This eight-day trek through the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia offers an immersive adventure, combining challenging hikes with breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife sightings. Beginning and ending in Gondar, the journey takes you through the stunning scenery of the Simien Mountains National Park, where you will encounter Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolves, and other endemic species. The highlight of the trek is reaching the summit of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak.
Day 1: Arrival in Gondar
Activities Arrival, rest, and preparation for the trek. Optional city tour to visit Fasil Ghebbi, Fasilides’ Bath, and Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
- Accommodation: http://gondarhillsresort.com/ or similar
Day 2: Gondar to Sankaber Camp
Transport Drive from Gondar to Debark (100 km, 3 hours), then drive to Simien Mountains National Park entrance. Trek Debark to Sankaber (2-3 hours). Highlights First encounter with Gelada baboons, stunning views of the escarpment.
- Accommodation Camping at Sankaber
Day 3: Sankaber to Geech Camp
Trek 5-6 hours Accommodation Camping at Geech. Highlights Jinbar Waterfall, chance to see various birds and wildlife, crossing the Jinbar River.
Day 4: Geech to Imet Gogo and back to Geech
Trek : 6-7 hours round trip. Highlight Imet Gogo viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views, possible sighting of Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolves.
- Accommodation: Camping at Geech
Day 5: Geech to Chenek Camp
Trek 7-8 hours. Highlights Crossing valleys, seeing more Gelada baboons, views of the Simien escarpment, the chance to spot the Walia ibex.
- Accommodation : Camping at Chenek
Day 6: Chenek to Ambiko
Trek 7-8 hours. Highlights : Spectacular views, diverse flora and fauna, preparing for the summit attempt.
Day 7: Ambiko to Ras Dashen and back to Ambiko
Trek 8-10 hours round trip. Highlights Summit of Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia at 4,550 meters, incredible views from the top.
- Accommodation: Camping at Ambiko
Day 8: Ambiko to Chenek, drive to Gondar
Trek Ambiko to Chenek (6-7 hours). Transport Drive back to Gondar. Highlights : Reflect on the trek, optional farewell dinner in Gondar.
- Accommodation: http://gondarhillsresort.com/
Permits and Guides Entry into the Simien Mountains National Park requires a permit. It is also mandatory to hire a guide and scout. These can be arranged in Debark
