Organising a trek into the Simiens without a credit card and a slick expedition company was an adventure in itself.
Before sensational views rewarded the blisters, we had to figure out the permit system and hire our team. A cook who took Sam shopping for provisions in the local market. Mule guys to guide our beasts of burden. And our armed scout, Mulo.
We felt safe from any bandits with a local whose AK-47 made up for his lack of stature. He led the way and took delight in spotting wildlife for us: an Abyssinian wolf, lammergeier falcons and walia ibex. The gelada baboons needed no-one to point them out.
The views though were enough to leave anyone gasping. The Simiens are not peaked mountains so much as the original high flatlands from which the rest of the country has eroded away. Of this unique serrated geography Imet Gogo is the clear highlight.
The culmination of our 6 day trek was the 4,400 metre summit of Bwahit. Chigrellum - No problem.
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