Day 7: Simien Mountains to Gondar
Saturday 14th February 2015
Simien Mountain Lodge – Gondar A dawn walk around the lodge did not reveal any new species but the crisp morning light threw the mountains into sharp relief and justified the early start. After another excellent breakfast, we drove back to Debark and said goodbye to our local guide and guards, who had accompanied us throughout our time in the Simiens. We rejoined the tarmac road and set off back to Gondar. We had a delightful stop at the Kosoye Lodge, where we enjoyed excellent coffee whilst watching Lammergeier and Augur Buzzards soaring over the steep hillside. Just before reaching Gondar, we visited the Ploughshare Women’s Training Centre, which provides training to single and disadvantaged women who have lost their husbands through war, disease and displacement. The manager, Tesfalem Abera, gave us a guided tour of the centre which gives women an opportunity to learn skills, build confidence and become self-sufficient. Everyone took the opportunity to buy gifts and support this valuable project. After a second fantastic lunch at the Four Sisters Restaurant, we had time for some leisurely birding around the grounds of the Goha Hotel. In addition to Tawny and Steppe Eagles, we also found a range of passerines including Grey-headed Batis, Singing Cisticola and Tawny-flanked Prinia. As the sun set, we again enjoyed the panoramic views of the city of Gondar whilst sipping cold drinks on the hotel terrace. It was satisfying to reflect on a very successful week in the north of Ethiopia and a chance to unwind before another long day’s travel.
Simien Mountain Lodge – Gondar A dawn walk around the lodge did not reveal any new species but the crisp morning light threw the mountains into sharp relief and justified the early start. After another excellent breakfast, we drove back to Debark and said goodbye to our local guide and guards, who had accompanied us throughout our time in the Simiens. We rejoined the tarmac road and set off back to Gondar. We had a delightful stop at the Kosoye Lodge, where we enjoyed excellent coffee whilst watching Lammergeier and Augur Buzzards soaring over the steep hillside. Just before reaching Gondar, we visited the Ploughshare Women’s Training Centre, which provides training to single and disadvantaged women who have lost their husbands through war, disease and displacement. The manager, Tesfalem Abera, gave us a guided tour of the centre which gives women an opportunity to learn skills, build confidence and become self-sufficient. Everyone took the opportunity to buy gifts and support this valuable project. After a second fantastic lunch at the Four Sisters Restaurant, we had time for some leisurely birding around the grounds of the Goha Hotel. In addition to Tawny and Steppe Eagles, we also found a range of passerines including Grey-headed Batis, Singing Cisticola and Tawny-flanked Prinia. As the sun set, we again enjoyed the panoramic views of the city of Gondar whilst sipping cold drinks on the hotel terrace. It was satisfying to reflect on a very successful week in the north of Ethiopia and a chance to unwind before another long day’s travel.