Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you have time, strong legs and a hatred of doubling back, you could finish your trek
at Adi Arkay, 75km north of Debark. This allows a mix between highland and lowland
scenery and the views up the valleys are just as amazing as the views down into them.
Note that since it takes the guides, mules and other members of your team two days to re-
turn to Debark from Adi Arkay, you must pay two days' extra fee. For further details
Though it's rarely done, guides can even take you all the way to Lalibela. You'll need
to swim across some rivers, carry food for nearly the entire 15 to 17 days and will prob-
ably have to purchase rather than hire the mules.
SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR TREKKING
Before embarking on a trek, consider the following points to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
»Pay any fees and possess any permits required by local authorities.
»Be sure you are healthy and feel comfortable walking for a sustained period.
»Obtain reliable information about physical and environmental conditions along your intended route (eg from
park authorities).
»Trek only in regions, and on trails, within your realm of experience.
»Be aware that weather conditions and terrain vary significantly from one region, or even from one trail to anoth-
er. Seasonal changes can significantly alter any trail. These differences influence what you should wear and what
equipment you carry.
»Ask officials before you set out about the environmental characteristics that can affect your trek and how you
should deal with them if they arise.
DEBARK-TO-CHENEK TREK
The following Debark-to-Chenek trek is the classic five-day route. The times have been
estimated in consultation with local guides, but times vary from person to person and also
depend on whether exact routes are followed.
DEBARK TO BUYIT RAS (10KM; THREE TO FOUR HOURS)
Sankaber can be reached in a single day, but many trekkers prefer to (or, if they arrive
from Gonder that day,
must
) break at Buyit Ras, where there's an abundance of gelada
monkeys. There's also a community lodge and camping spot with beautiful views or the
expensive Simien Lodge. Some people prefer to drive to Buyit Ras, bypassing the heavily
