Arrival in Gondar and Transfer to Sankaber Camp

Simien Mountains National Park - Upon arrival, guests will be greeted in the morning at Gonder Airport or their hotel. The journey then begins with a picturesque drive to Sankaber Camp, passing through the quaint town of Debark. Along the way, travelers will be treated to breathtaking views of the northern and western lowlands and may spot troops of the unique gelada baboons. These intriguing animals, often referred to as bleeding heart baboons or lion monkeys due to their distinctive red chest patches and shaggy coats, are a joy to watch.

After a drive filled with stunning scenery, a short two-hour walk will lead to Sankaber Camp, located at an elevation of 3250 meters. This remarkable viewpoint offers sweeping vistas between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla, setting the stage for the upcoming adventure.

Trek from Sankaber to Geech Camp

Simien Mountains National Park - The trek today covers approximately ten kilometers from Sankaber Camp to Gich Camp, taking about 5 to 6 hours. The initial path winds through expansive highland grasslands and lush heather forests, showcasing some of the most spectacular views of the escarpment.

A highlight of the trek is the Jinbar Wenz waterfall, which plunges dramatically into the Geech Abyss. After descending to the Jinbar Wenz River, a short climb leads to Gich village. Here, visitors can observe traditional agriculture, with one side of the valley cultivated while the other lies fallow, illustrating a two-year crop cycle.

This area offers breathtaking mountain views and is characterized by towering giant Lobelia plants, which can grow up to 10 meters high and may live for up to twenty years before flowering and dying.

Trek from Gich to Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedatit

Simien Mountains National Park - Today’s journey takes travelers from Gich to some of the most stunning locations in the Simien Mountains: Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedatit. This trek lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering breathtaking vistas and unique landscapes. After exploring these remarkable sites, guests will return to Gich Camp for an overnight stay, providing time to rest and reflect on the day’s beauty.

Trek from Geech to Chenek

Simien Mountains National Park - The trek from Gich to Chenek covers around twelve kilometers in about six to seven hours. The path follows the edge of the escarpment, offering dramatic views along the way. Before reaching Chenek, a stop at the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4070 meters provides a spectacular gap in the cliffs, revealing the steep mountain faces to the west and the lowlands to the left, including the charming village of Dihwara nestled below the cliff.

Chenek campsite is beautifully situated in a valley at the foot of Bwahit Peak, complete with benches that offer stunning views back toward Imet Gogo, particularly enchanting at dawn and dusk. Here, visitors may also encounter a large troop of gelada baboons, as well as the elusive Walia Ibex along the rocky escarpments.

Long Trek from Chenek campsite to Ambiquo campsite

Simien Mountains National Park - Today features the longest trek yet, lasting approximately ten hours. The journey begins at Chenek, situated at 3650 meters, with a two-hour ascent to Bwahit Pass at 4200 meters. From this vantage point, sweeping views to the east over the Mesheha Valley and the majestic Dashen Mountain range can be enjoyed, with the striking rock formations of Imet Gogo visible behind.

From Bwahit Pass, the trail descends steeply into the Mesheha Valley, where temperatures rise as the path leads down to the Mesheha River at 2800 meters. Following a slight ascent, the Ambiquo campsite is reached at 3100 meters, offering a place to rest and rejuvenate after a rewarding day of trekking.

Summit Adventure: Ras Dashen (summit day)

Simien Mountains National Park - Today marks the thrilling ascent to Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. The trek spans approximately sixteen kilometers and takes ten to eleven hours. The journey begins with a steep climb through picturesque barley fields and fallow land, gradually leaving behind the vegetation zone as the mountain steppe is reached at around 3700 meters.

As the ridges in the shadow of Ras Dashen are traversed, the path flattens, allowing for a moment to catch one’s breath and enjoy the stunning scenery. Just before Dashen Pass, at about 4250 meters, an impressive moraine—glacial debris formed between 20,000 and 14,000 years ago during the last ice age, when small ice caps adorned the Simien Mountains—is encountered.

The final stretch to the summit involves some exciting scrambling over large boulders. Upon reaching the top at 4543 meters, breathtaking panoramic views extending over ten thousand square kilometers are the reward. To the west, the steep faces of peaks.

Return to Chenek campsite from Ambiko campsite

Simien Mountains National Park - After a hearty breakfast, the return journey from Ambiko to Chenek begins, following the same scenic route. This trek takes approximately seven to eight hours, providing time to reflect on the incredible summit experience. The night will be spent at the Chenek campsite, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Village tour and journey to Gondar

Simien Mountains National Park - The adventure concludes with a scenic village tour and a drive from Chenek to Gonder, passing through Debark along the way. This five-hour journey offers an opportunity to relax and absorb the stunning landscapes of Ethiopia as the next destination is reached.

• 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
• All park entrance fees
• Camping gear (tent, mattress, and sleeping bags)
• Mules and mule handlers
• Scout and guide
• Tent men
• Cooks and cooking ingredients
• Plenty of food & bottled mineral water
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and taxes
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• tipping
• alcoholic drinks
• personal expenses

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