The Simien Mountains and Lalibela - Ethiopia

18 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures

Imagine yourself in the heart of tropical Africa, toiling up a gentle slope at an altitude of 4400 metres, aiming for the highest point in Ethiopia. To the south stretches mile upon mile of green, cultivated land, intersected by dramatic gorges with no roads. Running across the rocky terrain comes a group of barefoot children, wrapped in tatty blankets, heads covered with home-made hats - local shepherd kids minding their flocks; living away from home for a week at a time. Memories of Lord of the Flies? They don't ask for anything - but by God they deserve something.

You have already visited mediaeval style castles in Gondar; trekked for five days along the top of probably the most impressive escarpment in the world; come face to face with rare, endemic Baboons and Ibex, and had your hair brushed by a passing Lammergeyer. Yet to come are two of the most spectacular campsites you will ever stay at, refreshing dips in warm mountain rivers, a visit to Axum - home of the Ark of the Covenant and finally the undiscovered gem, Lalibela, where 800-year-old churches carved out of the solid rock cannot fail to impress even the most hardened of travellers. Return home after the dream trip of a lifetime, utterly amazed that such a delightful country receives so much negative press.

Days 1 and 2. Outbound

Depart from London and arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's modern capital the following morning. In the afternoon there will be a guided tour of the city.

Day 3. Gondar

Fly north to the old imperial capital of Gondar, famous for its many churches, castles and magnificent mountain scenery. You will be given a tour of the churches and palaces, many of which have been recently restored.

Day 4. Debark

It is a three hour drive along a well-maintained gravel road to the town of Debark. After registering here for entry to the Simien Mountains National Park, you drive for a further 20 kilometres into the park to start trekking from the new Simien Eco Lodge. Your walk today is a relatively easy three to four hour introduction to the area, following small tracks along the top of the escarpment through giant heather trees to the campsite at Sankaber.

Days 5 to 8. The Simien Escarpment

The next four days are spent approaching Ras Dashen (4620 metres), the region's highest peak. This will involve many ascents and descents as the trail makes its way through the spectacular rugged terrain, often walking along the top of the impressive 1000 metre northern escarpment which offers stunning views across the rock tower studded lowlands through which the trek passes in its latter stages. 'Imetgogo' is just one of the fine viewpoints found along the way. As well as enjoying the magnificent scenery, there will be opportunities to see the endemic Gelada Baboons, the Walia Ibex, Lammergeyer and plenty of Giant Lobelias.

Day 9. Ras Dashen

Today there is an opportunity to make an ascent of Mount Ras Dashen. The scenery is spectacular with views of many 'amba', flat-topped mountains characteristic of Ethiopia. After a pre-dawn start you climb through green pastures containing Giant Lobelias, and cross many streams and waterfalls that provide refreshment during this long but rewarding day. The final ascent to the summit involves a short section of easy, but rather hairraising scrambling and you will almost certainly be put to shame by the local shepherd boys bounding up and down the rocks with ease. From the summit the views stretch out in all directions with not a single road or town in sight! Ponder a while on this unique panorama and wonder just why Ethiopia receives such a lot of negative publicity. A hearty lunch is served once you have descended the steep section. Having refreshed yourself you can enjoy the three to four hour walk back to camp at Ambiko and await the greeting from your trekking staff on your return.

Days 10 to 13. Rivers and Rock Towers

The final four days of trekking take you out of the National Park via a little used, yet stunningly beautiful, route to the north. You cross rich, cultivated farmland and after spending a night at probably the most spectacular campsite in the world, the trail descends 1000 metres to the Ansiya River where you will find warmer temperatures and great swimming opportunities. After following this valley for a while, the trail climbs up again to the village of Hawaza, and takes you past towering monoliths to your final delightful campsite at Mulit. Here, for the last evening of the trek, the cooks will pull out all the stops to produce a magnificent dinner followed by all the team singing and dancing around the campfire. The final stretch is along an unused dirt road to the township of Adi Arkai where your onward transport will be waiting to take you on the fivehour drive to Axum.

Days 14 to 16. Axum and Lalibela

Axum is most renowned for two things - its 'stellae' (elaborate, enormous and mysterious standing stones) and the well-guarded and never seen 'Tabot' (Ark of the Covenant). You have a full day here where you can choose between guided visits of the sights and your own leisure time. On day 15 you will fly to Lalibela, passing back over the Simien National Park where you may be able to spot your trekking route. Lalibela really should have become one of the wonders of the world! A guide will take you round the rock-hewn churches in town, helping you to discover their amazing history and religious significance. You will also be able to visit the outlying church of Asheton Maryam on foot, about a four hour round trip.

Days 17 and 18. Addis and Homeward

You fly back to Addis Ababa for your last night. Here you may like to visit the Mercato, Africa's largest market, before enjoying a farewell dinner and traditional dance show. The following morning you join the international flight back to London.