12-Day Addis Ababa, Gondar & Simien Mountains Trek

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Highlights

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa (2,300m), you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After some rest, begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit the National Museum, home of the famous fossil “Lucy,” and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important spiritual landmark. Continue to Mount Entoto for panoramic views over the city, then discover bustling local markets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with live cultural music and dance, setting the perfect tone for your journey ahead.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Addis Ababa Flight to Gondar & Historic City Tou

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Gondar, the 17th-century capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, begin your historic exploration of the city known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring castles and palaces of Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Continue to the Bath of Fasilides, still used for the annual Timket (Epiphany) celebration, then admire the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its angel-adorned ceiling. In the evening, relax at your hotel and prepare for the start of your trekking adventure.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive From Gondar – Debark – Sankaber (Trek Begins)

Depart Gondar after breakfast and drive north across the highlands to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park. Here, we complete park registrations and meet the local trekking team, including guides, scouts, and cooks. From Debark, continue by vehicle to the trailhead and begin your first trek into the park. Walk for 2–3 hours across dramatic escarpments with sweeping views, spotting troops of gelada baboons along the way. Arrive at Sankaber Camp (3,250m), your first campsite, where dinner will be prepared and served under the starry African sky.

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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Sankaber – Gich via Jinbar Waterfall

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and start trekking toward Gich Camp (3,600m). The trail follows the escarpment with spectacular views of the rugged cliffs and valleys below. A highlight of today’s journey is the breathtaking Jinbar Waterfall, plunging into a dramatic gorge. Continue through highland fields and villages where you may meet local Amhara farmers going about their daily lives. By late afternoon, arrive at Gich Camp, surrounded by giant lobelias and open landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a short hike up to Kedadit Mountain for a panoramic sunset before returning for dinner and overnight at camp.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gich – Imet Gogo – Inatye – Chenek

After breakfast, begin an exhilarating trek from Gich Camp with a steady climb to the dramatic viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3,926m). From here, admire sweeping 360° views of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and endless escarpments—one of the most iconic panoramas of the Simien Mountains. Continue along the ridge through fields of giant lobelias, then ascend to the summit of Inatye (4,070m), another breathtaking vantage point. The trail then descends gradually to Chenek Camp (3,650m), where you may spot Walia ibex, an endangered species found only in this region. Dinner and overnight at Chenek Camp.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Chenek – Ambiko via Ras Bwahit

Today’s trek is challenging yet rewarding, as you ascend through the Bwahit Pass (4,200m), gaining spectacular high-altitude views of the Simien Mountains. If conditions allow, you can summit Ras Bwahit (4,430m), Ethiopia’s third-highest peak, and take in the sweeping panorama of jagged peaks and deep valleys. After this exhilarating climb, descend toward the Mesesha Wenz River, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Continue uphill for a short stretch to reach Ambiko Camp (3,250m). Relax, enjoy dinner prepared by your trekking cook, and rest for the summit day ahead.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Summit Day – Ras Dashen (4, 550m) and Return to Ambiko

Rise early before sunrise and begin the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek: the ascent of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,550m. The climb starts gently but gradually becomes steep, requiring careful pacing and stamina. The final section involves a short, hands-on rock climb to reach the summit. Once at the top, be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Simien Mountains, spotting soaring vultures, eagles, and the vast rugged landscape below. After celebrating your achievement, descend carefully back to Ambiko Camp for a well-earned dinner and rest.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ambiko – Sona (Relaxed Trek)

Today’s trek is a more gentle and scenic journey, allowing time to recover from the summit day. Depart Ambiko Camp and traverse rolling highland plains, passing small villages where you can observe local daily life and farming activities. Enjoy the tranquil landscapes of the Simien Mountains, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as gelada baboons and endemic birds. Arrive at Sona Camp (3,500m) in the afternoon, set up for dinner, and relax while taking in the serene surroundings.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Sona – Mekarebya (Descent to Lowlands)

Today you begin the descent from the highlands into the lowland villages, offering a completely different perspective of the Simien region. Trek steeply over 1,000 meters to the Ansiya Wenz River, a lush and scenic area rarely visited by trekkers. Take a refreshing dip in the river and enjoy the temperate climate. Continue through the villages, interacting with locals and observing traditional life. Arrive at Mekarebya Camp (3,100m), where you can rest, enjoy dinner, and reflect on the day’s unique cultural and natural encounters.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mekarebya – Mulit (Scenic Riverside Trek)

Continue descending toward Mulit (2,000m), passing through scenic valleys and riverside pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Stop at Hawaza Village for a coffee or tea break and observe local village life. The trek gradually ascends 400 meters before reaching the final campsite at Mulit. Enjoy the evening by a cozy campfire, celebrate the completion of the trekking portion, and marvel at the starlit Simien sky while reflecting on your journey through Ethiopia’s dramatic landscapes.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mulit – Adi Arkay – Gondar (Return to Civilization)

After a final easy morning trek of about 2 hours, leave Mulit and arrive at Adi Arkay, a small town on the main road. From here, board a private vehicle for a scenic drive back to Gondar, passing through spectacular landscapes, rugged cliffs, and unique rock formations along the way. Arrive in Gondar by the afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxing evening reflecting on your Simien Mountains adventure.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar – Addis Ababa, Market Visit & Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Gondar Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. If time allows before your international departure, visit a local market or shopping area to purchase souvenirs and experience the city’s vibrant daily life. In the evening, enjoy a farewell Ethiopian dinner accompanied by traditional music and dance, celebrating the end of your incredible journey. Finally, transfer to the airport for your departure, taking home unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s culture, landscapes, and highland adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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