The highest point on my route in Ethiopia?

Don't know about the elevation I'm afraid, why does it matter? If you want to cycle at high altitudes then head north in Ethiopia. There's a road between Lalibela and the main road down the east of the country where you'd reach about 4000m above sea level.

If you prefer rough roads there is an alternative route from Bahar Dar to almost the Blue Nile Gorge and it would seem that the stone throwing isn't so bad on the alternative route......maybe.

Yep, I mean the road that goes north of the mountains.

Sorry, haven't been to south Omo, I did a loop of the north of the country.

Try not to let the little b**s get to you!

Africa scares me. How do you cope with nasty kids throwing stones? And there are so many parasites to catch there. Yikes. Are there any easier introductory bike tours in Africa?

Ethiopia is the only country I've planned to visit but chickened out of because of the people factor. I remember reading Al Humphrey's account of it and deciding I'd only ever do it in company.

So has it really been as bad as all that? You're obviously still riding so it must be bearable.

Sorry, nothing useful to contribute to your question.

This is a bit sad of me but anyway. This is my blog from cycling in Ethiopia. I loved it and think people should go, BUT it is the hardest place I've ever been. Al Humphries blog scared me and he is so so right.

Don't know the elevation, and as this thread is a bit old your probably half way to Addis now. But the Blue Nile gorge is very very hard.

I did meet a backpacker in Nairobi who crossed the lake Turkana and got his entry stamp in Nairobi. He said it was no worries but I didn't do this myself. Don't know about his exit stamp though. Sorry can't be of anymore help.

If your interested

Ethiopian Blog

Pete, no doubt Ethiopia is a challenge for a number of reasons.

I've yet to hear of anyone that's cycled there that regrets it though.

I certainly don't and I probably will go back some day.

Most of the people are great.