The Gorge

As the tour approaches Ethiopia the countryside gradually transforms from the Arabic Muslim world of northern Africa to the more tribal and traditional nature of the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia contains some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world as well as one of its most unique and ancient cultures. The challenge begins as soon as you cross the border, with two days of climbing up to Gondar.

The Ethiopian Highlands offer several fascinating stops including the World Heritage sites of the Fasil Gebbi castles in Gondar and the ancient monasteries near Bahir Dar on the islands in Lake Tana – the source of the Blue Nile. Rest days also offer the opportunity to sample Ethiopia's unique and often fiery cuisine. From a cycling standpoint, the highlight of this section will be the Blue Nile Gorge, a 1360 meter precipitous descent and ascent on a paved road that tests the mettle of cyclists of any caliber. Once you have conquered the Blue Nile Gorge, the beautiful terrain of the central Ethiopian plateau will whiz by as you spin towards the capital city of Addis Ababa.

Highlights

• Fasiledes castle in Gondar
• Lake Tana Island Monasteries
• Blue Nile Gorge
• Sampling fiery & delicious Ethiopian cuisine

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