King Solomon, known as the Bible's wisest king, was also famed for his enormous wealth. His temple in Jerusalem, reputed to be more fabulous than any other landmark in the ancient world, was heavily adorned with gold from the  mystical land of Ophir. The precise location of this land, and the mines it contained, is one of the great mysteries of history and even before the publication of Rider Haggards novel King Solomons Mines explorers and scientists had scoured the world for the source of Solomon's incredible wealth.

 

In the mid 1930's British explore Frank Hayter claimed he had found the entrance to the lost mines high on a rocky ledge on the cursed mountain of Tullu Wallel in SW Ethiopia. Exhaustion and lack of supplies prevented him form exploring further and the mystery of what he actually found remains unsolved.

 

This 2000km, 7 riding day, journey will be a true adventure that will take in some of the most spectacular ancient sites in Ethiopa. The route using gravel roads connected by some challenging off road trails  will be ridden on KTM motorcycles. Whilst hotels will be used at the start and finish you will be camping in the wild throughout the expedition. In addition to the exploration the expedition will raise money for the charity Project Pencil Case.

 

 

Total duration including flights out / back and rest days - 10 days. The precise dates are to be confirmed but the expedition will take place in October 2012 and will cost £3600.

 

 

 

 

This charity provides support and resources for schools in Ethiopia.