Visit Ethiopia, experience a different culture, improve your fitness and realise your dreams whilst raising vital funds for Ethiopiaid.

The Simien Mountains are one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to their highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4,620m), the fourth highest peak in the African continent.

Ethiopiaid has organised an expedition which will take place in November 2009. The expedition route is far from the regular tourist trails. It will take you to beautiful lowland valleys and high escarpments, where Amhara villages can be found. The summit is tough but rewarding, and is followed by a challenging ridge route, topping several 4,000m peaks en route.

You can also visit Aksum's ancient palace ruins and underground tombs and Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes carved into the red volcanic rock. Back in Addis Ababa, the capital, you can see some of Ethiopiaid's projects in action.

This expedition will allow you to experience the sensational ancient culture of this unique and fascinating African country.

Please visit our Expeditions and Challenges page or contact Sally Buckley at ethiopiaid@reed.co.uk for more information.

Ethiopia is in the midst of another widespread famine due to the combined effects of drought, increased food prices and insufficient resources for preventative measures. Currently, over 4.5 million Ethiopians are in need of emergency food relief and thousands of children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition. Emergency food relief centres are running over capacity in an attempt to keep up with demand.

Ethiopiaid is targeting famine relief to children under five and their families affected by drought in the Arsi Negele and Shashemene Districts in Southern Ethiopia. Over the next three months we aim to provide emergency food aid and medical assistance to thousands of severely malnourished children under five, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Ethiopiaid has pledged half a million pounds to provide famine relief for those so desperately in need. For more information please contact Sally Buckley at ethiopiaid@reed.co.uk or on 020 7201 9981.