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Ethiopia

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Matt2matt2002:
Ethiopia this time.

Just four weeks. Flying out from Edinburgh on Feb 13, via Istanbul to Addis Ababa. Return ticket on March 13.
Planning on cycling north to Lake Tana (350 miles) and the source of the Blue Nile. Depending on time/ fitness I may trek in the Simien mountains.
Another plan is to bus back from Lake Tana to Addis Ababa and then cycle south for a week.

Using my Raven with 38*17, 1.75 Marathons, 2 front Ortlieb on rear rack, Altura bar bag and Chaingliger.
Packing very light this time.

Research shows that the country is a tough one to tour, in terms of altitude, temperatures and young folk err... requesting donations.

Ethiopia has one of the highest population densities in Africa. Very little of the country is lower than Ben Nevis, the highest point in UK.

Why Ethiopia? In two words, the challenge.
I like to push my personal boundaries.
Lots of secondary reasons. Culture, history, scenery, food, coffee and ( hopefully) hippopotamuses.

Internet access is sporadic so updates may be intermittent but will finish this with thanks to the group for not only technical support over my years here but also the good humoured camaraderie and 'banter'.

jags:
Good on ya Matt have a blast buddy you have enough miles in the legs to make the cycling easy but man that heat is gonna take some getting used to ???
look forward to the photos
bring us back a stick rock.

anto.

Danneaux:
All good wishes, Matt. Safe, happy travels with just enough of the "right" kinds of Adventure to make for good retellings.

All the best,

Dan.

Pavel:
I'd be interested in hearing on what gear you intend to bring and how you will pack.  I assume you are bringing a  tent, mat and sleeping bag, right?  Are you bringing cooking gear and food? 

I've been trying to think of how I could pack for a three day just using my front Ortlieb Sportspacker Plus' and have determined it can't be done, short of using ancient Celtic spells.

Careful if you find those hippos.  When I lived in Africa I was surprised at how Hippos were regarded as a dangerous animal. But in my imagination, anywhere there are hippos there are going to be Crocodiles. Those I like seeing only from healthy distances.

I wonder how Ethiopia is for water. Does a lot have to be carried?

Matt2matt2002:
Thanks folks.
Pavel; no camping, no food preparation. So ultra light.
On my previous tours I have always found I've carried too much.
I am taking a cotton sleeping bag liner. Might help with beg bugs.
Most of the weight/ volume is taken up with tools, medicine and electronics.
I know my route and sleeping locations.

Matt

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