Semien Mountains Bike Tour -9 days
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.