RETRAK Rooftop of Africa Trek 2007: 'We survived!'

Monday, 26 November 2007

'We survived!'

Today at 9.45am, I received a phonecall from the trekkers!
They exclaimed "We survived!"

They all summited Ras Dashen! I was told it was tough, and for some, the hardest thing they've ever done!

They were on their way by bus from Debark to Gonder for hot showers, fresh clothes and comfy beds!

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Sunday 18th November Arrive Addis Ababa. (Altitude 2400m) Arrive at the Addis Ababa Bole International airport. Be met and welcomed by Peregrine Local Tour representative and transferred to Global Hotel.

Monday 19th November Transfer to the airport. Fly to Gonder, known as the ‘African Camelot’, (2210m) on morning flight. As you approach Gonder, the skyline is broken by the ramparts of castles built three hundred years ago. The Royal Enclosure contains a series of impressive castles built by the ruling family, these are of a design found nowhere else in Africa. Here is also one of the most memorable of the highly decorated churches.
After checking in to the Goha Hotel, the day will be spent exploring the ancient city of Gonder which was the capital from 1636 until the early 1800s, and was the intersection of 3 ancient caravan routes where gold, civet, ivory and slaves were traded. Visit the incredible 17th Century castles, Debreberhan Selasie church with its famous painted ceiling, and the baptizing pool.

Tuesday 20th November Early morning drive to the Simien Mountain National Park - Early departure for 2-3 hour (or 120km) drive to Sankaber (3200m). Simien means “north” in Amharic, an allusion to the position it occupies in the Gondar massif, one of the craggiest in Africa. The park is interesting because of its unique endemic animals, the beauty of its flora, and the majesty of its impressive landscape. Sankaber is a favourite haunt of the unique gelada baboon. Time to meet with the scout, guides, mule handlers and mules and set up camp at Sankaber.

Wednesday 21st November Today is an acclimatisation day. Trek from Sankaber to Geech (3800m) around a 5-6 hour walk over 10km. Geech is famous for its spectacular scenery, especially the Geech abyss where the Jin Bahir River plunges in a great waterfall. Look out for Klipspringer and Walia Ibex. Camp overnight at Geech.

Thursday 22nd November Trek from Geech via Emetgogo (3926m), to Chenek (3600m) – begin walking through Giant Lobelia trees, we will walk on the edge of Enatye escarpments (4000m), offering another breathtaking view of the national park and the opportunity to spot lammergeyers soaring in the sky on the way. Finally descend to camp at Chenek. Chenek campsite is spectacularly located in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Bwahit Peak. Strategically placed benches allow for the opportunity to take in the expansive views back toward Emetgogo, especially beautiful in both the dawn and dusk light. A large troop of gelada baboons are common here and Walia Ibex are also often seen on the rocky escarpment edges here. Total walking may be 8-9 hours including rests.

Friday 23rd November The trek today takes you from Chenek (3600m), heading first to the eastern escarpment and then to the north of Mt. Bwahit (4000m), where you might spot the rare Walia Ibex on the rocky crags, across the valley of the Mesheba River and then on to Ambikwa (3200m). You should have good views of Ras Dashen from here. It’s another long day today around 8-9 hours of walking. Camp overnight at Ambikwa.

Saturday 24th November Summit Day! Today we will summit climb to Ras Dashen (4543m). It will be an early start at first light for the ascent across the Dashen escarpment. A strenuous days climb of about 6 hours up and 4 hours down will afford you spectacular views and a great sense of achievement as you scale the 4th highest mountain in Africa. Return to camp overnight at Ambikwa.

Sunday 25th November Trek to Chenek (drop to 3600m over the 6-8 hour walk). Overnight camp at Chenek.

Monday 26th November Trekkers meet a vehicle to return to Goha Hotel in Gonder. Relax overnight at Goha Hotel.

Tuesday 27th November Transfer to airport. Morning flight from Gonder to Addis Ababa. Transfer to Global Hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to rest and relax. You are invited to a celebratory Dinner and Cultural Dance evening, where you can meet Maggie, our country Director and staff from the RETRAK project.

Wednesday 28th November Spend the morning and lunchtime visiting the Retrak project site. Have lunch, maybe have a game of football. Spend the afternoon seeing the sights of Addis Ababa, including the National Museum, Trinity Cathedral, and the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa!

Thursday 29th November Depart Addis Ababa 12.50. Arrive London at 20.00.

RETRAK Rooftop of Africa Trek 2007

Monday, 26 November 2007

'We survived!'

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