Gondar–Debark-Sankaber

Simien Mountains National Park - 3200m 2/3hrs driving, 7km 3/4 hours walking

Guests will be collected from their hotel in Gonder around 7:30 am for a 2 ½ hour drive to Debark in a 4x4 vehicle. The road is rugged and dusty, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural Ethiopian life for those who haven’t ventured beyond urban areas. At Debark, visitors will register at the park headquarters, meet their guide and scout, and proceed into the mountains by 4x4. The road extends to the first camp at Sankaber, but guests will be dropped off for a leisurely three-hour acclimatization hike. The breathtaking views begin as soon as they step out of the vehicle and walk along the ridge. There will be an opportunity to pause for a picnic lunch, and after a brief but challenging climb (due to the altitude) to Sankaber, guests will be welcomed with a tray of fresh coffee, tea, and snacks. (L, D)

Sankaber – Gich

Simien Mountains National Park - 3600m Walking 5-6hrs / 15km

Following a hearty breakfast, the trek continues along the ridge with spectacular views over the foothills 800m below. For the first two hours, the trail meanders through low bush featuring Giant Heather, soda apple, Abyssinian Rose, St John’s Wort, and Globe Thistle. The highlight of the trek from Sankaber to Geech is Genbar Falls, an awe-inspiring 500m sheer drop. From the viewpoint opposite, visitors can observe falcons, augur buzzards, and lammergeier bearded vultures soaring on the thermals below. After Genbar Falls, the trail traverses drier, dustier terrain, with a lunch break at a more serene waterfall. Klipspringer and bushbuck may be spotted on the steep, rocky, and wooded slopes, while troops of Gelada Baboons forage in the dusty fields for roots. There is a wonderful chance to visit a traditional village house for home-roasted coffee and injera. Gich Camp is situated on a grassy plateau with stunning sunset views. (B, L, D)

Gich – Imet Gogo – Siha Gorge – Keda Dit – Gich

Simien Mountains National Park - Walking 5-6 hrs / 13km

After breakfast, the trek continues for 2 hours along the grassy plateau past numerous unusual, oversized Giant Lobelia plants. The destination is Imet Gogo, an incredible rocky promontory offering 360-degree views over the Simien Range. At an altitude of 3,926m, visitors can see westward along the ridge towards Sankaber and Geech and southeast across a deep gully towards the next day’s ridge walk to Inatye and Cheneck Camp. The views here are arguably the best in the Simien Mountains, with a dramatic drop. From Imet Gogo, the return to camp is via the Siha Gorge for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure before a short optional sunset trek to Keda Dit (3760m). Overnight at Geech Camp again. (B, L, D)

Gich – Inatye - Chenek

Simien Mountains National Park - 3,600M Walking 7 hours / 15km

Today is the longest and arguably most spectacular day, following the ridge for most of its length. After breakfast, the path leads back towards Imet Gogo before detouring southeast towards Inatye. The path descends into a forest of Giant Hazel before following the ridge on open grassland. The climb to Inatye (4,070m) offers stunning views. Inatye roughly translates to “mamma mia,” and the terrifying vertical drop here justifies the name! After a picnic lunch, the path mostly descends through open grassland and giant lobelia towards Chenek, with several stunning viewpoints along the way. Chenek camp is excellent for wildlife, with both Gelada Baboons and Wallia Ibex commonly seen here. (B, L, D)

Chennek – Ambiko

Simien Mountains National Park - (3200M) Walking 10 hours

This is the longest day of the trek, with up to 10 hours of walking. After breakfast, the journey begins with a steady 2-hour climb up to Buahit Pass (4,200m). From the pass, there are stunning views over Ras Dashen. The path then descends across the Meseha Valley, crossing the river at 2,750m before climbing back up to the Ambiko Campsite at 3,200m.

Ambiko – Ras Dashen-Summit

Simien Mountains National Park - (3200M) Walking 8 hours

Today is summit day, featuring a long climb of over 1200m and a challenging series of false peaks. After five hours of climbing, the steeper rocky ground leading up to the summit cairn is reached. There is ample time to enjoy the expansive views from the highest mountain in Ethiopia before returning the same way to Ambiko.

Ambiko– Sona

Simien Mountains National Park - 3500m Walking 9 hours

Another long day takes trekkers from Ambiko down to the Meseha River at 2,750m, before ascending again to the small village of Arkwazye. From Arkwazye, the path descends again to the beautifully situated campsite at Sonar, which offers fantastic views over the first section of the trek.

Sona - Mekarebya

Simien Mountains National Park - 2150M Walking 5-6 hours

Departing from Sonar, the trek soon reaches the Incya Valley, descending for 2-3 hours into the lowlands. A picnic lunch is enjoyed on the banks of the Incya River, where there is a lovely spot for a refreshing swim. After lunch, there is a further 2-hour walk along the riverbanks to Mekarebya, where the camp is set up in the village.

Mekarebya - Mulet

Simien Mountains National Park - 2150m Walking 2 hours

Today’s walk follows the dry riverbed of the Incya River. The birdlife is remarkable, with pin-tailed waders, village indigo, paradise monarchs, and tropical bobu frequently spotted. Lunch is at Derkwenth pool, where there is an opportunity to rest and swim. From the pools, there is a 2-hour climb to Awazza Village at the base of the striking Awazza Table Mountain. There will be time for a refreshment stop in the village before a final hour’s trek up to the last camp at Mulet.

Mulet – Gondar

Simien Mountains National Park - After breakfast, there is a 3-hour walk to Adi Arkaye, where guests will be picked up and transferred back to Gonder (3-hour drive).

• Government taxes
• Local guide
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Mule(s) & mule handler
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Bottled mineral water
• Scout
• Camping gear including light blanket, tent, sleeping bags, and mattress (own sleeping bags recommended)

• Other personal expenses, souvenirs, tips and gratuities, etc.
• Services which are not listed on the inclusion

The Simien Mountains in Ethiopia offer superb highland trekking, with far reaching views, rare wildlife and an incredible local culture. This 10 day trek initially follows the main route from Sankaber to Chenek that most shorter treks take. This section follows a dramatic highland ridge and offers some of the best views in the region. After reaching Chenek it is a tough 2 day trek to the summit of Ras Dashen (Ethiopia’s highest mountain at 4550m). Very few visitors to the park then continue onto the lowlands, but this final section of the trail is a real treat, very much off the beaten path with some wonderful swimming spots and fantastic birfdlife.

All treks and tailor-made itineraries are organised on demand for groups of two or more people.

• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.