For several years we have wanted to trek in the Simien Mountains. Once we began cycling in Ethiopia, we could make that dream come true. In the company of two other cyclists, we set off on a 3-day journey across the Roof of Africa. Along the way we encountered several groups of the famed Gelada monkeys, as well as several other species unique to the Ethiopian Highlands. And it all had the backdrop of stunning mountains, rugged cliffs, and heart-pounding ascents reaching more than 4,000 m (13,350 ft) into the sky.

In Africa, there are lots of choices to make about which roads to take. Our proposed route has been influenced by where we can get visas, countries that are considered to passable on bikes, and the advice of experienced travelers in Africa. In the end we may choose to take some different roads, but the overall route will take us from Cairo to Cape Town.