Tour overview

No matter how you look at it, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park is one of Africa’s most beautiful ranges. This massive plateau, riven with gullies and pinnacles, offers tough but immensely rewarding trekking along the ridge that falls sheer to the plains far below. It’s not just the scenery (and altitude) that will leave you speechless, but also the excitement of sitting among a group of gelada monkeys or watching magnificent Walia ibex joust on rock ledges.

Whether you come for a stroll or a two-week trek, the Simiens make a great companion to the Historical Circuit’s monument viewing. Organizing trekking yourself at park headquarters in Debark is straightforward, but it can take up to two hours so it’s best to arrive the afternoon before you plan to trek or to book through a reputable agency in advance of your visit.

Day 1

Early in the morning (07:00), depart from Gondar for the Simien Mountains. Today will be a day for short treks and admiring the landscapes and animals around Buyit Ras. But Ras is in a beautiful location that many endemic gelada baboons call home; you will undoubtedly have many opportunities to observe these fascinating animals. Overnight camping, in a basic hotel (in Debark) or in the lodge (in the Simien Mountains).

Day 2

Today you will go further into the mountains for more scenery and wildlife viewing. In the morning, depart for Sankober. From here you will go for an easy hike to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss. You will have a picnic lunch (packed from the lodge) and then drive to Chenek, where you will have opportunities to admire the local wildlife, such as the gelada baboons, lammergeyers, and the rare endemic Walia ibex. Overnight camping, in a basic hotel (in Debark) or in the lodge (in the Simien Mountains).

Day 3

After breakfast, depart for the return drive to Gondar.