Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Mount Entoto - Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival in Addis Ababa and after completing entry formalities, a driver will be ready to transfer you to your hotel accommodation. Once settled, you’ll have time on your first day to relax, unwind, and explore a bit of Ethiopia’s capital city. Enjoy a city tour, and in the evening, regroup for a delightful dinner.

Flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar and Historic Tour

Fasil Ghebbi - Rise early and head to the airport for your domestic flight to Gondar, Ethiopia’s capital until 1855. Upon arrival, you’ll discover a city rich in historically significant architecture with diverse influences, including palaces, churches, and baths. Be sure to visit Gondar’s main attraction, King Fasilidas Ghebbi.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fasil Ghebbi is an intricate castle complex dating back to the 17th century and was the former residence of the Emperor. We will also visit the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, where you can admire its iconic ceiling adorned with painted angels.

Gondar - Debark - Sankaber

Fasil Ghebbi - Board a private vehicle and travel 100km north across the Ethiopian highlands to Debark, a small city of about 30,000 inhabitants at the border of the famous Simien National Park. After a quick logistical stop at the headquarters to gather cooks and scouts, we will drive out on a rugged road to an imposing mountain plateau over 3,000m high. From here, your trek across the Simien Mountains begins! After 2-3 hours of walking, take in your first glimpse of the impressive, dramatic landscape. As night falls, enjoy dinner prepared by our cook and spend the first night outdoors in the tent at the Sankaber camp.

Sankaber - Gich

Simien Mountains National Park - The next morning at Sankaber, meet your mules and drivers responsible for transporting your extra gear before starting the trek to Gich. Pick up your pace and traverse an escarpment before descending for stunning views of the beautiful Jinbar Waterfall. From here, ascend through terraced farmland until you arrive at the village of Gich (3,600m). As the sun sets, head up to Kedadiit Mountain and watch as the twilight sky changes colors until nightfall before returning to camp.

Gich - Chenek

Simien Mountains National Park - Begin your day with a two-hour climb to the summit of Imet Gogo (3,926m), one of the most beautiful vantage points overlooking dozens of rugged peaks. Then trek up and down along another escarpment, walking through fields of giant lobelias and other fascinating highland foliage. Finally, ascend the peak of Inatye (4,070m) and reach Camp Chenek in the afternoon (3,650m), where you can recover for the night.

Ambiko

Simien Mountains National Park - As the trek intensifies, continue over 700m through the Bwahit Pass (4,200m), Ethiopia’s third-highest mountain, for more amazing high-altitude views. Next, descend to the village of Chiro Leba and the Mesesha Wenz River for a refreshing swim. After another hour uphill, arrive at your base camp for the night at Ambiko (3,250m).

Summit Day: Climbing Ras Dashen

Simien Mountains National Park - Rise early before sunrise and leave camp by 4:00 am for the longest and most strenuous part of the trek. Your ascent starts slow and gentle but gradually becomes more challenging as the altitude increases. For the last 50 meters, you’ll manually rock climb vertically up the mountainside. Finally, reach the summit of Ras Dashen (4,550m). Reward yourself with a stunning view of the entire Simien mountain range and watch as vultures, eagles, and other birds soar across the vast skies. Then descend back to our camp at Ambiko.

Ambiko - Sona

Simien Mountains National Park - Enjoy a more leisurely trek today, covering a good distance without drastic altitude changes. Spend the morning traversing the expanse of flatland, passing by small villages and locals working in the fields along the way. Reach our camp at Sona by the afternoon (3,500m).

Sona - Mekarebya

Simien Mountains National Park - Today, descend steeply more than 1,000m to the Ansiya Wenz. Very few trekkers venture into the lowlands, offering you the chance to explore another unique, lesser-known region. Here, you can bathe in the river while enjoying the pleasant climate of the lowlands. Your day concludes at the village of Mekarebya, where you can observe the water well built with the help of a local partner, interact with locals, and rest.

Mekarebya - Mulit

Simien Mountains National Park - Continue descending to the Ansiya River and take a short detour to a small valley where you’ll discover a scenic riverside pool inviting you for a dip. Then ascend again 400 meters to Hawaza, a quaint village where we will stop for a coffee and tea break. From here, complete your day with a casual stroll to our last campsite at Mulit (2,000m). Congratulate yourself on finishing the trek, celebrate by a cozy fireplace, and watch the stars before heading to bed.

Mulit - Adi Arkay

Simien Mountains National Park - After our last 2 hours of easy walking, you’ll reach the neighborhood of Adi Arkay adjacent to the main road. A bus will then drive you through Debark, passing by spectacular landscapes and rock formations. By the afternoon, you’ll arrive back at Gondar.

Flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa, Market Trip, and Departure

Mercato Market - Transfer to the Gondar airport in the morning and fly back to Addis Ababa. If time permits before your departure, spend your last moments in the city visiting a market or shopping areas to buy souvenirs. Finally, enjoy a farewell Ethiopian dinner complete with cultural music and a dance performance. Then it’s time to board your flight back home, carrying memories that will last a lifetime.

• Professional Guide
• Local guide fee
• All entry admission fees
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Bottle of water each trip

• Alcoholic drink
• Camera and photography fees
• Personal interests

Ethiopia, occupying a major part of the Horn of Africa, comprises highlands that display breathtaking undiscovered natural landscapes. This journey visits one of these exceptional regions, the Simien Mountains. Recognized as a world heritage site and crafted by prehistoric lava outflows, the Simien Mountains are home to countless endemic species and Ethiopia’s tallest peak, Ras-Dashen (4550m), as well as a distinctive ecosystem.

Before embarking on the mountain adventure, you’ll initially get to know Addis Abeba and Gonder, the present and former capitals of Ethiopia, respectively. Thereafter, you’ll embark on a trek in the Simien Mountains, reaching the peak of Ras-Dashen after more than a week, and then descend into the Amhara villages in the neighboring valleys.

Completing over a week of interaction with nature and diverse cultures, you’ll head back to Gonder and then Addis Abeba. Ideal for those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, this tour offers an unparalleled chance to experience Ethiopian culture and lifestyle firsthand, combined with an incredibly challenging trek.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.