4-Day Simien Mountain Trekking Tour

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Drive to Simien Mountains – Gondar to Sankaber

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel or Gondar Airport and drive approximately 100 km north through the Ethiopian highlands to Debark, a town of about 35,000 inhabitants and the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. After completing park formalities at the headquarters and collecting the mandatory scout and cook, continue on a rough road to Sankaber Camp at around 3,100 meters above sea level. From here, enjoy a short 2–3 hour acclimatization walk.

Along the way, take in your first breathtaking views of the dramatic mountain landscape and observe characteristic highland vegetation such as giant heather trees (Erica arborea), St. John’s wort (Hypericum revolutum), and the Abyssinian wild rose (Rosa abyssinica). This area is also home to the largest populations of Gelada baboons. Overnight: Sankaber Camp (3,250 m).

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada Monkey Abundant

Walia Ibex Occasional

Ethiopian Wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Trek Sankaber to Geech

At Sankaber, arrangements are made for mule handlers and mules to carry heavy camping and cooking equipment. Hikers only need to carry a light daypack with water, a camera, a light jacket, and personal items.
After breakfast, depart around 08:30 AM, trekking along the northern escarpment with impressive views, including the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall. The deep gorge is home to numerous birds of prey such as Griffon vultures, Lappet-faced (Nubian) vultures, and Lammergeiers (Bearded vultures), as well as buzzards and ibises. With some luck, you may also spot the endemic Abyssinian catbird.
In the evening, there is an optional 30-minute walk to Mount Kedadit (3,760 m) for an unforgettable sunset view. Overnight: Camping at Geech.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Trek Geech to Chennek

After breakfast, trek for about 2 hours to the summit of Imet Gogo (3,926 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Simien Mountains, offering 360-degree panoramas and views of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak. Continue trekking along the escarpment, crossing a small valley and ascending Mount Inatye (4,070 m), where lunch is taken. From here, enjoy dramatic views dropping more than 1,000 meters down to the green fields of mountain villages such as Dihwara, Tiya, Amiwalka and Truwata.
The trail passes through extensive fields of giant lobelia (Lobelia rhynchopetalum), interspersed with heather trees and red hot poker plants (Kniphofia foliosa). In the afternoon, descend to Chennek Camp (3,620 m), often referred to as a wildlife corridor. This is the best area to observe Gelada baboons, the rare Walia ibex, and the endangered Ethiopian wolf. At the campsite, there is an opportunity to wash at the nearby river or pipe water. Overnight: Chennek Campsite.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Chennek – Return to Gondar

Early in the morning, depart from Chennek Camp, where sightings of Walia ibex are common. Begin a 600-meter ascent to Bwahit Pass (approx. 4,200 m) the main route used by trekkers climbing Ras Dashen, a journey that normally requires at least two additional days.
If physical conditions allow, continue climbing to the summit of Ras Bwahit (4,430 m), one of the highest peaks in the region. Afterward, descend back to Chennek. From Chennek, drive 58 km on a rough road back to Debark, then continue on the newly paved road to Gondar, arriving in the afternoon at around 5:00 PM. From Gondar, you may fly back to Addis Ababa or stay overnight in the city.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.