8-Day Simien Mountains National Park Trekking

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

Arrival in Gondar and Transfer to Debark

Day 1: Arrival in Gondar & Transfer to Debark
- Morning: Arrive in Gondar. Explore the historical town, including the castles and churches. This an opportunity for visitors to visit this ancient town on their way to Simien National Park
- Afternoon: Transfer to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park.

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

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Golden jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Debark to Sankaber

Sankaber is one of the main campsites located in the Simien Mountains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Ethiopia. It is renowned for its dramatic highland landscapes, deep valleys, and jagged peaks. Sankaber is typically the starting point for trekking tours in the Simien Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding escarpments and wildlife sightings. Trekkers in Sankaber often encounter gelada baboons, a species unique to the Ethiopian highlands, as well as various bird species like the lammergeyer, a large bearded vulture. Other wildlife includes the rare Ethiopian wolf and walia ibex. Sankaber serves as a major trailhead for multi-day trekking routes in the Simien Mountains. Popular treks typically start from Debark and head to Sankaber before continuing toward Geech, Imet Gogo, and Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Sankaber is ideal for nature lovers and trekkers seeking to explore Ethiopia's remarkable highland ecosystem.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Outside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek from Sankaber to Geech Camp

- Morning: Trek along the escarpment with panoramic views of the mountains.
- Afternoon: Pass through waterfalls and spot wildlife like the Walia ibex. Geech is another key campsite in the Simien Mountains National Park, located further along the trekking route from Sankaber. It is known for its incredible views and proximity to some of the most iconic landmarks in the Simien Mountains. Geech is often the second campsite for trekkers on multi-day hikes through the park and offers a more remote and scenic environment. The landscape around Geech is open and grassy, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is dotted with giant lobelia plants, which are characteristic of Ethiopia's highland ecosystem. The plateau offers panoramic views, especially during sunset, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the park.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ascend to Imet Gogo

- Morning: Ascend to Imet Gogo (3,926m) for breathtaking views of the mountain ridges and valleys.
- Afternoon: Return to Geech camp for relaxation.
One of the highlights near Geech is Imet Gogo, a stunning viewpoint located about 2-3 hours of hiking from the campsite. From Imet Gogo, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the sheer cliffs, deep valleys, and vast plains stretching out below. It’s one of the most famous viewpoints in the entire Simien Mountains.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Trek to Chenek

- Morning: Trek to Chenek, passing through rugged terrain with chances of spotting the Ethiopian wolf.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the dramatic scenery and camp near the Walia ibex habitats.
Chenek is another key campsite and trekking destination in the Simien Mountains National Park in northern Ethiopia. It is often considered one of the most beautiful and exciting stops along the trekking route, offering spectacular views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The landscapes around Chenek are stunning, with steep cliffs, deep valleys, and towering mountain peaks. The views from Chenek are considered some of the most breathtaking in the entire Simien Mountains. The escarpments and rugged terrain make it a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the dramatic natural beauty.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Descend from Chenek to Ambiko

- Morning: Begin the descent towards the Ambiko campsite, located near the base of Ras Dashen.
- Afternoon: Prepare for the climb to Ras Dashen.
Ambiko is a notable campsite in the Simien Mountains National Park, primarily serving as the base camp for trekkers attempting to summit Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Ambiko is located further along the trekking route after Chenek and offers a more remote and rugged experience for adventurers seeking to explore the highest parts of the Simien Mountains.

Ambiko is situated at around 3,200 meters (10,498 feet) above sea level. It sits lower than some of the earlier campsites like Geech and Chenek, as it lies in a valley between towering peaks, including Ras Dashen. Ambiko’s main significance is its proximity to Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,550 meters (14,928 feet). Trekkers often stay at Ambiko overnight before making the final push to the summit early the next morning.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ascend from Ambiko to Ras Dashen

- Morning: Ascend to Ras Dashen, the highest peak in the Simien Mountains and the fourth highest in Africa.
- Afternoon: Descend back to Ambiko camp.
Ras Dashen (also spelled Ras Dejen) is the highest mountain in Ethiopia and the tenth-highest in Africa, standing at an impressive 4,550 meters above sea level. It is located in the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in northern Ethiopia. Ras Dashen is a prime destination for trekkers and adventurers, offering a challenging climb with breathtaking landscapes and sweeping views. Most trekkers approach Ras Dashen from the Ambiko campsite, located at around 3,200 meters. The ascent typically starts early in the morning and takes about 4-6 hours to reach the summit, depending on the pace.
The trek to Ras Dashen is considered challenging due to its high altitude, steep climbs, and long distances. Hikers should be well-acclimatized before attempting the summit.

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 back from Ambiko to Chenek and drive to Gondar for departure

- Morning: Trek back to Chenek, then drive back to Gondar for departure or further exploration. - Accommodation is not included in the itinerary (optional stay Gondar hotels).

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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