Simien Mountain Trek
Have great time trekking in Simien Mountain
Acclimatise in Lalibela
Leaving Addis Ababa we fly to Lalibela, one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Buildings here are hewn from granite leaving rock-cut churches isolated from the surrounding strata, yet still part of it. On foot we explore several of these 800 year-old works of art before hiking in the surrounding mountains to a remote mountain church.
Into the Simien Mountains
Flying to Gondar we explore Emperor Fasiladas' ancient castle complex before driving north to Debark on the edge of the Simien range to begin our 8-day mountain trek. Dramatic views unfold before us as we hike deep into the National Park to our first camp at Sankaber. Look for Gelada baboon and striking red-hot poker plants as we trek onto Geech Camp. Here, we'll have time to rest or possibly hike to a viewpoint at Imet Gogo (3926m) for spectacular views into a vast canyon and over to rock spires and mesas.
Ascent of Ras Dashen
Next we trek to Chenek and after a spectacular crossing of the Mesheha River valley we arrive at Ambikwa. Then at sunrise we start our attempt on Ethiopia's highest peak, eventually entering a huge semi-circular basin of rocky peaks and buttresses - Ras Deshen (4543m). Descending to Maje, we trek to Debirichwa and on to Chenek where those who wish may make an attempt to summit Bwahit (4430m). We drive back to Gondar where we'll visit 17th century castles. It was once the centre of a unique and powerful kingdom unlike anything else found in Africa. We finally fly back to Addis Ababa.
Transport: Internal flights/Bus.
What to Expect: Strenuous trekking (6-8hrs a day walking) at altitudes of between 3000-4000m, though there are some longer days (including the ascent of Ras Dashen, 4543m). Mules carry food, equipment and personal gear. Time has been included at Lalibela to aid acclimatisation. Trails are in a reasonable condition. The spectacular landscapes more than make up for simple camp conditions.
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Itinerary / Highlights
Trip HighlightsAddis Ababa - Orientation tour with guide.
Simien Mountains - 10 days fully supported trekking in one of Africa’s most spectacular and little-visited mountain ranges.
Gondar - Visit Fasilidas Castles & Debre Berhan Church.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Join tour Addis Ababa
Addis is situated at an elevation of around 2438m and is only about a century old. It has some elegant modern buildings and is quite spacious with wide streets and green areas. It remains the capital of a predominantly rural area and the Mercato is one of the largest open markets in Africa. This afternoon we will make an orientation tour of the city visiting the Ethnographical Museum and the church of the Holy Trinity, whose large dome and slender pinnacles make it a landmark in the city and take a drive up Entoto Hill to take in a panoramic view of Addis Ababa.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2: Fly to Gondar
Today we take a short, but scenic flight to Gondar, located on the high plateau just north of Lake Tana. The town of Gondar was the imperial capital of Ethiopia for 200 years. Gondar’s most famous monuments are its exceptionally well preserved 17th century castles. The largest and best is that of King Fasilidas. It is a stone-built construction with round turrets and wooden balconies. This whole complex of buildings is unique in Ethiopia and unlike anything found elsewhere in Africa. On arrival, as well as visiting the castle ruins and King Fasilidas baths, we’ll also make a visit to the Debre Berhan Selassie Church famed for its ceiling frescoes of many faces.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Drive to Simien Mountains N.P. via Debark; PM trek to Sankaber
Today, we drive to Debark, the village base for hiking in the Simien Mountains.The range lies north of Gondar and many of the peaks rise above 4,000m with the highest being Mount Ras Dashen at 4,543m, the fifth highest in Africa. The mountains are criss-crossed with tracks made by the local people travelling from village to village or moving their animals to fresh pastures. The combination of these tracks and the spectacular scenery make for excellent walking. We start our trek with a 2-3 hour walk to our first camp Sankaber. During the trek we may spend each night in a different place. The circuits walked will vary depending on local conditions and on the group’s ability. Details of the standard circuit we might take are given below – the itinerary for days 6 to 12 is given as an example only.
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Trek to Geech Camp
We trek to Geech camp via Sankaber (approx. 6-7 hours), with the possibility of seeing gelada baboons and red-hot poker plants en route. The gelada baboon is endemic to Ethiopia and has adapted to living on the nearly vertical cliff faces. We may also see the Jinbar river waterfalls today that plummet into Geech Abyss. The Abyss is a vast canyon cut into the main wall of the escarpment.
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Hike to Imet Gogo from Geech Camp
A flexible day with a morning option to hike to the viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3926m). From the viewpoint there are spectacular views of the lowlands and across the Simien range with rock spires and mesas prominent (approx. 5 hours return). Keep a close look out for the elusive simien fox. It misnamed as it is not really a fox but a member of the dog family restricted to Ethiopia.
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Trek to Chenek Camp
We aim to trek to Chenek camp today on good piste via Inatye (4070m) and along the escarpment (approx. 6-7 hours). This exciting walk traverses the Jinbar river and provides us with fantastic views. You may like to take the opportunity to freshen-up in the nearby stream south of camp.
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trek to Ambikwa
Today we trek to Ambikwa (approx. 9-10 hours) and plan to stop at a spectacular viewpoint (4200m) north of Bwahit where, on clear days, we can see across the Mesheha river to Ras Dashen peak. We then descend steeply and pass through the village of Chiro Leba to follow a stream bed until we reach the large Mesheha River. We’ll cross the river and follow a path across the east side of the valley to our camp (3200m) in a little meadow. Ambikwa village is tiny and has a small church.
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ascent of Ras Dashen; trek to Ambikwa
Starting before sunrise we follow the main valley up and climb steeply via Mizma huts to reach a ridge crest and open grassy slopes (3700m) on our invigorating ascent of Ethiopia’s highest mountain. Next we traverse around ridges and climb more steeply to a broad col at 4250m. Keep an eye open for giant lobelia, by far the most spectacular plant of this region with flower stalks up to 8m high! Eventually we enter a huge semicircular basin of rocky peaks and buttresses – Ras Dashen. The last section involves an easy rock scramble to a fine viewpoint at 4543m. We’ll spend the rest of the day hiking back to our camp (total walking today approx. 11-12 hours).
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Trek to Sona
Today we will trek from Ambikwa to the superbly positioned camp at Sona. We will experience great mountain views of Imet Gogo and other peaks and pass through local villages.We will re-cross the River Mesheha (2800m)before climbing up through cultivated fields and villages to 3700m. After passing the newly moved village of Arkwasiye we slowly descend to our camp situated on a cliff just below Sona village at 3000m. (Approx 8-10 hrs walking)
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Mekarebia
Today we make our way to Mekarebia. We will descend steeplyfor the first 3 hours to the Ansiye River at an altitude of 1900 m. Here we can have some time to relax for a well earned wash or swim before continuing on our trek to our overnight stop at 1868m. The route we take today will provide good opportunities for birdwatching and will also give us great views of the route we have taken so far. Our campsite will be close to an elementary school which you may have the option of visiting in the afternoon. (Approx 4-6 hrs walking)
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Mulit
This morning we immediately descend another 350m to rejoin the Ansiye River. As we walk along the river, criss-crossing in places the birdlife is breathtaking, with vervet monkeys to be seen too. After leaving the Ansiye Valley we will have time to relax beside a lagoon formed by a waterfall. Will will then have a more challending ascent for the last couple of hours enjoying the views of the Awuzu peaks before reaching our campsite at Mulit at 1955m asl. (Approx 6hrs walking)
Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Adi Arkay, drive to Gondar
This morning we will tale our final 2 hr trek to Adi Arkay where we meet our vehicle that will transport us back to Gondar (approx. 4-5 hours drive). As we drive out of the Simien Mountains we’ll have time to take in a final look at some of the most spectacular views. There may be time this afternoon to further explore Gondar. You may choose to visit the local market or the nearby ruined palace of Kusquam.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Fly to Addis; PM free. Tour ends
We fly back to the capital this morning and the afternoon is left free.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
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