Visit Ethiopia, experience a different culture, improve your fitness and realise your dreams while raising vital funds for Ethiopiaid.

The Simien Mountains are one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to their highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4,620m), the fourth highest peak in the African continent.

Ethiopiaid has organised an expedition which will take place in November 2009. The expedition route is far from the regular tourist trails. It will take you to beautiful lowland valleys and high escarpments, where Amhara villages can be found. The summit is tough but rewarding, and is followed by a challenging ridge route, topping several 4,000m peaks en route.

You can also visit Aksum's ancient palace ruins and underground tombs and Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes carved into the red volcanic rock. Back in Addis Ababa, the capital, you can see some of Ethiopiaid's projects in action.

This expedition will allow you to experience the sensational ancient culture of this unique and fascinating African country.

An Amhara village in the Simien Mountains