Simien Mountain Trek

Enjoy the fantastic view from Simien Mountain!

The Simien highlands of northern Ethiopia are one of the major mountain massifs in Africa. Many peaks exceed 4,000m - including Ras Dashen - Ethiopia's highest, and the 5th highest on the continent. On our trek in this isolated region we immerse ourselves in the spectacular scenery of rocky plateaux, spires, mesas and deep gorges. By contrast, friendly Amhara farmers inhabit villages connected by rough tracks and terraced fields. Mules carry our food, equipment and personal gear.

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 DASCHEN
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 and then we finally fly back to Addis Ababa.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Trip Highlights
Addis 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

Day 2: Fly to Gondar

Day 3: Drive to Simien Mountains N.P. via Debark; PM trek to Sankaber

Day 4: Trek to Geech Camp

Day 5: Hike to Imet Gogo from Geech Camp

Day 6: Trek to Chenek Camp

Day 7: Trek to Ambikwa

Day 8: Ascent of Ras Dashen; trek to Ambikwa

Day 9: Trek to Sona

Day 10: Trek to Mekarebia

Day 11: Trek to Mulit

Day 12: Trek to Adi Arkay, drive to Gondar

Day 13: Fly to Addis; PM free. Tour ends

Other Details

Accommodation Details

9 nights Basic Camping (C)
4 nights Standard Hotel (H+)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Mon 17 Oct - Sat 29 Oct 2011 -2540 GBP
Mon 07 Nov - Sat 19 Nov 2011 -2540 GBP
Mon 19 Dec - Sat 31 Dec 2011 -2540 GBP
Mon 23 Jan - Sat 04 Feb 2012 -2620 GBP
Mon 05 Mar - Sat 17 Mar 2012 -2620 GBP

0844 499 0901