T his holiday has been designed to give you the best and most comprehensive trek in the Simien Mountains. Trekking around the escarpments of Sankaber, Geech and Chenek, we will have stunning views and ample time to observe the unique wildlife such as Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex and Simien Fox. We also have the opportunity to summit Ethiopia's highest mountain, Ras Dashden (4,533m/14,873ft) and our pre-summit rest day gives us the best preparation. Rather than retracing our steps, we complete our trek by heading north, on lesser trekked trails, through varied scenery and culturally interesting villages. To provide a perfect balance to the itinerary we have included a visit to Lalibela, where we explore the 12th century rock-hewn churches, and sightseeing in the ancient capital of Gonder. We end our holiday in the lively city of Addis Ababa making this a truly definitive trip.A fter a day exploring the colourful capital city, Addis Ababa, we travel on to Lalibela, famous for its unique rock-hewn churches that are still thriving today. We then head north to Axum, the ancient capital of the longstanding Axumite kingdom - one of the oldest African kingdoms. The cultural interest continues when we travel to Gonder often described as Africa's Camelot, and home to a dozen castles built by the various emperors over the course of 236 years.We break our cultural tour with a three-day moderate trek taking in the wildlife havens and stunning scenery of the Simien Mountains National Park. To complete the circuit we visit the 328 feet wide Blue Nile Falls at Bahir Dar, and we end our trip with a boat ride over Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake.Complete Simien Mountains Trek Abundant wildlife, beautiful scenery, welcoming villagers and Ethiopia's highest mountain - all in one trek.Historical Ethiopia & the Simien MountainsThe cultural highlights of Ethiopia's Historic Circuit combined with a superb short trek in the Simien Mountains.Simien Mountains Village, Clare Gardiner Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients£1,995£2,650Land OnlyFlight IncludedSun 09 Oct - Sun 23 Oct 11Sun 06 Nov - Sun 20 Nov 11On Trek: 3 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 9 Camping: 4 Optional: Single Room £195 Single Tent £75Insurance: £95Trek | Duration: 15 DaysGrade: Moderate On Trek: 12 days Local LeaderAccommodation: Hotels: 5 Camping: 11Optional: Single Room £175 Single Tent £95Insurance: £99Trek | Duration: 18 Days£2,095£2,650Land OnlyFlight IncludedThu 20 Jan - Sun 06 Feb 11Thu 06 Oct - Sun 23 Oct 11Thu 03 Nov - Sun 20 Nov 11Thu 19 Jan - Sun 05 Feb 12Grade: StrenuousFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.com66Download holiday itineraries fromwww.mountainkingdoms.come: info@mountainkingdoms.comEthiopia The 'cradle of civilization' offer visitors a wealth of cultural treasures and natural wonders. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the remains of 'Africa's Camelot' at Gonder are only two of the highlights on the Historical Circuit whilst the high peaks and rare wildlife of the Simien Mountains make a trekking holiday in Ethiopia truly unforgettable.Children on Ras Dashen, Niki MorganGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients

MoroccoHow can somewhere so close to Western Europe be so different? From the moment you awake to the sound of the call to prayer, the history, art, culture, religion and way of life here in the Kingdom of Morocco beguiles you. Whether you are trekking in the High Atlas mountains or the Jebel Sahro, relaxing in the atmospheric port of Essaouira or exploring the narrow alleyways of the souks of Marrakesh, Morocco truly offers an amazing array of unforgettable holiday experiences. 67telephone: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only)international telephone: +44 1453 844 400www.mountainkingdoms.comTizi Oussem and Tazzahart plateau, Berber Trails to Mount Toubkal, John Turner