Simien Mountains & Lalibela Adventure (10 Days)
Introduction
- Trek through stunning scenery, remote villages and abundant wildlife in the Simien Mountains National Park.
- Summit Ethiopia’s highest mountain with excellent acclimatization and a well-paced itinerary to maximize your chance of success.
- Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and ‘Africa’s Camelot’ at Gondar.
- Enjoy the best service, guiding, equipment and accommodation throughout.
Day 1: Addis – Gondar
Take a short morning flight to Gondar and enjoy a warm welcome to the old mountain capital. Transfer to your hotel and explore Gondar’s rich history, medieval castles, and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its famous ceiling of painted angels.
Day 2: Gondar – Sankaber (3250m)
Drive from Gondar to Debark for park entry and to pick up your scout. Continue to Michibiny and start your 3–4 hour trek to Sankaber along the mountain plateau. Encounter gelada baboons and enjoy breathtaking highland views before camping overnight.
Day 3: Sankaber – Gich (3600m), 5–6 hours
Follow an easy trail with panoramic views, crossing the Jin Bahir River where you’ll stop for lunch. Continue past barley fields to Gich village, enjoy a coffee ceremony, and walk to Gich camp, home to Lammergeyers and ravens.
Day 4: Gich (3600m), 5–6 hours
Visit three spectacular viewpoints: Imet-Gogo (3926m), Seha (3785m), and Kedadit (3765m). Watch the sunset from Kedadit before returning to camp for dinner. This day offers the best panoramic views in the Simien Mountains.
Day 5: Gich – Chennek (3600m), 6–7 hours
Descend into the Jin Bahir Valley, then trek uphill through Erica Arboria forests and fields of Giant Lobelia. Enjoy sweeping views across the escarpment before reaching Chennek campsite.
Day 6: Chennek – Buwahit – Chennek, 5–6 hours
Ascend Mount Buwahit (4430m), Ethiopia’s second-highest peak. Take in magnificent views of Ras Dashen and surrounding peaks before descending back to camp for a second night at Chennek.
Day 7: Chennek – Gondar
Enjoy a relaxed morning before the vehicle arrives to drive you back to Gondar (approx. 5 hours). Overnight stay in Gondar. A riding horse will accompany your trek for added safety and comfort.
Day 8: Gondar – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, the UNESCO-listed “Jerusalem of Ethiopia.” Explore the red volcanic rock-hewn churches connected by tunnels and still used for active worship. Your guide will lead you through the eastern complex of churches.
Day 9: Lalibela
Continue your exploration of Lalibela’s smaller yet intricate eastern churches and visit Nakutelab Church, carved into a cave. End the day with an Ethiopian coffee ceremony in a local home.
Day 10: Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa. End of the tour with lasting memories of Ethiopia’s highlands, history, and spirituality.
Services to be Provided
For Historic / Town Part
- Air Transportation (3 Domestic Flights):
- 1. Addis – Gondar
- 2. Gondar – Lalibela
- 3. Lalibela – Addis
- Accommodation with Breakfast
- Guiding Services
For the Trek
- Transportation in and out
- Food and Mineral Water
- Cook with complete gear
- English-speaking Guide
- Compulsory Park Ranger
- Park entrance and camping fees
- Camping equipment (Tent, Mattress, Sleeping bags — recommended to bring your own)
- Mule and muleteers for luggage transport
- One riding horse for safety
✅ Included Services
- 🚗 4W Drive Vehicle: with driver and fuel included
- 🎟️ All Entrance Fees: access to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- 💧 Bottled Water: stay hydrated during your tours
- ☕ Cultural Coffee: experience traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies
- 🗣️ English Speaking Guides: expert guidance throughout your journey
- 🍽️ All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: enjoy delicious meals at selected locations
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: any unlisted or personal stays
- 👨🏫 Professional Guide Service: personalized assistance and local insights
📸 Camera & Video Charges: personal photography or filming with special fees
❌ Excluded Services
- 🍷 Alcoholic Drinks: not included in the package
- ✈️ Any Flight: international or extra flights are excluded
- 🛡️ Personal Insurance: travel or medical insurance not included
- 💰 Personal Tips & Gratitude: for guides, drivers, or staff
- 🛍️ Shopping Items: souvenirs or personal purchases
📝 SMT Tour – Cancellation Policy
🙋♂️ Cancellation by You (the Traveler)
- 📅 More than 30 days before the tour: Full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 📅 15–30 days before the tour: 50% refund of the total booking amount.
- 📅 Less than 15 days before the tour: No refund.
🏛️ Cancellation by SMT Tour
In rare cases, if SMT Tour must cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund. Whenever possible, we will also offer alternative dates or similar tour options.
🔄 Changes to Your Booking
Changes such as dates or number of travelers are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Please contact us as early as possible to make adjustments.
🌪️ Force Majeure
SMT Tour is not responsible for cancellations due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics. We will assist with rescheduling or providing credit for future tours.
💳 Refund Process
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–14 business days after cancellation confirmation.
💡 Travel Tip
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected situations that may affect your travel plans.