Wow

Here’s a blog post from the crew, internet in Ethiopia is somewhat challenging, so it is a couple of days out of date and the group are currently in northern Kenya…  more updates to follow once they reach an internet connection again!


It seems an age ago that we left Sudan, and we are already on our 10^th day in Ethiopia. It’s amazing how neighbouring countries differ within metres of having crossed the border. Coming from Sudan, Ethiopia is the Africa many people think of when they think ‘Africa’. People, cattle, huts, trees.

Interesting roads...

Traditional huts

Village scenes

And as we climbed higher on our drive to Gonder (elevation about 2200m), the temperature dropped and I think the change was appreciated by all. 2 nights in a basic hotel in Gonder gave people time to regroup, get some laundry done, try out some restaurants, and finally have a few drinks.

The Royal Enclosure, Gonder

We then climbed higher, into the Simien Mountains National Park. From one extreme to another – the heat of Sudan to the chill of this altitude, our base camp was at 3300m. First time at altitude for some, and the effects could definitely be felt – short of breath after only walking up a gradual slope! Nevertheless, this is a fantastic place for trekking, so we based ourselves here for a couple of days and some of us opted for day walks, while others went on an overnight trek, summiting 3926m. Breathtaking views (if you weren’t already out of breath!) and some sightings of rare species endemic to Ethiopia, such as the Ethiopian wolf and the Gelada baboons.

Simien Mountains

Kaye and a waterfall

Chilling after some high altitude hiking

Gelada baboons

Market day

Market day

From here we returned (a little stiff) to Gonder, en-route to Lalibela. Lalibela is one of the sights in Ethiopia with rock-hewn churches dating back to the 11^th century. Some of them are free-standing, carved completely out of the rock, while others have been built in caves or sculpted into the sides of rocks. 11 churches in the area were built within 24 years, at the orders of King Lalibela. It is quite amazing how well-preserved these churches are, and they are still in use, with worshippers attending daily services, and pilgrims visiting these sacred sites.

The incredible St George's church, Lalibela

Some of the group at St George's

Fascinating to wander around the churches

Tranquility

The ever-photogenic St George's

Lalibela was also a place for some to taste the local tej (honey wine) and try to dance as the locals do.. we found a really cheerful atmospheric bar, and most managed a jar of strong tej, and a bit of shoulder dancing...

Tej

Now we’re in Bahir Dar on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. A day of walking, relaxing, visiting monasteries on the lake, and/or the Blue Nile Falls, before we head to the capital, Addis Ababa for a couple of nights. From there we start the long trip south to Kenya, with some hectic days and ’interesting’ roads ahead taking us to very remote places. Hold tight as Athena tackles these bumpy roads!

Alison and Rogan getting Athena ready for the onslaught...