$1,300 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Addis Ababa to Gondar – Historic Gondar City Tour
Addis Ababa to Gondar – Historic Gondar City Tour
Our adventure begins in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital.
After an early morning flight to Gondar, we meet our guide and begin exploring this historic city.
Gondar was once the imperial capital of Ethiopia and is famous for its castles, churches and fascinating history.
Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure
Our first visit is the famous Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure.
We walk through the historic compound and explore the castles, palaces, courtyards and stone buildings that were once home to Ethiopian emperors.
The guide will introduce us to the history of the Gondarine period and explain how Gondar developed into one of Ethiopia's most important political and cultural centers.
Evening
After the sightseeing, we check into our hotel and have dinner.
We prepare our trekking equipment for the following morning, when we leave Gondar and enter the Simien Mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Gondar Hills Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Gondar – Debark – Sankaber – First Simien Mountain Hike
Gondar – Debark – Sankaber – First Simien Mountain Hike
We leave Gondar early in the morning and drive toward Debark, the main gateway to Simien Mountains National Park.
After completing the park formalities and meeting our local trekking team, we continue by vehicle into the mountains.
The landscape changes dramatically as we climb higher.
The countryside gives way to highland grasslands, rocky mountains and enormous escarpments.
Sankaber
We arrive at Sankaber, where our trek begins.
Our first hike is relatively gentle and allows us to introduce ourselves to the mountain environment.
The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, providing our first spectacular views into the deep valleys below.
As the sun begins to set, we return to our campsite.
We enjoy dinner around camp and spend our first night beneath the Simien sky.
Hiking: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Sankaber – Jinbar Waterfall – Gich – Imet Gogo
Sankaber – Jinbar Waterfall – Gich – Imet Gogo
After breakfast, we begin one of the most scenic sections of the trek.
We follow the escarpment toward Gich, passing through highland grasslands and dramatic mountain scenery.
Jinbar Waterfall
One of the day's highlights is the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall.
The Jinbar River plunges dramatically into the deep gorge below, creating an impressive waterfall surrounded by enormous cliffs.
We stop here for photographs and lunch before continuing toward Gich.
Gich Highlands as we climb toward Gich, the landscape becomes increasingly alpine.
We pass through open grasslands and areas where giant lobelia grow.
This is also a wonderful place for bird watching. We may see lammergeiers and other birds of prey using the mountain thermals to soar high above the cliffs. After enjoying the views, we continue toward our campsite at Gich.
In the evening, we enjoy the sunset and relax around camp.
Hiking: Approximately 6–8 hours
Overnight: Gich campsite
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Gich – Inatye – Chennek – Bwahit Pass – Ambiko
Gich – Inatye – Chennek – Bwahit Pass – Ambiko
Today is one of the longest and most challenging days of the expedition.
We leave Gich early and continue through the high Afro-alpine landscape toward Inatye and Chennek.
We climb toward Inatye Peak, reaching approximately 4,070 metres.
From this high point, we have spectacular views across the Simien range.
The high altitude also provides excellent opportunities to observe birds of prey riding the strong mountain winds.
Chennek
We then descend toward Chennek, one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas of the Simien Mountains.
This is one of the best places to look for Walia ibex.
With luck, we may even see an Ethiopian wolf moving through the highland grasslands.
We finally to our base camp for the Ras Dashen summit.
After dinner, we prepare our clothing, water and equipment for the following day's summit attempt.
We go to bed early because the summit climb begins before sunrise.
Hiking: Approximately 8–10 hours
Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Ambiko – Ras Dashen Summit – Ambiko
Ambiko – Ras Dashen Summit – Ambiko
Today is the main goal of our expedition.
We wake before dawn and begin our climb early morning
The early start allows us to make progress during the cooler hours and gives us the opportunity to watch the sunrise over the mountains.
The Climb to Ras Dashen trail climbs gradually at first before becoming steeper and more rocky.
We pass through high-altitude vegetation, including giant lobelia, before entering more rugged terrain.
The altitude becomes increasingly noticeable, so we maintain a steady pace and take regular breaks.
After hours of climbing, we reach the summit area of Ras Dashen, at approximately 4,550 metres above sea level.
At the summit, we take time to celebrate, rest and take photographs.
Descending to Ambiko
Although descending is generally easier on the lungs, the rocky trail still requires care.
Hiking: Approximately 8–10 hours
Highest Point: Approximately 4,550 metres
Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Ambiko – Chiro Leba – Chennek – Gondar or Addis Ababa
Ambiko – Chiro Leba – Chennek – Gondar or Addis Ababa
After breakfast, we begin our final day in the mountains.
We retrace part of our route through the Mesheha Valley toward Chiro Leba.
This final section gives us one more opportunity to appreciate the remote mountain environment and look back toward the high peaks we crossed during the expedition.
We gradually leave the trekking route and meet our vehicle at the agreed collection point.
From there, we drive back toward Gondar.
Depending on the road conditions and flight schedule, we continue to Gondar Airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa or we will have over night in Gonder and take the next morning flight to Addis (optionla).
Hiking: Approximately 3–5 hours before the vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast and lunch dinner
Overnight Gonder or Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Gondar Hills Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
City Tour, Farewell Dinner & Departure
City Tour, Farewell Dinner & Departure
Depending on your flight schedule on Day 6, we will arrange the beginning of your city tour in Addis Ababa according to your arrival time and energy level.
However, we will make sure not to miss some of the city's highlights. We will begin with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil remains of Lucy (Dinknesh), one of the world's most significant early human ancestors.
visit also Mount Entoto, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Addis Ababa and its surrounding landscape.
In the evening, we will enjoy a special farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa's finest traditional Ethiopian restaurants, where you can experience authentic Ethiopian live traditional music and cultural dances
Following dinner, we will drive you to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.
This will mark the end of your memorable Ethiopian tour. We hope you leave Ethiopia with wonderful memories, new experiences.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
