Trekking Ethiopia's Simien Mountains
The Simien Mountains National Park is one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular destinations. Comprising 220 square kilometres of peaks, plateaus, vistas and valleys, the park offers stunning viewpoints and some of the best trekking routes in Africa.
Of this week-long trip, you’ll be spending five full days hiking this incredible mountain range with exceptional scenery, wildlife and exquisite flora, from alpine flower meadows to mossy moorland. Your local guides will be with you every step of the way and you’ll be well looked after by your accompanying scouts and cook at the mountain camps.
As well as sensational mountain hiking you’ll spend a couple of nights in the fascinating city of Gondar with its elaborate palaces and castles.
Services
Included:
- 6 x nights accommodation in a double/twin room
- Internal flights (if international flight is booked with Ethiopian Airlines. Supplement required if not)
- Private transfers in air-conditioned minivan days 1 & 6
- Camping gear & meals at camp
- Mule & muleteer during camping trip
- Meals from lunch day 1 to breakfast day 7
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees in itinerary
- Local guide & scout fees
- Bottled mineral water in vehicle (2 lt per day)
- Government taxes associated with itinerary
Excluded:
- Day use of hotel on final day in Addis Ababa
- FOC Leader
- International flights
- Alcohol & extra snacks/drinks
- Any photography & video fees
- Tips & personal expenses
Optional:
- Day use on the last day in Addis Ababa: Extra $50
- German speaking guide: extra $45 per day.
Itinerary at a Glance
Sankaber
Hike into the Simien Mountains
Gich
Jinbar Waterfall & Highland Flora
Imeg Gogo
Two Peaks Hiking Circuit
Chennek
The High Inateye Peak
Buwahit
Scaling the Heights
Gondar
The Castles of Gondar
Addis Ababa
Homeward Bound
Detailed Itinerary
Sankaber
Day 1: Hike into the Simien Mountains
Upon arrival in Addis, you will connect directly to your domestic flight to Gondar. At Gondar, you’ll be welcomed and driven to the Simien Mountains National Park.
The drive concludes at Buyit Ras where we begin a 3-4 hour hike to your camp at Sankaber. We’ll be walking through the mountains with beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge as we approach Sankaber.
At this point, look out for endemic Gelada baboons in the trees. Arrive at the camp and settle in enjoying dinner with our fellow guests.
Gich
Day 2: Jinbar Waterfall & Highland Flora
Today’s trek starts with a gentle stroll through the heather fringed with lichen and mosses. Along the route keep an eye open for the elegant klipspringer antelope picking its way through the brush.
After 2-3 hours, reach a viewpoint of the impressive Jinbar Waterfall. From there, climb fairly steeply for an hour to reach the Jinbar Valley then follow the course of the pretty Jinbar River at 3,190m.
Stop for a picnic lunch in these majestic surroundings. We then ascend gradually on an undulating trail for 2-3 hours to the village of Gich made up of traditional, round thatched huts and home to a Muslim community. The trail then winds its way into a moorland blanketed by highland flora. Soon after we arrive at our camp for the night.
Imeg Gogo
Day 3: Two Peaks Hiking Circuit
Today embark on one of the most scenic and spectacular trails in the park.
The route takes us to various viewpoints offering remarkable vistas of this magnificent landscape created by seismic geological upheaval between 60 and 70 million years ago.
The first part of the hike is a gentle uphill walk of around 2 hours from Gich to a viewpoint at 3,926m. Another hour’s walk through the Afro-alpine meadow takes us to Lobelia Valley, which is home to thousands of these giant plants.
The trail then brings us to the second viewpoint, Saha (3,785m) with stunning views of the dramatic gorge and rock towers. This is the ideal spot for lunch.
After lunch and before the final ascent towards camp, another 1-hour trek brings us to the final viewpoint of the day, Kedadit at 3,760m. After that, a 45-minute downhill stroll brings us back to the Gich campsite.
Chennek
Day 4: The High Inateye Peak
Today’s trek begins by ascending gradually for about 2 hours through the Afro-alpine meadows.
Next, descend for impressive views of the gorge below Imet Gogo. The trail then winds its way to the lowest point and begins ascending to the peak Inateye (which means beloved mother in Amharic).
We ascend fairly steeply at first for an hour and then more gradually for another hour to the highest point of the day at Inateye (4,070m).
This area is an outstanding place for birdwatching, particularly raptors. Here we have a wonderful view of the Imet Gogo summit, Buhait Pass and the surrounding mountains.
After a brief rest and lunch, begin a 2-3 hour descent to camp. About 10-20 minutes before reaching camp stop at Kurbetemetaya for an excellent overall view of the day’s trek.
Late afternoon, drive back to Debark for an overnight stay.
Buwahit
Day 5: Scaling the Heights
Today we climb the second-highest peak in the Simien Mountains, Buwahit (4430m).
Along the way look out for endemic Walia Ibex negotiating the craggy terrain. You’ll find scenic views at every turn and the chance to see the highest mountain peak in Ethiopia Ras-Dejen towering up to 4543m.
From Buwahit we descend to the Chenek camp for dinner and a well earnt rest.
Gondar
Day 6: The Castles of Gondar
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Gondar.
In Gondar, there are many castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. In some ways, the city can feel more European than African.
In the afternoon, we visit Fasiladas' Palace, probably the most impressive of all the castles in the area and the oldest. We continue to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings. Debre Berhan Selassie is rumoured to have been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant of the Ethiopian Empire.
After a full day settle into your hotel for the evening and relax.
Addis Ababa
Day 7: Homeward Bound
Depending on your departure time and interests we could arrange a guided shopping trip in Addis Ababa this morning. Later, the tour ends with a drop-off at the international airport.
