October 5th Simien National Park

Along with Yellowstone, this was one of the first listed World Heritage sites - and so it should be. I'm at the park offices at 8 (opening time) but there is a queue. I pay about $20 park entrance and with my security man (with an AK47) we head off doing the 35 ks to the park entrance.

On entering the park we pass the Simien Park lodge and I'm excited.. The views are great. and my photos don't do justice.

The Aussie /English couple I met last night said I must try to get to Chenek,where the views are spectacular.

My guard cant speak a word of English and my Amharic ( its own pictorial alphabet written left to right) is non existent ..so we use sign language.. He tells me where to stop and see things. We don't waste time as Chenek is, so I've been told, 3-4 hours away.

close up

We get to Chenuk in 2 hours but the clouds are closing in ..We are at 11000 feet above sea level.

The mist is just arriving when we get to Chenuk

Spectacular.and a scary climb.

A heavy mist come down at Chenuk.. we head back

Thick Billed raven..any in Durban CRB?

Aloes at 11000 feet ..note Teff growing here at this height.

I drive back to Debark in heavy mist.

You need about 5 nights here.. and hope you have good weather.

I head for Gonder and spend the night there.

I get the car washed, have Pizza for dinner, and with a hotel employee go to a show.

This is really fun.

Just locals with trad. dances and music

Pretty girls.. nice music ..a good night

So I have noticed umbrellas used extensively in Ethiopia.. and my thoughts (at a young age) are of Haile Sellasie.. under big umbrellas.. is this a tradition?

A good night!

Nice trad. stuff

And finally sleep.