Trekking in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains (5 Nights)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Addis Ababa – Simien Mountains National Park

An hour flight to Gonder followed by an hour drive to the Simien Mountains aka the roof of Africa. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via Debark (a small town) situated at an altitude of 3250 metres on an impressive view point between the northern escarpment and the southern Wazla. Before you arrive at the camping site, you have about 2 hours walk. On the western escarpments you will encounter troops of the endemic Gelada Baboons (found only in Ethiopia). They are often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey. Their coat is shaggy resembling a lion whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The Gelada Baboons can be found in good numbers and are quite easy to approach.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Day 2 - Trekking Simien Mountains National Park

Trek Sankaber - Gich camping site through amazing scenery. From Sankaber camp the path to Gich Camp will stretch for approximately 10kms taking 5 to 6 hrs (3,600m elevation). The initial stage of this path leads through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpment. One of the best views is of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar falls and River a short ascent remains to Gich village.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Trekking Simien Mountains National Park

Explore Gich surroundings and mountain summits. Walk from Gich to Emmet-gogo, Saha, and Kedatit. These three places are perhaps the most spectacular places in the Simien Mountains. The time taken to complete this hike is about 5 to 6 hours and then back to Gich Camp and overnight here.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Trekking Simien Mountains National Park

The trek from Gich to Chenek covers approximately 12kms (6 to 7hrs), following a path along the escarpment edge. Just before arriving into Chenek you will encounter the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4070mts. This viewpoint is actually a gap in the precipitous cliff which reveals impressive views of the steep mountain faces to the west and the lowland areas to the left. The tightly clustered houses (tukuls) that form the village of Dihwara, tucked below a cliff, are also visible from this viewpoint. Chenek campsite is spectacularly located in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Bwahit Peak. Strategically placed benches allow for the opportunity to take in the expansive views back toward Emmet gogo, especially beautiful in both the dawn and dusk light. A large troop of Gelada Baboons are common here and Walia Ibex is also often seen on the rocky escarpment edges.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Simien Mountains National Park – Gonder

Hike around Chenek a Strategically placed benches allow for the opportunity to take in the expansive views back toward Emmet gogo, especially beautiful in both the dawn and dusk light. A large troop of Gelada Baboons are common here and Walia Ibex is also often seen on the rocky escarpment edges. Then back to Gonder, Ethiopian medieval capital.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Gonder – Addis Ababa

Gonder is the medieval capital of Ethiopia with its large royal enclosure containing grand castles, palaces, houses and outbuildings. You will visit King Fasiladas's Palace, the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. Beside the castle are various ruined buildings including the remains of a bathing pool, a chancellery and a library of Fasiladas's son Yohannes I. You will also visit Debre Birhan Selassie, one of the country's most famous churches that lies 2km to the north east of Gonder. Fly from Gondar to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, home of the 3.18 million year old skeleton "Lucy."

*Optional shopping in the evening you will attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Then according to your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the airport.

(B, L, D)