Ride the Rift

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in ways we could not have imagined and turned our lives upside down. In Ethiopia, tourism has been particularly badly hit and the people who have fared worst are those freelance tourism service providers earning a living as guides, drivers, cooks and scouts. After more than seven months of living without an income, many are being forced to sell their livestock or other belongings just to afford the bare necessities for their families and be able to continue sending their children to school.

‘Ride the Rift’ is an initiative to support these worst affected individuals and their families across Ethiopia. The primary aim of the ride is to raise much-needed funds which will be given to help these families; and to raise awareness of their plight.

Additionally it will demonstrate to Ethiopians that the country is open for them to travel in and that this is an ideal time to see the wonderful sites to be found across the country. It will motivate Ethiopians who can to travel out to help out, giving employment to individuals and businesses across the country.

The event is a collaborative effort by a number of Ethiopian tour operators keen to support this vital cause and encourage travellers to return to Ethiopia to re-energise Ethiopia’s tourist industry.

If you decide to ride the rift your friends and family may like to come and cheer you to the finish. There is beautiful walking to be done around Kundi and Ankober, so family and friends can happily walk around. If at Kundi the walk from the guesthouses to the end of the ride is just over 10km and will take about 2h30m. Broadly following the ridge road with magnificent views into the Rift Valley. Its nice to take paths away from the road in places.Around Ankober Lodge there are walks and activities that the lodge suggests in the area.If possible share accommodation / tents as there is limited availability.

As these are in short supply we will require payment with in 6 working hours to secure the booking (reservations made in the morning must be paid for by that afternoon, and afternoon reservations by the next morning.)

Stay in the beautifully situated Ankober Lodge, perched on a hill top on the Rift Valley Escarpment. It is set on the site of Emperor Menelik's former palace. There are 10 rooms built in traditional style with ensuite hot shower & toilet: 6 family rooms with a double & a single bed, + an optional camp bed, and 4 double or twin rooms facing out to the magnificent views. These will be provided on a first come first serve basis.

The restaurant, which was rebuilt in the style and site of the Great Hall of Emperor Menelik at the top of the hill, serves a variety of international & national dishes. The bar and the veranda look over the Rift Valley allowing you to enjoy the wonderful scenery.

You don't want to ride, but you want to help? We encourage everyone to raise funds for the good cause with your friends in Ethiopia or abroad. Our rider Peter Nash set up a fundraising campaign on GO FUND ME to support his climb up the Rift. With just a few clicks you can help him to reach his fundraising goal of £2,000 (~ETB100,000).

Additional fundraising is something that we ask all participants to do. We have a draft sponsorship form you can print out to help seek individuals or businesses to sponsor you. If you ask them to sponsor you a fixed amount or amount per kilometre cycled (to encourage you to complete the 30km) or per meter climbed!