challenge brochure

trek
Ethiopia
actionchallenge in Ethiopia
This incredible trek takes us into the Simien Mountains, from the market town of Debark to the barren summit of Ras
Dashen at 4,533m. It is a fantastic, unforgettable ten day challenge across stunning mountain scenery.
Together with our guides and muleteers, we set off on our journey following a typical, rollercoaster path which leads us
down into the Michotis Valley, up the other side, down to the Jin Bahir river crossing and back up to Geech where we
camp for the night.
As we continue our hike, far up into the Ethiopian Highlands, we see many impressive afro-alpine plants and are treated
to stunning views across the Lowlands, characterised by their rocky spires and mesas. The area is rich in wildlife and
will hopefully deliver us a glimpse of the rare Walia ibex, Simien fox or the Gelada baboons as they scamper about in
the surrounding vegetation. We make our way over the high Bwahit pass (4,200m), enjoy lunch at Chiro Liba village
school and descend into Mesheha River valley (2,850m). Each night we sleep under canvas at our camps where we
tuck into hearty meals to keep our energy levels up for our spectacular trekking days.
Our goal is the summit of Ras Dashen (4,533m). It’s a long day of trekking as we contour a number of steep gullies until
we reach a high rocky plateau dominated by three peaks. From here it’s an easy scramble up to the top of Africa’s fourth
highest mountain. Together we stand, high above Ethiopia and look out over the barren rocky mountain below us. We
feel an incredible sense of achievement that will stay with us forever.
Our last day is spent in Gondar where we explore its Italian piazza and historic Royal Enclosure before having a special
meal together to celebrate our fantastic achievement.
at a glance
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Activity: Trekking
Location: Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Duration: 10 Days / 5 days trekking
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 80 km
Group size: 15 -25
trip highlights
● Reach the summit of Ras Dashen (4,533m)
● Addis Ababa
● Spot the rare Walia ibex
● See afro-alpine plants
● Cross the Bwahit Pass (4,200m)
● Experience an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
● Explore the town of Gondar
Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups,
charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations,
often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime
adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.
w w w .a c t ionc ha lle nge .c om
trek
Ethiopia
introduction
This fully-inclusive adventure to Ethiopia will begin as soon as you register! You will
receive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all the
essentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the
formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offer
pre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet our trek
leaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges around the world.
On the day of departure you will meet your group and Action Challenge leader at the
airport in London. Whether you’re joining the challenge on your own or with others, you
will instantly be made to feel welcome. . As a team we will board our flight to Ethiopia,
ready to take on the hike of a lifetime!
Please visit our website for more details
All inclusive trip cost from £1,899 for 2015
or £1,929 for 2016
Initial £399 deposit to sign up
Three payment options available
brief itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Depart UK
Arrive Addis Ababa
Gondar-Geech Camp
Chenek Camp
Ambikwa Camp
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Summit of Rash Dashen
Chenek
Gondar
Depart Addis Ababa
Arrive UK
what’s included
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International flights
Action Challenge trek leader
Full support team, including local guides
UK medic
All accommodation
All meals, except in free time
Airline taxes
Treated drinking water
All transfers in local vehicles
National Park entrance fees
Celebration dinner
Invitation to a challenge briefing in London
Discounted training weekends in the Peak District and Wales
Fitness and training guide
Discounts from UK retailers
Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health
This has been classed as a moderate
challenge with five days of trekking and
periods of prolonged climbs. Each day of
trekking will last between 5 and 12 hours
dependant on the distance walked so a
good level of aerobic fitness will be
needed.
Ethiopia has an average day temperature
of 27 °C all year round. The nights are
also warm, only dropping to 25 °C. Heavy
rains affect the area during June and
October so these months should be
avoided but all other months are ideal for
a visit.
+44 (0) 207 609 6695
www.actionchallenge.com
events@actionchallenge.com
trek
Ethiopia
itinerary
DAY 1 - Depart London
We depart in the evening for an overnight flight from London to Addis Ababa.
Meals: Dependent on flight schedule
Breakfasts each morning will be at our
accommodation, whilst lunches will be en
route. Evening meals will be freshly
prepared for us either in camp or at our
hotel/lodge in time for our arrival with a
variety of rice, pasta, vegetables and a
selection of fresh meat and fresh fish.
DAY 2 - Addis Ababa
We arrive at Addis Ababa airport in the early afternoon and transfer to our hotel to relax.
If time allows there will be free time to visit Addis Ababa’s historic sites including the
National Museum, where we can see the 3.2 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose
skeletal remains where discovered in 1974. This evening we have a briefing by our
guides, followed by a welcome dinner.
Meals: L,D
Accom: Hotel
• Two nights in 2/3* hotels
• 5 nights camping
DAY 3 - Gondar-Geech Camp
This morning we take an internal flight over stunning scenery to the city of Gondar
(2,175m) in the North Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia. On arrival we transfer 5 hours
through increasingly mountainous environment, to the market town of Debark where we
stop for lunch. This afternoon we meet our local guides and muleteers and start our
challenge with a descent into the Michotis Valley. After climbing up out of the valley we
have great views of the Jin Bahir River plummeting into the Geech Abyss. We later
descend to cross the Jin Bahir and, after a steep climb, we reach Geech camp (3,600m)
where we stay overnight.
Meals: B,L,D
We can cater for all dietary requirements
if informed in advance.
All accommodation is on a twin/tripleshare, single-sex basis and we will pair
you with someone of a similar age, where
possible.
If you wish to share a room with someone
you are travelling with, please specify this
Accom: Tent Time trekking: 5 hours
DAY 4 - Cheneck Camp
After an early camp breakfast we head to the escarpment edge at Saha and
Imetgogo (3,926m) where there are stunning views over the lowlands,
characterised by rocky spires and mesas. Clinging to the escarpment edge we
trek over undulating terrain towards our camp at Chenek. On the way we see
many impressive Giant Lobelia which dominate the Afro alpine landscape.
There is also a high chance of seeing some Gelada baboons.
Meals: B,L,D
Please email us for more information
Accom: Tent Time trekking: 6 - 8 hours
DAY 5 - Ambikwa Camp
Today we start our trek to the Bwahit Pass (4,200m) which runs below the Simien
Mountains’ second highest peak. Our hard work is rewarded with incredible views and,
after a rest, we descend steeply towards the village of Chiro Liba, where we enjoy lunch
at the local school. This afternoon we continue our descent to the Mesheha River valley
(2850m) before climbing again to reach Ambikwa camp at (3,200m), where we stay for
the night and enjoy an excellent evening meal.
Meals: B,L,D
If you decide that you would like to have
your own room on the challenge, we can
accommodate this in the majority of
places.
Accom: Tent Time trekking: 7 - 9 hours
+44 (0) 207 609 6695
www.actionchallenge.com
• Insurance - approximately £60
• Visa - £14
• Vaccinations - Yellow Fever and up-todate on boosters. Malaria tablets will be
required. Please seek advice from your
GP.
• Tips for local staff - recommended
amount $30
• Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as
applied by airlines. Please note that this
is capped at a maximum of £150.
events@actionchallenge.com
trek
Ethiopia
DAY 6 - Summit of Ras Dashen
This is the most challenging day of the trek as we tackle the summit of Ras Dashen
(4,533m). After a early hearty breakfast we trek up to the head of the valley and the
village of Mizma where we get our first view of our imposing goal. To reach it, we
contour round a number of steep gullies ascending all the time, until we find ourselves
on a rocky plateau dominated by three peaks. We then have a relatively easy scramble
to the top of Africa’s fourth highest mountain where we take in the view. After a brief rest
and lunch on the summit we descend by the same route back to Ambikwa camp, where
we enjoy a well-deserved rest for the night.
Meals: B,L,D
Accom: Tent Time trekking: 10-12 Hours
DAY 7 - Chenek
Today we retrace our steps to the small village of Chenek. From there we transfer to
our camp for our last night under canvas in the remote environment of the Simien
Mountains.
A kit list will be sent to you on receipt of
registration. Many everyday items can be
used on this challenge, and we offer a kit
hire service to keep costs down.
If you are planning on travelling to
Ethiopia before the challenge or wish to
organise your own flights, we do offer a
land only option, with a significant
discount off the trip price. You will be
required to meet your group at the hotel
on day two of the itinerary.
Please email us for more information
Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Time trekking: 8 - 9 Hours
DAY 8 - Gondar
This morning we transfer to our hotel in Gondar where we have a free afternoon to relax
or explore the town and visit the famous Fasil Ghebbi fortress. Tonight we celebrate our
incredible achievements over the past few days with a celebration dinner.
Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel
DAY 9 - Return to Addis - Depart
In the morning we transfer to the airport for our internal flight to Addis Ababa where we
catch our connecting flight back to the UK.
Meals: B,L,D
training weekends / briefings
We run a number of training weekends
throughout the year in the Peak District,
Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. These
are
fully-inclusive
2
night’s
accommodation and all meals. We also
organise training days in London and the
North and South downs. On both, you will
get the chance to meet our mountain
leaders and test out your kit and fitness!
You will also receive an invite to a
challenge briefing in central London.
DAY 10 - Arrive UK
• Alcoholic drinks
• Drinks and food outside of meals, other
than water
• Personal kit / equipment
• Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as
applied by airlines. Please note that this
is capped at a maximum of £150.
+44 (0) 207 609 6695
www.actionchallenge.com
events@actionchallenge.com
trek
Ethiopia
payment options
A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of £399 for 2015/16 is required to secure your place. We
offer 2 deposit payment options:
OPTION 1: Deposit paid in full, by card at the time of registration.
OPTION 2: Deposit paid in two 50/50 split payments. The first 50% is paid when you
register and the second is charged to your payment card at the end of the following
month. For this option, a £10 supplement will be charged with the first instalment.
ATOL is a scheme that protects you from
losing money or being stranded abroad if
your travel company collapses. Action
Challenge is 100% ATOL bonded, which
provides you with full financial protection.
On receipt of your registration fee, you will
receive an ATOL certificate explaining
your protection.
Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost.
Full details are on our website.
1) SELF FUNDED
For anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves. It’s then completely up to
you whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice.
The total all inclusive cost of this trip is £1,899 for 2015 or £1,929 for 2016, which, after
you pay the £399 Registration Deposit, leaves a balance of £1,500 for 2015 or £1,530
for 2016. This final balance is due for payment 10 weeks before your departure along
with any fuel surcharges levied by the airline.
2) SPONSORSHIP FUNDED
This is for anyone who wants to take on this challenge and will link it with fundraising a
significant sum of money for a charity of their choice. You would have to raise at least
£3,000 for 2015 or £3,060 for 2016 via sponsorship and donations from friends, family
and colleagues, and be confident at the outset that you can achieve this total.
Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising
goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least £3,000 for 2015 or
£3,060 for 2016, your charity will pay for the balance of your trip costs to Action
Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is £1,500 for 2015 or £1,530 for 2016
(the same as if you were you were ‘Self Funded’) - the charity will retain at least £1,500
for 2015 or £1,530 for 2016 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel
surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure.
3) MIXED FUNDED
A mix of the 2 options above! You pay about half the trip cost yourself, and also
fundraise for your charity. They pay the remaining balance of your trip costs. Ideal for
anyone who wants to take on the challenge and also fundraise for a charity, BUT is
happy to pay a reasonable proportion of the trip cost themselves, which with your
registration deposit, is set at a level that covers at least the costs of flights &
accommodation; perfect for those who feel more at ease asking for sponsorship in
respect to the ‘challenge’ component of their trip.
Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising
goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least £2,250 for 2015 or
£2,275 for 2016, your charity will pay a portion of your trip cost to Action Challenge. That
balance, paid by your charity, is £900 for 2015 or £910 for 2016 . At the same time, you
will be required to pay the remaining balance yourself, which will be a figure of £600 for
2015 or £620 for 2016. (These two amounts add up to the same as the ‘Self Funded’
final balance) - the charity will retain at least £1,350 for 2015 or £1,365 for 2016 to help
fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to
departure.
+44 (0) 207 609 6695
www.actionchallenge.com
how to book
To book on to this challenge, please visit
our website; www.actionchallenge.com
for a full list of prices and all available
dates.
private groups
If you are a charity, business, school or
private group with a minimum of 10
people and fancy your own bespoke trip,
please call us on + 4 4 ( 0 ) 2 0 7 6 0 9 6 6 9 5
or you can send us an email to
events@actionchallenge.com
for more information.
@actionchallenge
www.facebook.com/actionchallenge
Action Challenge UK Ltd
United House
North Road
London
N7 9DP
United Kingdom
events@actionchallenge.com