This extensive trek explores in depth one of Africans largest mountain ranges, studded with at least a dozen peaks over the 4,000m mark. These include Ras Dejen the highest point in Ethiopia, and the 5th highest peak in Africa. The area was designated a national park in 1969, and the entire range a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979.

THE TREK                  

We trek through the Simien Mountains, following an extensive network of trails used by the local people to travel between the villages on the lower slopes or to reach the high pastures for grazing animals. The quality of these trails, along with the fantastic scenery, unique flora, diverse wildlife and rich birdlife make this a rewarding and challenging trek. It is a paradise for natural history enthusiasts as well as for trekkers

Gondar – Simien Mountains – Gondar

Early morning we will drive from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark, the 100 km journey will take around three hours. At the headquarters we will arrange our permits to the park and pick up our scout. Then keep driving for another 30-40 minutes until the Hike starts along mountain trails enjoying the endless vistas as your guide explains the unique flora of this elevated region.  You will also cross paths with a troop of the Gelada baboon, a unique species indigenous to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains. Return to Gondar for overnight.

Day 1: Addis-Gondar/Simien mountains.

A short morning flight takes you to Gondar and A warm welcome to the old mountain capital of Gondar, and Drive from Gondar to Debark the place where the park head quarter is situated where we need to spend about one hour to do entrance fees and pick the scout plus to have tea and coffee before leaving to the mountain, then keep on driving to the place where called Michibiny and start the introductory walk to the first camp site Sankaber for about 2-3 hours along the plateau of the mountain far from the edge of the mountain and over night at Sankaber. You will encounter gelada baboon along this hike.

Day 2: Sankaber-Gich (3600 m), 5-6 hours

We follow the northern escarpment eastward, before we descend a little into the Kaba Valley. After that we climb up before we reach Gich Abyss and continue over a narrow ridge to a cliff where we have a spectacular view of the abyss towards the Simien foothills. We also find a large waterfall here, where the Jinbar River plunges 500 m into the abyss. We proceed for about two hours and have lunch at the Jinbar River. After lunch we walk through fields of barley before we arrive at the idyllic village of Gich. Here we can enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in one of the huts and learn more about local farm life. From Gich village it is a short walk to Gich camp which is a good area to look for lammergeyer and thick billed raven. After a relaxing afternoon, we will take a short hike up to Kedadit to enjoy sunset plus the gorgeous shaded landscapes down to the cliff side towards to the eastern direction and return to the camp for dinner.

Day 3: Imet Gogo-Ambarace, 5-6 hrs

From Gich camp we stroll through endless fields of Giant Lobelia before we reach the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926 m). Here we will spend some time to absorb the superb views over the mountain valleys below and strange shaped domes in the distance. After that we descend into the Jinbahir River Valley. In this way we get a very different perspective of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape, where it looks like big chunks of mountains have been blown away. The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, which is completely vertical here for several hundred meters. Keep walking through the feild of Erica Arboria plant and grassy paths to Aynameda, where the jeep is waiting to us and drive back to Gondar for over night.

Services to provide

♦ Transport in and out

♦ Food and mineral water for the whole trip

♦ Cook with its complete gear

♦ Guide (English speaking)

♦ Park ranger (compulsory)

♦ Park entrance fees

♦ All camping equipment (Tent, sleeping Mattress and sleeping bags, but it is highly recommended if you bring your own sleeping bags)

♦ Mule and muleteers for loading and unloading luggage and stuffs from one camp to another

Notes  meals for the city is not included from the price.

Day 1: Walk from debark to the first camp site Sankaber. It will be 6-7 hours walk and on this day you will see troops of Chelada baboon beside to the great walk through the escarpment, camping Sankaber

Day 2: Heading to the second camp site Gich. The specialty of the day will be seeing the waterfall which height 450-500 meters in addition to the marvelous landscapes which will be common for every day. There is also a village called Gich Village that we will walk through and if you are interested it is possible to stop for coffee ceremony and visit one of the huts to see the people life style. The walk takes us 5-6 hrs and camping at Gich.

Day 3: Walk to the most spectacular view and best observation points of the Simien Mountains called Imet-Gogo which has an altitude of 3926 m asl, and it is also one of the highest mountain peaks and back to Sankaber on the same day. This day’s walk takes 6-7 hrs and stay overnight at Sankaber.

Day 4/ Walk back to Debark and most of way will be through the same way that we will take on the first day however it will be different in some parts and it is still interesting to see views and places from different perspective.

Day 1.Gondar-Gich (3600m), 5-6 hrs

We drive from Gondar early in the morning to Debark the place where the park headquarter is found 100 k  away from Gondar where we need to spend some minutes  to arrange  park fees and pick the scout, then keep on driving to the first camp site Sankaber. Here we start the first day walk to the second camp Gich, just through the escarpment on the northern side which is through breathtaking views including the water-fall in between the way which has an elevation about 500m and have a lunch under the river that makes the fall, after lunch walking through farming land of Gich community and the Village itself, if necessary we can enjoy coffee ceremony in one of the huts to share the local life style.  Then proceed to the camp for about 30 minutes and stay overnight established.

Day 2: Gich-Chennek (3600 m), 7-8 hrs

From Gich camp we stroll through endless fields of Giant Lobelia before we reach the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926 m). Here we will spend some time to absorb the superb views over the mountain valleys below and strange shaped domes in the distance, which we will see from up close at the end of the trip. After that we descend into the Jinbahir River Valley. In this way we get a very different perspective of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape, where it looks like big chunks of mountains have been blown away. The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, which is completely vertical here for several hundred meters. We climb to a summit of 4070 m where we will have lunch. After lunch we descend to Chennek for about two hours along a steep trail. From Chennek camp there are spectacular views in all directions. Sit down on a bench at the escarpment and try to spot Walia Ibex in late afternoon or early morning. Sometimes Walia Ibex visit the edges of the camp site.  

Day 3: Chennek-Sona (3100 m), 6-7 hrs

Heading to sona, the first three hrs path leads us up to one of the highest Mtn peak in the Simien Mountains called Buwahit (4430m). In addition to the scenic and descent surroundings we will still rewarding with the endemic wild animals in Ethiopia particularly in the Simien Mountains, Walia Ibex (a goat family). Then walk along series rocky downhill until we get 4200m for about 30 minutes and proceed down to camp through

the edge side trail for another two hours until  the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo appear again. From here it is an easy walk to Sona, where it is situated near by school, just on the opposite side of Imet Gogo and has magnificent widow views.

Day 4: Sona-Mekarebia (2200m), 6-7 hrs

Walking to Mekarebia passing through some parts of Sona village with gorgeous slope side views in the southern direction of the path along a steep downhill walk for three and half hours to a river where we can have a nice swimming which is neither very cold nor very warm called Insia. Having finished swimming, we need to  spend some hours so as to share the life of enjoyable environment and if you are interested there is also coffee ceremony prepared by the local people out of their huts, just under the river which is really special, beside to that we can wash some light clothes that became dirt on the trip. After having a pleasant stay under the river, continue walking to the camp in the late after-noon for one and half hours through observing the bushy surroundings that has small valleys and attractive depressions accompanied by an evening shadow and the moderate weather which is totally different from that of the highlands and over night at established camp.

Day 5: Mekarebia-Mulit (1800m), 6-7 hrs

Heading to the last camp Mulit, what is special in this day is crossing the same river that we had a swim the day before for about 5-6 times which is really interesting with quite lots of bird-lives and surrounded by a tributary river which has a big natural swimming pool called Derek-Wonz where there is also a possibility to enjoy for a few hours including lunch break. Then keep on going for one and half hours a short uphill walk before reaching a small village called Awasza and from this point to the camping place the path leads to a grassy flat land that lies on the left bottom side of Awasza Mountain having a wide plateau that takes less than an hour. Since it is the last day evening we will have a special ceremony with our crews as farewell by having camping fire that accompanied by shoulder dancing (“ESKISTA”) which expresses our Ethiopian typical culture.  

Day 6: Mulit-Adiarkay-Gondar

On this day there will be a short walk for about 2 hours to the small town , Adiarkay, which is located 80 Km away from Debark in the northern direction where the jeep is  waiting to pick us. If we find it necessary we can have tea and coffee before starting the long journey. The ultimate drive back to Gondar for about 6 hrs will held through appreciating the green, up & down landscape which is full of forests with zigzag roads that makes the frog perspective view attractive including the historical Limalimo road 5km away from Debark, which was constructed by Italians during their invasion of Ethiopia.   

♦ Transportation in and out to Axum

♦ Food and Mineral water

♦ Cook (a person in charge of preparing fresh food every day)

♦ Guide (English speaking)

♦ Park ranger which is compulsory

♦ Park entrance and camping fees.

♦ Mule and muleteers for loading and unloading stuffs and luggage from one camp to another

A Journey through the Simian Mountains

This extensive trek explores in depth one of Africans largest mountain ranges, studded with at least a dozen peaks over the 4,000m mark. These include Ras Dejen the highest point in Ethiopia, and the 4th highest peak in Africa. The area was designated a national park in 1966, and the entire range a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978.

THE TREK                  

We trek through the Simien Mountains, following an extensive network of trails. The quality of these trails, along with the fantastic scenery, unique flora, diverse wildlife and rich birdlife make this a rewarding and challenging trek. It is a paradise for natural history enthusiasts as well as for trekkers.

Day to day Itineraries!!

Day 1: Gondar-Sankaber (3250 m), 3-4 hours

Early morning we drive along a good gravel road from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey will take around three hours. At the headquarters we will arrange our permits to the park and pick up our scout. After that we will drive for another hour before we start our first day introductory walk. This first hike is an easy one along the northern edge of the escarpment with a nice view points over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. You will encounter gelada baboon along this hike.

Day 2: Sankaber-Gich (3600 m), 5-6 hrs

We follow the northern escarpment eastward, before we descend a little into the Kaba Valley. After that we climb up before we reach Gich Abyss and continue over a narrow ridge to a cliff where we have a spectacular view of the abyss towards the Simien foothills. We also find a large waterfall here, where the Jinbar River plunges 500 m into the abyss. We proceed for about two hours and have lunch at the Jinbar River. After lunch we walk through fields of barley before we arrive at the idyllic village of Gich. Here we can enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in one of the huts and learn more about local farm life. From Gich village it is a short walk to Gich camp which is a good area to look for lammergeyer and thick billed raven. After a relaxing afternoon, we will take a short hike up to Kedadit to enjoy sunset plus the gorgeous shaded landscapes down to the cliff side towards to the eastern direction and return to the camp for dinner.

Day 3: Gich-Chennek (3600 m), 7-8 hrs

From Gich camp we stroll through endless fields of Giant Lobelia before we reach the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926 m). Here we will spend some time to absorb the superb views over the mountain valleys below and strange shaped domes in the distance, which we will see from up close at the end of the trip. After that we descend into the Jinbahir River Valley. In this way we get a very different perspective of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape, where it looks like big chunks of mountains have been blown away. The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, which is completely vertical here for several hundred meters. We climb to a summit of 4070 m where we will have lunch. After lunch we descend to Chennek for about two hours along a steep trail. From Chennek camp there are spectacular views in all directions. Sit down on a bench at the escarpment and try to spot Walia Ibex in late afternoon or early morning. Sometimes Walia Ibex visit the edges of the camp site.  

Day 4: Chennek-Ambiko (3240 m), 7-8 hours

After an early morning start we climb through a valley north of Buwahit Peak (4430 m), which overlooks Chennek camp. After crossing Buwahit Pass (4200 m), the vast valley of the Mesheha River opens up and it is possible to view Ras Dejen (4543 m) from here: the highest point in a wall of cliffs and peaks on the other side of the valley. But first we will have a long and steep descend to the village of Chiro-Leba (3300 m). Alternatively, you can descend along the road, which is a longer route, but easier on the knees and with more opportunities to see local farm life. After lunch in Chiro-Leba, we descend even more to cross the Mesheha River (2800 m). The path goes steeply up again through an arid landscape filled with cactuses for a little over one hour before we reach the village of Ambiko.

Day 5: Ambiko-Mentaber (3550m), 9-10 hrs

Today’s target is Ras Dejen, the highest mountain in Ethiopia at 4543 m, the fourth highest mountain on the African continent. To do it successfully, we get up at 4.30 am, have breakfast and leave an hour before sunrise. Bring some indispensable objects as gloves, a warm fleece and a torch. Walking sticks are advisable. To get to the top it takes about 4-6 hours. Most of the first 3 hours of the walk is along a gravel road (no traffic, however!)

which climbs higher and higher through a majestic valley. At the head of the valley, we leave the road to the left, climb around a mountain head, before reaching a semi-circular corrie, surrounded by three major buttresses with steep sides of exposed rock. Don’t be fooled right now which is the highest point. Contrary to what your feeling will tell you, the buttress on the left is Ras Dejen! The hike up this mountain is not difficult, except may be the last part, which includes some scrambling. Where most tour groups return to Ambiko after reaching the top, we continue over the top and descend through a broad valley with countless Giant Lobelia, before reaching another spectacular view point where we will rest a little while. From this spot it is another 3-4 hours before we reach Mentaber camp. If you happen to visit Mentaber on a Saturday, you can visit a local market which is conveniently located at the shoulder of two mountains. Be prepared that people will be very surprised when you show up here! Mentaber camp is next to the local church.

Day 6: Mentaber-Arkwazye (3600m), 6-7 hrs

From Mentaber we walk for a couple of hours through narrow and steep valleys. People here do not see many tourists, but they are very welcoming and many will want to shake hands with you, especially children. Before reaching the broad valley Arkwazye where the camp situated , there is a steep climb through one of the villages, during which you might feel the long walk of the day before.

Day 7: Arkwazye-Chennek, 4-5 hrs

Heading to Chennek, the first 2:30 hrs path is ascending untill we get Buwahit pass again, after that it is just an easy walk down to the camp and drive back to Gondar for about 5 hrs.

Services to be provided

♦ Transportation in and out

♦ Food and Mineral water

♦ Cook with complete gear (a person in charge of preparing fresh food every day)

♦ Guide (English speaking)

♦ Park ranger which is compulsory

♦ Park entrance fees

♦ Camping equipment such as Tent, Mattress and Sleeping bags, but it is highly recommended if you can bring your own sleeping bag for some reasons.

♦ Mule and muleteers for loading and unloading stuffs and luggage from one camp to another