We left the
apartment at 5:30 am and flew from Addis
to Gondar, where Alex met us, took some money off us, and set us up with a four
wheel drive vehicle loaded with camping gear and a driver. We set off to Debark
and the Simien Park headquarters. Along the way we picked up a cook and his
assistant, a guide, and an armed scout with a machine gun. The roads and
conditions got worse, from crowded minibuses in Addis to motorbike-based trikes
called Bajajs in Gonder to horses and buggies in Debark. After about three
hours driving on roads which were sometimes paved, but usually dirt or major
construction sites we entered the park. After a while it was time to get out
for a two hour hike to our campsite. We were immediately impressed, as we
strolled to the edge of a cliff with spectacular views. We followed the cliff,
sometimes on the dirt road, but mostly through open country or through woods of
heather trees. Eventually we arrived at Sankober Camp. Two tents were already
set up, our luggage was there, and almost immediately a table was set with tea,
coffee, roasted barley (a common snack here) and biscuits. After a little while
this was followed with a plate laden with spaghetti and vegetables. We had a
little time to explore the delights of the concrete squat toilets with
corrugated metal roof and doors, and watch the staff and guides wrap themselves
in blankets and settle into some circular shelters, before it got dark. Went to
bed at 7:45 pm!
Next day
was a spectacular 6 hour hike, probably as good as any hike I have done. It was
one of those hikes where you could see where you would be going, watching the
path circle round hills
…to be
continued
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