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What a ride!
After the airplane in Shire (to Gondar) had “mechanical problems” we had to find alternatives in getting from Aksum to Gondar.
The route takes 1 1/2 hrs. by plane and – yes – 2 days by bus. That’s because of the very old italian unsealed road through the Simian Mountains from former days.
Lonely Planet writes: “However, the journey from Debark to Shire is one of the most dramatic in Ethiopia. The beautiful constructed Italian road cuts its waz through the mountains in a series of neat loops and bends and provides impressive views.”
And, this ride was a good decision.
Riding by truck
After checking some opportunities, we found a truck, which brought us from Aksum to Shirne (2 1/2 hrs.). At Shirne we changed at 12:30 to another truck – what a surprise, it was a beer-truck (local Dashen beer)!
Riding by truck is a good alternative, especially riding on unsealed streets. It is faster and comfortable than a local bus. Another opportunity is renting a jeep (more expensive) or a minibus.
And, this ride was a good opinion and one of the best rides ever in my life (place 2 after the right through Kashmir Mountains).
We were four guys sharing the tiny front-seats while the heat and dust was in the cabine. Sometimes stopping for peeing or enjoying the breathtaking view of the Simien Mountains. We stopped in small villages in the mountains and had some lunch (Spaghetti) and talks with local guys. The road took us over mountains up to valleys and through villages.
Armed guy on the truck – armed people in the villages
Half of the ride the truck had an armed guy on the truck outside – with an “AK”. This, for our and the driver’s security.
It was also interesting to notice, that the small villages we passed through had their own “check-ins” and “security-stopps” with armed local guys. For me, it was like in former days, when a village was closed at night and getting secured. This was for sure another experience.
Debark
We arrived in Debark at 8:30 PM and were driving 2 hrs. in through the darkness, as there are of course no streetlights. At Debark we had a stopp at Simien Park Hotel (180 Birr/hot shower), some good greek Ouzo, beer and another portion of spaghetti.
Debark – Gondar
At 6 AM we continued the ride to Gondar which lasted 3 hrs. It was good, fast and again we had an exciting view.
Then had a perfect breakfast in Gondar at “Tele Cafe” on the Piazza: Latte Macchiato, Avocado and Mango Juice, Cake and some local spicy super tasting stuff. But this is another story…
Tip: Do this ride, when you are in Ethiopia and stop in Debark for a trekking-tour in the Simien Mountains. It’s amazing and I am coming back.
Latest geotagged route from my GPS






























