take an ICON ADVENTURE to the SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
The dramatic landscape of the Simien Mountains , Ethiopia makes for an unforgettable trekking experience . In fact , it ’ s our favourite hiking destination anywhere in the world .
By any standard the scenery is spectacular ; in places it ’ s breathtaking . Undoubtedly these are among the most beautiful mountain ranges in Africa . With peaks rising to over 4000 metres , the plateaus of the Simien Mountain Range were formed by seismic activity over 40 million years ago . Today the volcanic origins of the landscape are evident as the soaring pinnacles - remnants of ancient volcanoes .
A 5-day trek is sufficient to see the most impressive sections of the mountains . Hiking at around 4000m , you ’ ll traverse the escarpments and peaks accompanied by our muleteers and mountain guides . The air is thin at this altitude so good fitness is essential . The fitter you are the more you will enjoy your adventure !
At the end of each day ’ s hike you ’ ll arrive in camp to a hot meal , a glorious sunset and a night sky shimmering with stars in the
crisp , thin air . Hiking heaven !
Ethiopia also has a rich cultural heritage which can be explored on the Northern Historical Route . The extraordinary ruins throughout this region hint at the extravagance of the ancient civilization that once flourished here ; Africa ’ s Camelot . The story of how these medieval monuments came to be built is little known and mythology fills the voids . Yet far from being dusty relics , these sites are active centres of pilgrimage .
Once a year during Timkat replicas of the Ark of the Covenant are carried in spectacular procession in a re-enactment of Christ ’ s baptism at Emperor Fasiladas ’ baths . With priests in fabulous robes of gold and purple , and crowds of whiteclad worshippers chanting , dancing , and throwing themselves into the water , it is an amazing sight .
Nearby Lalibela ranks among the greatest religio-historical sites of the Christian world . The medieval rock-hewn churches are remarkable , an unbelievable feat of engineering . Stepping into the dim corridors
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