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Historic Mountains, Margin and Rift Valley Fieldtrip Expectation Statement

Please read the general expectation statement for the main conference. The following additional information applies specifically to this field trip.

Organisation

This field trip is being organised by the Dik-Dik tour company, who are arranging all transport and accommodation.

Climate

The field trip spends some time in the Afar region, one of the hottest places on earth. Whilst we are travelling in one of the cooler seasons, temperatures are still likely to be around 30°C and could reach 45°C (http://www.yr.no/place/Ethiopia/Afar/Afar_Regional_State/statistics.html). Temperatures in the Main Rift Valley and on the Ethiopian Plateau will be a little cooler but could still easily reach the mid 30s. There is often very little natural shade. Protection from the sun is essential. Bottled water will be provided for the duration of the trip. Typical daytime temperatures in the Highlands are 20°-25°C. However, temperatures at night and early in the morning can easily go down to 10-15°C, so a light jacket (fleece type) is recommended.

It is unlikely it will rain, but if it does then the rain will be heavy so be prepared bringing also a light waterproof jacket.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be in a range of hotels and lodges, some of which will be very basic. Do not expect western-style hotels. A sleeping bag is not required, but a cotton or silk liner is recommended. A travel mosquito net is also recommended for the hotels in the rift valley. Mosquitos are not present at high altitudes on the plateau.

Food and Drink

Food will be simple Ethiopian style. There will be minimal choice, but vegetarian options will be available (this should be discussed with the trip organization during the pre-departure briefing). Soft drinks and a plentiful supply of bottled water will be provided free of charge.

Transport

There will be some long drives associated with this fieldtrip. These will be in two 12 seats minibuses and one 4x4 vehicle and will be mainly on asphalted roads or on good gravel roads. We have been told there will be seatbelts for all passengers. Each vehicle comes with a dedicated driver.

We recommend comfortable attire for travelling in warm conditions as we cannot guarantee that air conditioning will be available in all the vehicles.

Physical Fitness

The field trip will involve some short hikes across rough terrain. A general level of good fitness is required.

Healthcare and illness

The field trip goes to some remote areas where you will be a long way from professional medical care. The field trip will include trained first aiders with basic first aid skill You could be as much as 6-8 hours driving from the nearest hospital or clinic. Hospitals and clinics are generally of a poor standard.

Please note, for a short period of around two hours whilst travelling in the Highlands we will be at altitudes greater than 3200m, but no more than 4000m. Altitude sickness can be a problem.

You must notify the conference organisers if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Malaria is present in the rift valley. Please prepare appropriately with anti-malarial medication, insect repellent, and a personal mosquito net.

You must bring a pack containing any medications that you may require. A list of recommended items for a first aid kit is given below.

You should consult with your doctor about any vaccinations that may be recommended for travel in Ethiopia.

Health and Safety

You will be given a full health and safety briefing before departure from Addis Ababa. You must attend this briefing.

Insurance

Before departure from Addis Ababa we will require details of your travel insurance, including policy number and emergency contact number. You will not be permitted to travel on this field trip without adequate cover.

This field trip will briefly enter the Danakil desert area where the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel. This will be for a short two hour drive from the plateau margin to the city of Mille. It is a part of Afar where the local population are mostly sedentary, and where no problems have been reported. We will cross this area along a new and well used asphalted road, until we reach the Dessie-Djibouti road, which is the border of this area. Please see (www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/ethiopia).

Packing and Kit List

Please pack everything into one small-medium size case/backpack plus one daypack. Bags containing items you do not wish to take to the field can be left securely in Addis Ababa.

Recommended kit list for this trip includes:

List of medication / personal first aid equipment recommended.
Some of these are only available by prescription in the UK.

Electrical Equipment and Communication

We cannot guarantee you will be able to charge electrical items such as mobile phones or cameras once we depart from Addis Ababa. We recommend ensuring all your items are fully charged with spare batteries if needed.

Mobile phone coverage is fairly good near the major roads, but there will be times when the group will be out of mobile phone coverage. The group will have a satellite phone for use in emergencies on these occasions (phone number will be communicated before departure)

Assessment of Risk

The University is not aware of your own particular circumstances. It is for you to assess your suitability and level of acceptable risk bearing in mind your own particular circumstances. The University encourages dialogue on whether this activity is appropriate for you. Please do not hesitate to contact the University through the conference e-mail address if you wish to obtain more information or discuss further any issues, in particular those surrounding health and safety. The University's draft risk assessment for this activity is available here. If you are aware of any personal circumstance that may alter this assessment please let the conference organiser know.