INTRODUCTION

At the end of this year, ten senior members of the Woodsmoke Club and ‘veterans’ of expeditions to the Chimanimanis, Mount Mulanje (Malawi) and the Drakensberg (South Africa), are planning a challenging expedition to the Ethiopian Highlands. The last such big scale venture by the Woodsmoke Club was the successful ‘Roof of Africa’ Expedition of 2002/3, which saw a team of 10 boys and 2 adults scale both Mounts Kenya and Kilimanjaro.

OUTLINE

Ethiopia is probably the most mountainous country in Africa, indeed its ancient highlands are often referred to as the Roof of Africa, hence the name of the expedition - The Roof of Ancient Africa.

Two main mountainous regions have been selected for the expedition plus a cultural visit to the ancient monastic settlement of Lalibela, often regarded as the 8^th wonder of the world. The two mountain ranges to be visited are the Simien mountains in the north, which include Africa’s fourth highest mountain, Ras Dashen, 4,543m (14,901ft) and the Bale mountain range in the south-east which rises to 4,377m (14,357ft).

Much of the Flora and Fauna are unique to these mountains and include the rare Simien Fox (Ethiopian Wolf). Other animals endemic to the mountains are, Walia Ibex, Mountain Nyala, Gelada Baboon, Black Winged Love Bird and Lammergeyer. The flora is also very unusual and includes species of giant lobelia, giant heather, red hot poker and extensive Juniper forests.

The expedition will last around 3 weeks. It will include two challenging 7 day mountain trips, one in each mountain range and two days of ‘R and R’ in Lalibela. The rest of the time will be used traveling within and to and from Ethiopia.

COSTS

Unlike the previous Roof of Africa expedition, which traveled overland, this one will have to fly. Even within Ethiopia, due to the great distances between the mountain ranges, internal flights will be necessary. These will be much of the cost of the expedition. A rough estimate is that the expedition will cost US$15,000. The members of the expedition will be required to contribute a minimum 25% of the overall cost – US$3,250. Some US$1,500 retained from the previous expedition will also be used. It is hoped that the rest – US$ 10,250 can be found through fund raising.

So that the team’s aim is not purely selfish, it is intended that for every dollar, or other currency, collected during fund raising, 20% will be given to charities within Zimbabwe. It is hoped that it will be split equally between a local Esigodini cause, the King George VI Memorial Children’s Centre and to S.O.A.P. (Save our old age pensioners).

Any monies raised over and above that needed by the expedition would be used as follows: fifty percent to the same charities, while the remaining 50% would be retained for further expeditions.

If anybody is interested, by whatever manner in helping to support this expedition and, indirectly, the charities please would they contact the expedition leader, Mr. Will Randle of Falcon College. Tel: 088 427.

Or email: wrandle@zol.co.zw

The boys themselves will have to work for their trip. Each will have responsibilities during the planning stages and during the expedition itself. These will include transport, documentation, rationing, clothing and equipment, medical aspects, accounting, full photographic and video record, a written journal and low key projects on geology, flora and fauna. They will also be heavily involved in fund raising and already have plans to undertake a non-stop relay run from Falcon to Victoria Falls and take part in a cabaret show in Bulawayo.

Details of Fund Raising Activities
 

THE TEAM

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