The Simien Mountains, referred to as ‘godly chess pieces’ by a whimsical author, proudly stand as Africa’s most breathtaking mountain vistas. These natural structures overlook steep gorges, tranquil river valleys, and expansive plains that stretch to the horizon, reaching as far as Eritrea.
The Simien Mountains, referred to as ‘godly chess pieces’ by a whimsical author, proudly stand as Africa’s most breathtaking mountain vistas. These natural structures overlook steep gorges, tranquil river valleys, and expansive plains that stretch to the horizon, reaching as far as Eritrea.
Gondar-Sankaber (3250 m)
Simien Mountains National Park - Guests are picked up at Gondar Airport or their hotel and driven along a well-maintained road from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey takes approximately two hours. At the headquarters, permits for the park are arranged and a scout is picked up. Following this,…
Gondar-Sankaber (3250 m)
Simien Mountains National Park - Guests are picked up at Gondar Airport or their hotel and driven along a well-maintained road from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey takes approximately two hours. At the headquarters, permits for the park are arranged and a scout is picked up. Following this, there is an additional hour’s drive before beginning the first day’s introductory walk. This initial hike is gentle, following the northern edge of the escarpment, offering beautiful viewpoints over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. Gelada baboons can be spotted along this hike.
Sankaber – Gich (3600 m)
Simien Mountains National Park - The journey continues eastward along the northern escarpment, descending slightly into the Kaba Valley. Afterward, there is a climb up to Gich Abyss, continuing over a narrow ridge to a cliff with a breathtaking view of the abyss towards the Simien foothills. A large waterfall is found here, where the Jinbar River cascades 500 m into the abyss. The trek proceeds for about two hours, with lunch at the Jinbar River. Post-lunch, the walk continues through barley fields to the picturesque village of Gich. Here, visitors can enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in one of the huts and learn about local farm life. From Gich village, it is a short walk to Gich camp, an excellent area to spot lammergeyer and thick-billed raven. After a relaxing afternoon, a short hike up to Kedadit offers a stunning sunset view and beautiful shaded landscapes down to the cliffside towards the east, before returning to the camp for dinner.
Gich – Chennek (3600 m)
Simien Mountains National Park - From Gich camp, the path leads through vast fields of Giant Lobelia to the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926 m). Time is spent here to take in the magnificent views over the mountain valleys below and the uniquely shaped domes in the distance, which will be seen up close at the trip’s end. The descent into the Jinbahir River Valley offers a different perspective of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape, where it appears as if large mountain chunks have been blown away. The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, which is completely vertical for several hundred meters. A climb to a summit of 4070 m is where lunch is enjoyed. After lunch, the descent to Chennek takes about two hours along a steep trail. From Chennek camp, there are breathtaking views in all directions. Visitors can sit on a bench at the escarpment and try to spot Walia Ibex in the late afternoon or early morning. Occasionally, Walia Ibex visit the edges of the campsite.
Chenek – Buwahit
Simien Mountains National Park - Climbing Buwahit, the second highest peak in the Simien Mountains at 4430 m, is rewarding with sightings of one of Ethiopia’s endemic wild animals, the Walia Ibex (a member of the goat family), along with scenic views of the surroundings, including the chance to see Ethiopia’s highest mountain peak, Ras-Dejen (4543 m). The descent back to Chennek camp is followed by a four-hour drive back to Gondar, where transportation awaits.

- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bottled Mineral water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Mule and muleteers
- All fees and/or taxes
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bottled Mineral water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Mule and muleteers
- All fees and/or taxes
- Alcoholic beverages
- Services which are not listed on the inclusion
- Alcoholic beverages
- Services which are not listed on the inclusion
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.