THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Comprising one of the principal mountain massifs of Africa,
the Simien Mountains are made up of several plateaus, separated by broad river
valleys. With over twenty peaks towering to heights above 4000 meters Simien
escarpments, are also known as the “Roof Of Africa” even
though its highest peak, Ras Dashen at 4543 meters, is only the fourth highest
peak on the African continent.
The Simien escarpments, which are often compared
to the Grand Canyon in the United States of America, have been adopted by
UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is the first sites to be inscribed on the
World Heritage List in 1978. The Park which covers 179 sq KM lies at an altitude
between 1900 and 4500 Meters. The mountains are lush and green: your former conception
of Ethiopia is also likely to be turned on its head.
The
Simien Mountains have the best scenery with a fascinating area for
trekking, where the scenery is dramatic and exhilarating. The dramatic landscape
of the Simien Mountains is the result of massive seismic activity in the area
about 40 million years ago. Molten lava poured out of the Earth's core reaching
a thickness of 3000m. The Massive erosion over the years on the Ethiopian plateau
has created one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain
peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 m. The famous pinnacles
- the sharp spires that rise abruptly from the surrounding land - are volcanic
necks: the solidified lava and last remnant of ancient volcanoes.
THE
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The national park has three
general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while
the alpine regions (up to 3600m) were forested, although much has now disappeared.
The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers,
splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia.
Access to the park is from Debark,
101 km & about 3 hours drive north of Gondar, where the head quarter of the
park is located. Here in the head quarter, you have to buy your entrance tickets
and you need also to arrange your trekking team including guides, armed scouts,
camp assistants and a cook, riding and/or pack mules and their handlers provide
porter services.
A road has been built to the park from Debark
which is expected to facilitate tourism. Buyet Ras, Sankaber, Geech
and Chenek are the four major campgrounds in the park. Sankaber camp site
is 36 km from Debark, about 1 hour and 30minutes drive from Debark.
Chennek Camp site is 58 km from Debark. African Adventure Tours Suggest to start
every trekking trip after an overnight stay at Sankaber camp site. Whilst trekking
it is usual to walk among troops of Gelada baboons, to see Wyala ibex on the rocky
edges of cliffs and to sight or hear Ethiopia’s many endemic birds and,
if very fortunate, the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf. Other mammals’
which are the characteristics of the Park and that you might see on trekking include klipspringer,
bushbuck and the bush pig. Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the
Simien Mountains. Birds such as the Lammergeyer, augur buzzard, Verreaux’s
eagle, kestrel and falcon are commonly seen and soar above this mountain retreat.
"FACINATING
EXPEDITIONS"
In General speaking, one will enjoy every
part of a trek in the Simien Mountains. The views are breathing
and the canyons and gorges are amazing, and also its quietness ands to its beauty.
All the breathtaking scenery and the very warm hospitality
of the local people ensure an unforgettable experience on a trek in Simien Mountain
National Park.
"This has been one of my most fascinating
expeditions. The views are unlike anywhere I have been and the people are so beautiful.
Wherever we went, we were received with the kindest of smiles and genuine warmth.
I will certainly come back."
More info on Simien
Mountains National park .... Detailed Information
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