Simien Mountains National Park

Upon your arrival, we will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel. We will then embark on a scenic drive to Sankaber Camp, passing through the small town of Debark. During this journey, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the lowland areas to the north and west, and you may encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. These fascinating creatures, often called bleeding heart baboons or lion monkeys due to their shaggy coats and distinctive red heart-shaped patches, are a delight to observe. After a drive filled with breathtaking landscapes, we will enjoy a short two-hour walk to Sankaber Camp, situated at an altitude of 3250 meters. This impressive viewpoint offers panoramic vistas between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.

Simien Mountains National Park

Today, we will trek approximately ten kilometers from Sankaber Camp to Gich Camp, taking about 5 to 6 hours. The initial stretch leads us through expansive highland grasslands and lush heather forests, showcasing some of the most remarkable views of the escarpment. A highlight of our trek will be the Jinbar Wenz waterfall, which cascades dramatically into the Geech Abyss. After descending to the Jinbar Wenz River, we will face a short ascent to Gich village. Here, you’ll observe traditional agriculture, where one side of the valley is cultivated while the other lies fallow, demonstrating a two-year crop cycle. This site offers stunning 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.

Simien Mountains National Park

Today’s adventure takes us from Gich to some of the most breathtaking locations in the Simien Mountains: Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedatit. This trek will last approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering stunning vistas and unique landscapes. After exploring these remarkable sites, we will return to Gich Camp for an overnight stay, allowing us to rest and reflect on the day’s beauty.

Simien Mountains National Park

We will set off on a trek from Gich to Chenek, covering around twelve kilometers in about six to seven hours. The path hugs the edge of the escarpment, providing dramatic views along the way. Before reaching Chenek, we’ll stop at the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4070 meters. This spectacular gap in the cliffs reveals the steep mountain faces to the west and the lowlands to the left, including the picturesque 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, you may also encounter a large troop of gelada baboons, as well as the elusive Walia Ibex along the rocky escarpments.

Simien Mountains National Park

Today presents our longest trek yet, lasting approximately ten hours. We will leave Chenek, situated at 3650 meters, and ascend for two hours to reach Bwahit Pass at 4200 meters. From this vantage point, we will enjoy sweeping views to the east over the Mesheha Valley and the majestic Dashen Mountain range, with the striking rock formations of Imet Gogo visible behind us. From Bwahit Pass, the trail descends steeply into the Mesheha Valley, where temperatures rise as we make our way down to the Mesheha River at 2800 meters. Following a slight ascent, we will arrive at the Ambiquo campsite, located at 3100 meters, where we can rest and rejuvenate after a rewarding day of trekking.

Simien Mountains National Park

Today marks the exhilarating ascent to Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. The trek spans approximately sixteen kilometers and will take ten to eleven hours. We begin by climbing steeply through picturesque barley fields and fallow land, gradually leaving behind the vegetation zone as we reach the mountain steppe at around 3700 meters. As we traverse the ridges in the shadow of Ras Dashen, the path flattens, allowing us to catch our breath and enjoy the stunning scenery. Just before Dashen Pass, at about 4250 meters, we will encounter an impressive moraine—glacial debris that was formed between 20,000 and 14,000 years ago during the last ice age, when small ice caps adorned the Simien Mountains. The final stretch to the summit requires some exciting scrambling over large boulders. Upon reaching the top at 4543 meters, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that extend over ten thousand square kilometers. To the west, the steep faces of peaks.

Simien Mountains National Park

After a hearty breakfast, we will begin our return journey from Ambiko to Chenek, following the same scenic route. This trek will take approximately seven to eight hours, allowing us to reflect on our incredible summit experience. We will spend the night at the Chenek campsite, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Simien Mountains National Park

We will conclude our adventure with a scenic village tour and a scenic 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 we make our way to our next destination.