Tour overview

Sankober – Geech – Chenek – Ambikwa – Ras Dashen – Ambikwa – Chenek

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

Depart early in the morning from Gondar (7 am at the latest), driving to Sankober. We will stop along the way to handle park fees, etc. We will drop you near Buyit Ras for a 3-4 hour hike to Sankober, which passes close to the escarpment edge. Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. In Sankober, you will be met with your supplies. Overnight camping in Sankober.

Day 2

From Sankober, depart into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) River runs. (This river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss. Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. Total trekking time: 4-5 hours

Day 3

After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metia, a solid rock wall that opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeyers. Overnight camping in Chenek. Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours

Day 4

From Chenek, continue east up a valley to Bwahit Peak, overlooking the camp from where you just came. After crossing the Bwahit Pass, you come to a viewpoint offering wonderful views of the Mesheha River Valley as well your first glimpse of Ras Dashen. From here, the path descends passes through the village of Chiro Leba and finally leads to the Mesheha River. Across the river, you climb back up the valley to the village of Ambikwa. Overnight camping in Ambikwa. Total trekking time: 6-8 hours

Day 5

Starting early, you will continue up the valley to the village of Mizma, after which you will have a steep ascent to a ridge crest overlooking a large valley. The path then follows along the side of the valley, straight at Ras Dashen. You will eventually reach a point where you will see three distinct buttresses. The buttress on the left is the summit of Ras Dashen. A pile of rocks at the top of the buttress marks the summit. Afterward, you return to Ambikwa overnight. Total trekking time: 8-10 hours

Day 6

Today you return back to Chenek for overnight camping. Total trekking time: 6-8 hours

Day 7

Today will be transported out of the park, from Chenek to Gondar.