camp and a toilet tent pitched over it, with folding toilet seats. Toilet paper will be provided. Limited hot water and Dettol soap will be provided twice a day for washing.
5. Daily Wear
Your Trek guide/escort can help you plan your daily wear before each day’s walk. Please carry an extra shirt or T-shirt and rain wear, along with a light jacket in your backpack. The mountain air is cold, so you can keep dry and warm after sweats and chills.
6. What To Carry During The Trek
Your daypack, preferably waterproof, should be light, small and comfortable. All small personal items like toilet paper, water bottle, medicines, extra shirt, light warm wears, rain gear, gloves etc. that may be needed for the day’s trek should be in your daypack. Porters who may not be with you at all times will carry your main bag – supplied by us.
7. General Matters
Your personal belongings will be looked after by the guiding staff, so please help them by not leaving them unattended in villages and other public places.
Campfires will be enjoyed wherever dead wood and driftwood are available. We do not want to add to the large-scale deforestation problem in the country.
You will find the local people friendly, charming, inquisitive and quite ignorant about the West. We request you to maintain and follow the local customs. Sometimes handouts by trekkers have led to increased begging especially among village children, affecting their independent-spirited nature. As dental hygiene is a big problem, no chocolate and sweets for the children, please. The leader/Escort can advise you if you are keen to help locally.
8. Money On The Trek
You may want to buy drinks at wayside shops and souvenirs from the locals. Small change should be carried. As customary, we can help discuss in detail in the pre-trek briefing.
9. How To Pack
In The Day Pack:
Sun glasses / Moisturizing/Sun screen lotion / Prescribed medicines/ Camera and spare film / Binoculars-optional / Reading Reference book / Note book, Pencil/Pen / Water bottle and Camelback bladder / Trail Snacks / Trek permits / Toilet paper / rain gear / Warm layer / Extra shirts (for those who sweat)
In the Duffel Bag:
Towels / Flash light / Head Lamp / Spare batteries & bulbs / Toiletries & Washing soap / Spare clothes & Underwear – wrapped in plastic bags / Extra shoes / sandals or flip flops – in plastic bags / Sleeping bag
Additional Items:
Anti-dazzle glasses are recommended / Favourite snacks, drink and soup mix if necessary.
Note:
Light clothing is generally sufficient until you reach the 3-4000 metre / 12-14,000 feet altitude range, provided you always have something warm and waterproof right with you. Beyond these altitudes, even if the mornings are glorious, you must always be ready for dramatic changes in the weather
The bag the porter carries for you should not exceed 15kgs/33lbs. If bags are too heavy, items may have to be removed or the hiker may choose to hire an additional porter (at his/her own cost).
And finally, we have a Reading suggestion: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
The story is a riveting saga of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born of a tragic union between a beautiful In dian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. Orphaned by their mother’s death in childbirth and their father’s disappearance, and bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution. But it’s love, not politics — their passion for the same woman — that will tear them apart and force Marion to flee his homeland and make his way to America, finding refuge in his work at an underfunded, overcrowded New York City hospital. When the past catches up to him, wreaking havoc and destruction, Marion has to entrust his life to the two men he has trusted least in the world: the surgeon father who abandoned him and the brother who betrayed him.
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is hosting Abraham Verghese, the author of Cutting for Stone. Although the festival is on at the same time as Trek Ethiopia, they are running a Reading Group on January 18 for this book. See http://www.emirateslitfest.com/reading_group_alias_grace
GIVING KIDS A CHANCE AROUND THE WORLD
The charity supported is RAEY which helps children aged 4-10 years who have lost 1 or both parents from HIV/AIDS. These children and their families suffer extreme poverty and illness and RAEY aims to provide education, health and nutrition in a supportive, protective and nurturing environment.
At present RAEY educate 100 children from 4 – 10 years old : Prep – Year 4. RAEY wish to expand their school, aiming for 200 children from preschool up to Year 7 . The children will be then supported into secondary schooling.
G4G supported RAEY’s education expansion by funding the following:
Stage One: build classrooms to allow this expansion, with a max of 3 classrooms
Stage Two: build a community room and kitchen to support the expanded school
You can rest assured that Gulf for Good do not just hand out money to the charities we support! We request detailed proposals for capital projects – hospital wards, orphanage buildings, classrooms, fresh water facilities, medical equipment, etc. We have a system whereby we check these proposals with the assistance of an independent third party in the charity’s country. Once approved and the funds raised, we will usually pay a percentage up front to allow the project to start, the rest only being paid against invoices.
For further updates click here…
Packing
Remember that you will be on the go for at least 9 days, so you need to take enough clothing to last for this period.
Your clothes and equipment should fall into the following categories:
- What you are going to wear whilst travelling to/from/within Ethiopia
- What you are going to wear while trekking
- What you are going to carry in your daypack
- What you would like the porters to carry for you
DayPack
Most of your clothing that you are not actually wearing will be carried to the next camp by porters. Although a guide will always accompany you on the trail, you are unlikely to see your porter except at the camps. Therefore, it is important you pack carefully the smaller Day Pack you carry yourself. Anything you need during the course of the day should be in your Day Pack, including, most importantly something warm and something waterproof.
Thoughts and ideas:
- Be kind to your feet! Buy new footwear in good time and use it well to break it in
- Reduce the risk of blisters by wearing correctly fitting footwear and socks
- Bring foot / blister treatment and treat blisters early (on hands, too)
- Prepare your body well for the trip – get plenty of practice in your boots before you go!
- Stuff sacks are great for storing your gear – use different sizes and colours to differentiate the contents
- Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing.
- If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from dust
- Many of the tracks are rutted and dusty – so, it’s a good idea to pack camera equipment in plastic bags to protect them from dust in addition to their normal cases. Also bring some lens cleaning material
- Laundry is difficult on this trip, but you can handwash a few quick-drying items
- Make one copy of your passport and take it with you. We will have a second copy in our files
CHECK LIST
Mandatory
- Main Bag – a lockable, good-sized duffle bag with a full length zipper. This bag must not have and hard sides, corners or edges, as it will be carried on a porter’s head or back
- G4G will provide 2 strong name tags for your bags
- Daypack – a light small and comfortable daypack (25-35 litres) with padded shoulder/hip straps and a 2-litre water bladder for ease of drinking while hiking
- Strong hiking boots (Gore-tex recommended or treated leather) with new laces
- 4-season sleeping bag
Don’t take chances with incorrect clothing.
The best way to ensure that you are dressed correctly is to wear the correct fabrics against the body. The biggest mistake made by people is to have cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, but has absolutely no wicking properties. “Wick” means that the fabric draws moisture away from the body and allows it to evaporate on the outside. Cotton against the skin will trap moisture, so your body could be chilled by the wind.
The key to staying comfortable while hiking is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. For more information on this, please refer to the advice at Cotswold Outdoor
Base Layer
- 1 pair medium thermal underwear leggings (long) – avoid Cotton
- 1 pair medium thermal underwear top (long) – avoid Cotton
- 4 pairs wicking sock liners – avoid cotton
- Regular underwear – wicking material
Thermal Layer
- Fleece jacket or equivalent – full zip is best for temperature regulation
- Fleece trousers or equivalent
- 1 pair light, mid-weight thermal gloves
- Several pairs of hiking socks – worn over sock liners
- Quick dry shirts
- Down jacket
- Fleece scarf of equivalent
- Fleece hat or equivalent
- Optional, but recommended – synthetic-filled vest, ear muffs
Outer Shell
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Poncho or rain jacket (for quick showers)
NOTE: The above layers work much better than a single huge parka!
Additional Gear
- Running-type shoes or trainers
- Sandals/Flip Flops – useful for quick trips while camping!
- Tracksuit trousers (with zip-off legs, if you can find them)
- 2 pairs lightweight trousers – avoid jeans
- 2-3 pairs trekking trousers with zip-off legs
- Trekking shirts/t-shirts – at least one long-sleeved lightweight and at least one long-sleeved warm
- 2 sets of traveling gear (trousers, shirts, shoes, socks, underwear, etc – be aware of cultural sensitivites)
- Wide-brimmed hat for sun and rain
- Trekking poles
- Swim shorts / swim suits
- Sunglasses (and extra prescription lenses or contacts) – Very Important!
- Sunscreen min. SPF 30+ (UV is very high at altitude)
- Lip Balm /chap stick with sunscreen
- Water bottles and hydration bladder (3-litre combined capacity)
- 1 headlamp or flash light, pocket sized – bring extra batteries
- Quick-dry towel, medium sized
- Personal wash bag & toiletries – try to keep this to a minimum
- Travel documents, including a copy of your passport
- 4 extra passport-size photos for visas and permits (just in case!)
- Cash currency (US$ and local currency)
- Swiss Army Knife with scissors and tweezers
- Mini first aid kit – any prescription medicines you need, blister plasters, headache pills, etc (main kit to be carried by group medic)
- Plastic bags for packing and zip-lock bags – assorted sizes are very useful for storing and keeping all sorts of things!
- Wet wipes and anti-bacterial hand wash (for use when water and soap are not available)
Optional
- Buff or Bandana
- Camera with extra film, batteries & lenses
- Trail snacks – energy/granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc
- Energy Drink Mixes: Isostar tablets or Pocari Sweat Powder
- Neck pouch and/or Money belt to carry money, permits and passport photocopies while traveling
- Travel documents, including copy of passport
- Toilet Paper (just in case!)
