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Blue Donkey Express

5.12a, Sport, 90 ft (27 m),  Avg: 2.5 from 2 votes
FA: Darrel Sommerlatt
International > Africa > Ethiopia > Addis Ababa > Amora Gedel (Addis Ab…

Description

Face climbing up the center of a robust column of varied basalt textures. Ten bolts protect the leader and are spaced out while protecting the wall's hardest moves. The first two-thirds of climbing is sustained 5.11 climbing while the last section before the last bolt features several 5.12a/b moves over five meters of sloping, small side pulls and crimpers on hard basalt. Fun climbing with two ledges for natural rests to attack the crux!

Very difficult onsight.

Name is a throwback to the wonderful taxi-bus system in Addis.

Location

This climb goes up the middle of the face of a large column to the left of the big tree.

The first bolt is about 4 meters off the ground below a dicey roof.

Protection

10 quickdraws and two bolt anchors at the top with quicklinks.

Note: Climbers can reach the anchors of Enkefet from Tara Gara by climbing a small 3 meter section of 5.7 to set up a top rope.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Elad Omar high up on the crux of the Blue Donkey
[Hide Photo] Elad Omar high up on the crux of the Blue Donkey
Climber at the anchors of Blue Donkey Express
[Hide Photo] Climber at the anchors of Blue Donkey Express
Nearing the crux at the top!
[Hide Photo] Nearing the crux at the top!
In the second section of Blue Donkey
[Hide Photo] In the second section of Blue Donkey
At the first bolt of BDE
[Hide Photo] At the first bolt of BDE