Simien Mountains National Park
Overview
Ethiopia Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Ethiopia.
Imagine being surrounded by a few hundred gelada monkeys feeding, grooming and squabbling in the dramatic mountain setting of Simien Mountains National Park, referred to as the Roof of Africa. To experience this thrilling primate encounter, you can drive along an all-weather road through the heart of this scenic park, or opt for a multiday trek to 4,533m (14,872 ft) Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
The acrobatic Walia ibex is restricted to the Simien Mountains, and watching a small herd run up and down the vertical cliffs is likely to give you goose bumps. Gelada monkeys, on the other hand, are most often found feeding on the grassy plateau in herds of up to 1,000 individuals. Spending a couple of hours following a community is an incredible experience.
Scenery
The Simien Mountains comprise a vast plateau of ancient volcanic rock incised with sheer, rugged ravines, and towered over by more than a dozen individual peaks topping 4,000m/13,123ft. The Afro-alpine moorland is characterized by striking vegetation, such as giant lobelia plants and everlasting flowers. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Ethiopia’s highest point and Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, Ras Dashen.
Weather & Climate
In Simien Mountains NP temperatures are remarkably uniform throughout the year. There is, however, a big variation between daytime and nighttime (sometimes described as ‘summer every day and winter every night’). Daytime temperatures average at 18°C/64°F and nighttime temperatures at 6°C/43°F. There is a distinct Dry season (October to April) and Wet season (May to September), which peaks in July and August.
Best Time To Visit
Simien Mountains NP is great to visit throughout the year, except in July and August, which see more than half the year’s rainfall. Wildlife can be spotted at any time, but the scenery is at its best from September through to December, just after the rains. September is particularly lovely as it is when wildflowers bloom. Hiking conditions are excellent throughout the Dry season from October to April.
Want To Visit Simien Mountains NP?
Safari Tours to Simien Mountains NP
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![15-Day South and North Ethiopia Safari]()
15-Day South and North Ethiopia Safari
$4,235 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tour
Mid-range Camping & LodgeYou Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Danakil Depression (Highlight), Hamad Ela (Village), Hawzen (Town), Gheralta (Mountain Range), Lalibela (Town), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP, Bahir Dar (City), Arba Minch (City), Turmi (Omo Valley), Jinka (Omo Valley), Addis Ababa (End)
Pride of Africa Adventures
4.7/5 – 58 Reviews
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![17-Day Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour]()
17-Day Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour
$4,730 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Shared tour (max 3 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & ResortYou Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Simien Mountains NP, Gondar (City), Harar (Town), Aledeghi, Awash NP, Lake Ziway, Senkele Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary), Bale Mountains NP, Awasa (City), Addis Ababa (End)
Armaye Ethiopia Tours
5.0/5 – 29 Reviews
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![8-Day Ethiopia Semien Mountain Trekking Tour]()
8-Day Ethiopia Semien Mountain Trekking Tour
$1,760 to $1,870 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tourBudgetCamping & Hotel
You Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP, Addis Ababa (End)
Kubwa Five Safaris
5.0/5 – 112 Reviews
