• 1km from Bole airport, Addis Ababa
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Zagwe Ethiopia tour

Wild Tracks — Cycling tour - 9 days

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  • Trip Code

    ZET 030

  • Duration

    9 days / 8 night
    Any date departure

  • Group Size

    1- 17 Participants

  • Transportation

    Bike and 4WD

  • Discount

    10% OFF

SEMIEN MOUNTAINS BIKE

The Simien Mountains are a spectacular mountain range nestled in the north of Ethiopia. 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 1,500m. The park is home to some extremely rare animals such as the Gelada baboon, the Simien fox and the Walia ibex, a goat found nowhere else in the world. The Simien Mountains have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their unique ecosystem and phenomenal scenery which rivals Colorado’s Grand Canyon.

The region offers awesome single- track riding for mountain bikers and a great physical challenge (riding and trekking at altitudes of up to 4620m) as well as great views, wildlife and varied interaction with friendly local people. Great views, wildlife and varied interaction with local people. A network of paths hewn by centuries of travel connects the villages that are dotted throughout the mountains and make fantastic and challenging mountain biking. Mountain biking as you’ve never seen it before, the aims of this ambitious mountain biking expedition are to summit Ras Deshan, Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,620m, and to ride from Sankaber to Adiarkay.

  • Moving through villages on an almost daily basis also provides a great opportunity for cultural interaction.
  • Stunning scenery, on a par with Colorado’s Grand Canyon.
  • Riding past wildlife and through remote mountain villages.
  • Riding single track hewn by centuries of human and animal use in the cradle of humanity.

THE ROUTE

We start the expedition in the Town of Mota . We start by acclimatising and preparing the bikes before heading up into Bahirdar and Semien Mountains . The first few days will be spent gaining altitude, with some small descents, before we reach Ambiko, the base for the push to the summit of Ras Deshan, on day seven. An early start and a long day will see us climbing to the top of Ethiopia and riding back down to Ambiko again. We then move north and start to descend the main plateau over the next few days, flying down dusty single track an our exhilarating journey through the mountains.

We start the trip in the capital of Ethiopia, Adis Abeba.   A hilly tour brings you to the Tana lake and the Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries.  You’ll discover the Blue Nile Waterfalls near Tississat and you ‘ll travel towards the historical Gonder.  You’ll be surprised by the amazing views and the superb hights.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa– - City tour

On your arrival, you will be welcomed by our staff then transfer to your hotel. The name of the capital city of Ethiopia in Amharic (the national language of Ethiopia) means “New flower”. Addis, which was founded in 1886 by Menelik II, is located at 2,500 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of Entoto mountain chain (3,000 meters above sea level). It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25ºC. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with side avenues of jacaranda Trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Merkato”. It also has a good number of restaurants, hotels and discotheques.

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight at Hotel

Day 2: -Drive and Bike Addis- Mota ( 6 hrs bus transfer 250 km — 40 km Biking — muddy roads)

Early Morning arrival, We will drive about 250 km from Addis to Bichena.  From there, we’ll bike for 40 km off road direction Mota.

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight at Hotel

Day 3 : Bike Mota-Bahirdar ( 110 km Biking of which 60 km is easy biking)

Morning after breakfast biking  to Bahirdar, one of the most beautiful towns in Ethiopia. On the way visit the Amhara people way of life and the real countryside of Ethiopia. Arrive and relax.

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight at Hotel

Day 4: Bahirdar-Tississas-Gonder (70 km biking off road — 3 hrs bus transfer 180 km)

Biking 70 km round trip to visit Tississat named after the Water Falls of the Blue Nile (the life blood of the Sudanese and Egyptians) Bike again to Bahirdar, and drive to Gonder.

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight at Hotel

Day 5 : Gonder —Zarimba-Debark (50 km — 2 hrs bus transfer 50 km)

Transfert to Debark , have lunch.  After lunch we start our tour to  Zarimba ( Limalimo) which is part of the Semien Mountain national park, spectacular “Grand Canyon views” .  We bike back to Debark which is the most tough biking and people can’t bike more than 50km as per our previous experience.

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight : Camping

Day 6: Debark-Sankaber Camp site (Simien Mountain National Park) (35 km biking — steep climbs)

Biking in  the Semien Mountain National Park high mountains and back off road to Sankaber.

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight : Camping

Day 7 : Sankaber-Chenek (Simien Mountain National Park) (27 km Biking+ optional climb to the Highest Summit of the Simien Mountains 15 km)

Biking until Chenek, at 3,600m, the best place for scenery viewing.  We drive to Bhuait where we enjoy the views on  the highest peak of Simien,  Ras Dashen Mountain (4620 meter). Back to Chenek

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight : Camping

Day 8: Chenek — Debark - Gonder (70 km biking and 100 km Transfer )

Descent from Chenek to Debark  on the bike for 70  km all are off the tracks. Have final camping lunch in the Semien Mountain and drive to Gonder

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight at Hotel

Day 9 : Fly to Adis Abeba

Flight from Gonder to Addis Adeba.  Afternoon city tour to Addis Ababa national museum and  Merkato, the biggest open market in Africa.  Farewell dinner in the famous Ethiopian traditional restaurant with live music and delicious meal.   Transfer to Bole International airport for flight  to home country

Meals : B/L/D

Overnight at Hotel

End of Tour and Service

  • Please note: This tour may precede or follow any other Ethiopian tours offered by Zagwe Ethiopia Tour.

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement.

Date and Availability = All the year This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted according to your time, budget and interest. Price: , if you want quotation or any other tour information about this trip we are very happy to help. Request a quote

suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted

Included:

  • Welcome and transfert from and to the airport of Adis Abeba. (All transport (including internal flights — Addis Ababa to Gondar)
  • Hotels and tents (price based upon 2  persons a room / a tent )
  • Camping includes mattress, sleeping bag, tent and all camping gears, cook
  • all meals (BLD) ,
  • English speaking guide.
  • Transportation -minivan, jeep, logistic support for the bikes .
  • flight Gonder – Adis Abeba. —
  • All entrance fees
  • All local guides fees
  • All local permits and permissions.
  • Mule support: When in the mountains local mules will support us and they will take your main pack and meet us at night, so you will carry just a day-sack with your provisions for the day.
  • Scouts
  • Government Tax

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visas if needed
  • Insurance
  • Alcohol
  • Personal kit and equipment including mountain bike (a full list will be provided upon booking).
  • optional activities , visa fee, transport of bikes and international flight

Essential information

Plan your trip

When is best:(September to Mid of June ) The Ethiopian Tourist Board proudly promotes their slogan “13 months of sunshine” to anyone who will listen, but they are not far off the mark. The rainy season in the North is in July and August, but whilst that might stop you attempting a multi day trek in the Simien Mountains, it won’t really affect you if you are planning on touring the Northern Historical route. The best time to visit the North is in Autumn, after the rains when the mountains are full of lush green and the views are in impeded by haze.

Wild Camping: Semien Mountains you’ll be camping in the offical park camp sites at Sankaber, Geech and Chenek. The sites are in beautiful spots and have been built sympathetically with seated drop toilets set well away from the camping area. The facilities are cleaned and tidied every day. You will be sleeping in 2 men tents (you can share or have a tent to yourself) and the crew will erect and take down your tent each day (as well as carrying your gear to the next camp-site). Overnight temperatures are cold at altitudes over 3,000m, so bring a 4 season sleeping bag. Tents will be erected by local staff members, who will also cook and wash up.

In Towns and cities We will stay in comfortable hotels.

Eating & drinking:- Hotel meals are generally good although they can lack variety. Local dishes tend to be very good if you like hot, spicy food although milder versions can be requested. Local food is traditionally eaten with the hands. The sour bread known as injera is used as a scoop for the casserole dishes known as wat.

All food on trek is cooked for you and, although local produce can be a bit limited in the mountains, it is usually of a high standard. Vegetarians can be catered for, though you may find the diet somewhat limited. Clients who have specialist dietary requirements must contact us to discuss if they can be accommodated. you will have a private cook for your trek who will provide breakfast, packed lunch, tea and dinner each day. The food is great, and given most Westerners aversion to the Ethiopian staple Injurra, mostly of the Western variety. Expect bread and pancakes / eggs for breakfast, filling sandwiches for lunch, herbal teas, fantastic coffee and popcorn at the end of a long days trekking and then a massive meal to end the day with soup starter and a hearty main with plenty of veg to finish.

Fitness – You need to be especially fit to join the trips .

FAQ

EXPEDITION GRADING (DEGREE OF EFFORT)

Secret Compass grades each of its expeditions according to the degree of effort required by each team member. Due to the demands of this particular expedition it has been awarded a 270° rating.

SUITABLE TEAM MEMBERS

Team members should be willing to be part of a team working together to achieve the goal of the expedition. They should have an adventurous and robust spirit. All our expeditions are achievable by people with an active and healthy lifestyle. This expedition is the same. It will be tough at times, when going uphill you will be required to push or carry your bike which is demanding at altitude. You will be required to be fit enough to

  • Ride — up to 25km a day.
  • Carrying/pushing — up to 10kg pack + bike.
  • Terrain — over mountainous terrain at altitudes up to 4500m.
  • Climate — in an equatorial climate. Expect conditions to be cool and windy when we are on high exposed ground.

BASIC GOALS AND TRAINING

At a basic level, you should be comfortable jogging for at least an hour. You should be comfortable going out and riding a hard 40km day on single track over mountainous terrain for at least three days running. If you have any questions about the fitness requirements or would like to speak to us about training programs please give us a call.

Private groups: The adventures featured in our itinerary are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organize custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. For group traveller pledge considerable discount.

Customized tours: On request, this tour can be customized for small groups.

Proceeding / additional days: It’s no problem to add days before or after the expedition and we’ll book these for you. If you bring more time, you could do day trips from Addis or take an extension tour

Group booking discount: If at least 6 people together book this trip, 6% discount is given.

Please remember that all Zagwe Ethiopia tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO local payment

Adventure Rating
Comfort Grade
Fitness Level

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