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Ethiopia..."The Ultimate Tour"
Simien Mountains & Danakil Desert
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This African motorcycle tour is not for the faint of heart - this is the ultimate adventure. If you want to test your stamina and riding skills, there is no better place on earth than the dusty deserts of Ethiopia. Ride through stunning scenery, different altitudes, extreme temperatures, and challenging road surfaces whilst discovering the magnificent landscape, culture, and history of Ethiopia. This tour really is the ultimate motorcycle adventure!
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Visit the birthplace of the Queen of Sheba, the 'Jerusalem of Africa' and 'Africa's Camelot'. Hike across the beautiful Simien National Park, along the Blue Nile, and to the top of an active volcano. Be one of the few to ride in the hottest place on Earth. We won't promise you an easy ride - but we will promise you the ride of a lifetime!
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TOUR DETAILS
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Host:
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Africa Riding Adventures Tours ADDAF1
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Tour Character:
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Adventure tour
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Start/End:
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Duration:
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19 days (incl. arrival and departure)
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Riding days:
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17 days
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Entire Route:
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Approximately 2041 miles (3285 km)
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Motorcycles:
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KTM 640 LC4 Enduro, KTM 525XC Desert Racing
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Group riding:
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Required
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Number of participants:
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4-6
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Accommodation:
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Hotels where possible, tents where necessary
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Highlights:
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Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls, Gondar, Simien Mountains National Park, Axum obelisks, Lalibela's churches carved of volcanic rock, Danakil Desert, geysers and sulphur pools, Erta Ale Volcano, native cuisine
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PRICING & DATES
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*rates based on a 4-6 person group
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€4,692
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per rider
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TOUR DATES
Jan. 20 - Feb. 7, 2009
Jan. 20 - Feb. 7, 2010
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€2,192
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per passenger
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EURO
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Currency
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CURRENCY ASSISTANT 
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ALL TOURS
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DAY BY DAY
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 Day 1:
Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Cultural evening in one of the best restaurants in Addis. Overnight in Addis.
Day 2:
Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar
(348 mi/560 km; asphalt)
Departure to Bahir Dar, which is located by the shores of the fabled Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia's most attractive towns and it is the perfect base from which to explore the area's main sites: the Blue Nile falls and the island monasteries of Lake Tana. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3:
Bahir Dar
(37 mi/60 km; off-road)
The visit to Lake Tana's monasteries will start with a boat trip during which you can admire the hand-made papyrus canoes, which still navigate Lake Tana. During the 13th and 14th century, this region received monks seeking the isolation and peace ideal for lives devoted to prayer, fasting, and study. The result was the construction of small monasteries alongside churches. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Nile Falls, where you will enjoy a pleasant trek. The Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Isat (Smoking Fire), are not as spectacular as they used to be due to the redirection of water for hydroelectric power. They are, however, still well worth the trip. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 4:
Bahir Dar - Gondar
(114 mi/184 km; asphalt)
Departure to Gondar, also known as "the Camelot of Africa" because of its unique landscape, which becomes more and more spectacular as you head north. With its numerous castles and churches, it is one of the major historical attractions of Ethiopia. Visit the castle-palace of Fasilidas and the church of Debre Birhan Sellassie (Mount of Light of the Holy Trinity), famous for its beautiful winged angel-decorated ceilings and many other frescos. Overnight in Gondor.
Day 5:
Gondar - Simien, Chenek
(93 mi/150 km; off-road)
Departure to the heart of the Simien Mountains National Park, registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park is out of the ordinary because of the uniqueness of its endemic animals, the beauty of its flora and the majesty of its impressive landscape. If you would like to rest and do some hiking, this is the right place. The Simien Mountains north of Debark are made up of several plateaus separated by broad river valleys. They make up one of the most marvellous landscapes of Ethiopia. We will camp in Simien, Chenek. The camping area is beautiful, but please keep in mind that it can be very cold at night.
Day 6:
Simien - Axum
(190 mi/305 km; off-road)
Departure to the city of Axum which dates to about 100 BC and is one of Ethiopia's star attractions. You will ride through the astonishing landscape of the Simien Mountains. Overnight in Axum.
Day 7:
Axum
Axum was the centre of power of the Axumite Empire, one of the oldest civilizations in Africa, and Ethiopia's oldest city. It was the first place to adopt Christianity, is home to the Arc of the Covenant, and, according to the Old Testament, was the birthplace of the Queen of Sheba, making Axum the capital (1000 BC). Visit Axum slabs and impressive monolithic obelisks, including the largest obelisk in the world, as well as important churches and historical sites. Overnight in Axum.
Day 8:
Axum - Mekele
(134 mi/215 km; off-road)
Departure to Mekele, the starting point for the ride to the Danakil Depression. An enjoyable ride through wonderful landscape and villages. Site-seeing around Mekele. Overnight in Mekele.
Day 9:
Mekele - Dalol - Amed Ila
(113 mi/182 km; asphalt & off-road)
Departure to Dalol. This is a tough ride, made worse by the very high temperatures. Riding will occur only at defined hours of the day for reasons of comfort. Camping in Amed Ila.
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Click here for more photos!
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Day 10:
Amed Ila
(75 mi/120 km; off-road)
The Danakil Depression can be said to 'begin' here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions of the world, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colours, as in the sulphur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level and temperatures can rise above 50C (122F). Visit the Asale Salt Lake, where salt is still extracted using ancestral techniques. Camping in Amed Ila.
Day 11:
Amed Ila - Erta Ale
(67 mi/107 km; off-road)
Early in the morning, we will leave to the 500 metre-high active volcano of 'Erta Ale'. It will take us approximately 4 or 5 hours to make the 82 km until the first post. Two hours and 25 km later, we will be at the base of the volcano, where we will set up camping. THe ride through sand and sharp stones is very difficult. There are no tracks, and GPS will be our only guide. Camping at base of Erta Ale.
Day 12:
Erta Ale
The two- to three-hour hike into the summit of the volcano will start very early. The Danakil Depression has several volcanos, but the Erta Ale is the most accessible and spectacular. Admire the volcano during the best hours of the day (dusk, night, and dawn), and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Camping on top of Erta Ale.
Day 13:
Erta Ale - Amed Ila
(67 mi/107 km; off-road)
Early dawn, we will trek back to the base of the volcano, where we will join up with our vehicles and head back to Amed Ila Dalol. Camping overnight in Amed Ila.
Day 14:
Amed Ila - Mekele
(113 mi/182 km; asphalt & off-road)
Departure for Mekele in the morning. Relaxing after the Danakil trip will probably come naturally, but those who still have some energy left may visit the market of Mekele. Overnight in Mekele.
Day 15:
Mekele - Lalibela
(222 mi/357 km; asphalt & off-road)
Departure to Lalibela through a high altitude curvy road, which offers extraordinary scenery. This is an exceptional, enjoable ride through great landscapes on one of the less-travelled routes in the country. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 16:
Lalibela
(25 mi/40 km; asphalt)
Lalibela, which is also known as the kingdom of the living rock or 'African Jerusalem' is famous for its churches carved out from red volcanic rock dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Ethiopia is home to more World Heritage sites than most countries in Africa. The churches at Lalibela are perhaps the most prominent of all, and are Ethiopia's top attraction. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 17:
Lalibela - Dessie
(180 mi/290 km; off-road)
Departure to Dessie. A necessary stop on the way to Addis, the capital of Wollo is set in the middle of an attractive eucalyptus forest. Overnight in Dessie.
Day 18:
Dessie - Addis Ababa
(264 mi/425 km; asphalt)
Departure to Addis Ababa. The road is made up of new and bad bumpy asphalt with a lot of changes in altitude and temperature, but as usual, the landscape is fantastic. In the evening, the group will have a farewell dinner in one of the best restaurants of Addis. There are many good restaurants, bars, discos, live jazz, and cultural dance venues to offer if you want to extend your stay. Overnight in Addis.
Day 19:
Flight home.
Note: We reserve the right to make changes.
 Ready to ride? Book here
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This tour is best suited for very experienced riders with the ability to ride with full confidence on any surface.
