$1,099 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Gondar – Debark – Sankaber Camp
Gondar – Debark – Sankaber Camp
At around 7:30 am, you will be collected from your accommodation in Gonder for a 2 and a half hour journey to Debark in a 4x4 vehicle. The journey will take you along a bumpy and dusty road, providing a genuine glimpse into the lives of the rural population if you have yet to leave the urban areas of Ethiopia. Upon arrival in Debark, you will register at the park headquarters, meet your guide and scout, and then continue into the mountains by 4x4. Although the road extends right to the first camp at Sankaber, you will be dropped off en route for a leisurely acclimatization hike lasting three hours. As you step out of the vehicle and walk along the ridge, breathtaking views will greet you. There will be an opportunity to have a picnic lunch, and after a brief yet strenuous climb to Sankaber, you will be welcomed daily on this hike with fresh coffee, tea, and snacks.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Sankaber – Geech Camp
Sankaber – Geech Camp
Where breathtaking vistas of the foothills, situated 800m below, await. Your journey take you through an area adorned with low bushes including Giant Heather, soda apple, Abyssinian rose, St John's Wort, and Globe thistle. The standout feature of the trek from Sankaber to Geech is the magnificent Genbar Falls, which cascades down a sheer 500m drop. From a viewpoint nearby, you can observe falcons, augur buzzards, and lammergeier vultures the path leads you through drier, dustier terrain before pausing for lunch at a more tranquil waterfall that is less daunting. You might catch sight of klipspringers and bush bucks along the steep, rocky slopes, while groups of Gelada Baboons wander through the arid fields foraging for roots. Just before arriving at the Geech campsite, there is a delightful opportunity to visit a traditional village house for a taste of home-roasted coffee and injurra. Geech Camp is situated on a lush plateau, offering spectacular views of the sunset.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Geech – Imet Gogo -Chenek
Geech – Imet Gogo -Chenek
Towering lobelia until the high pasture transitions into the impressive cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926m). An optional extended path from Gich camp to Imet-Gogo takes a northern route to the viewpoint of Saha, which is 3785m high and known for its gelada baboons, before moving along the steep cliffs southward to Imet-Gogo. Time spent at Imet-Gogo offers magnificent vistas of the valleys below and the uniquely shaped domes in the distance. Next, we make our way down into the Jinbar River Valley; the striking contrast of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic terrain makes it seem. We then ascend from the valley to the summit of Inatye (4070m), an incredibly picturesque location for lunch. After enjoying our meal, we descend for approximately two hours along a steep path to reach Chennek. We arrive at Chennek camp with ample time to take in the breathtaking scenery in all directions and to observe Walia ibex feeding near the escarpment's edge and occasionally near our campsite.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Chennek to Ambiko
Chennek to Ambiko
Our journey begins as we head east from Chennek camp toward the remote Ras Dejen range. Ascending Buwahit pass (4200m) provides us with stunning views of the lush valley we’re departing, with Buwahit peak on our right and a glance ahead revealing the contrasting scenery of the Menesha River valley and its tributaries leading to Ras Dejen in the distance. After taking in the sights, we make a steep descent into the valley, passing through the village of Chiro-Leba. We then walk alongside a tributary on a path that eventually leads us to the Menesha River. Next, we divert from the river to climb up to our camp at Ambiko, where we will rest for the night in anticipation of our early ascent of Ras Dejen the following morning.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Ambiko to Ras Dejen
Ambiko to Ras Dejen
Our ascent to Ras Dejen begins with an early breakfast before sunrise, as we prepare to climb over 1000m to reach the summit. Departing from Ambiko, we navigate through the valley, passing the village of Misma (3500m), until we arrive at a ridge that offers stunning views of the sun rising over the expansive valley below. We proceed eastward along the path towards the rugged western face of Ras Dejen. As the sun's rays illuminate the peaks ahead, we traverse a broad ridge that leads us to a corrie encircled by three towering summits. We take a route heading left up a gulley, culminating our climb at Ras Dejen, where we are rewarded with panoramic views in all directions, showcasing the rocky terrain of the eastern face lit by morning light. After spending ample time resting and taking in the beauty of this extraordinary location, we retrace our steps back to Ambiko. The afternoon is dedicated to recuperation, enjoying a hearty lunch and well-deserved relaxation.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Journey back to Cchiro leba drive toward Gondar
Journey back to Cchiro leba drive toward Gondar
We head back to chiro leba, following the same route from Day 4. As we walk westward with the sun behind us, this hike offers a great chance to observe the summit of Buwahit, which remains visible to the south-west for a significant part of our journey, alongside the western escarpment of the National Park, contrasting with the Ras Dejen range we approached on Day 4. Afterwards, we will drive back to Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
