Gondar- Sankaber

Simien Mountains National Park - Sankaber (3250m), 3-4 hours

Starting early from Gondar, the journey takes travelers along a well-maintained gravel road to the park headquarters in Debark (100km, 3 hours by 4×4), where permits are obtained and a knowledgeable local guide and scout are met. The drive continues (1 hour by 4×4) into the National Park before embarking on the first day’s introductory walk. This easy hike along the northern edge of the escarpment offers breathtaking views over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. Hikers will encounter gelada baboons along the way and will be warmly welcomed to Sankaber campsite with tea and coffee, where the camp will be set up in advance of their arrival.

Sankaber-Gich

Simien Mountains National Park - After a hearty breakfast, the journey continues along the northern escarpment eastward, descending slightly into the Kaba valley. The path then ascends to reach Gich Abyss and continues over a narrow ridge to a cliff, unveiling a spectacular view of the abyss and Simien foothills to the north. To the east, there are striking views of a large waterfall, where the Jinbar River plunges 500m into the abyss. Two hours further on, lunch is enjoyed on the banks of the Jinbar River. From the valley, the path ascends through fields of barley filled with gelada baboons to reach the idyllic village of Gich. From Gich village, it is a short walk to Gich camp, dramatically perched above the village and an excellent spot to observe lammergeyer, black kite, and thick-billed raven. After a relaxing afternoon (optionally highlighted by a coffee ceremony), a short hike to Kedadit (3760m) is taken to enjoy the sunset and stunning shaded landscapes down the cliffs of the escarpment, before returning to camp for a freshly prepared dinner.

Gich-Chennek

Simien Mountains National Park - From Gich camp, the path leads through endless fields of giant lobelia before the high pasture gives way to the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926m). (An optional extended route from Gich camp to Imet-Gogo meets the escarpment further north, at the gelada baboon-covered, 3785m-high viewpoint of Saha, before following the precipitous cliffs southwards up to Imet-Gogo.) Time spent at Imet-Gogo is rewarded with superb views over the mountain valleys below and the strikingly-shaped domes in the distance. The contrasting view of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape from here gives the impression that vast chunks of the mountains have been blown away. The path climbs from the valley to the summit of Inatye (4070m), a spot for lunch. After lunch, the descent takes about two hours along a steep trail to reach Chennek, where Walia ibex can be spotted grazing close to the edge of the escarpment and sometimes skirting the edges of the campsite. The day concludes with a well-deserved dinner served in gratifyingly generous portions!

Chennek - Ambiko

Simien Mountains National Park - The trek towards the distant Ras Dejen range begins by ascending eastwards from Chennek camp, with the climb of Buwahit Pass (4200m) offering fine views of the verdant valley being left behind, Buwahit peak to the right, and ahead over the very different landscape of the Menesha River valley and its tributaries to Ras Dejen beyond. From this viewpoint, the path descends steeply into the valley, passing through the village of Chiro-Leba, before joining a path alongside a tributary that eventually leads to the Menesha River. The path then branches away from the river to ascend to the camp at Ambiko, where the night is spent in preparation for the ascent of Ras Dejen early the following morning.

Ambiko to Ras Dejen

Simien Mountains National Park - The climb of more than 1000m to the peak of Ras Dejen begins with breakfast before dawn. The journey from Ambiko follows the valley, passing the village of Misma (3500m) before reaching the crest of a ridge that offers excellent views of the sun rising over a larger valley below. The path continues eastwards towards Ras Dejen’s rocky west face. As the sun’s rays begin to reach over the peaks ahead, the path follows a wide ridge to reach a corrie surrounded by three imposing summits. Following a gulley to the left, the climb reaches the highest of them, Ras Dejen, to enjoy views into the distance in all directions, with the rocky features of the range’s east face highlighted by the morning sun. After ample time to rest and appreciate this unique place, the return to Ambiko follows the same route. The afternoon is spent recuperating over a large lunch and a well-earned rest.

Return to Chiro Leba and drive back to Gondar

Simien Mountains National Park - The return to Chiro Leba retraces the path followed on Day 4. With the sun at their backs as they walk westwards, this trek provides an excellent opportunity to contrast the peak of Buwahit – ahead to the south-west for most of the walk – and the western escarpment of the National Park, with the Ras Dejen range that was approached on Day 4. The journey concludes with a drive back to Gondar.

• Government and airport departure taxes
• Experienced Scout/Ranger for safety
• Camping gear provided (tent, sleeping bags, mattress, light blanket)
• Meals included (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
• Park entrance fee covered
• Complimentary mineral water
• Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional guide services
• Cook with cooking materials

• Gratuities
• Services which are not listed on the inclusion

The Simien range is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. As one progresses deeper into the park, the elevation rises, offering increasingly stunning viewpoints. The first significant viewpoint encountered is Imet Gogo, located at 3,926 meters between the Gich and Chennek campsites.

Continuing the journey, Mount Bwahit stands at 4,430 meters, and for those seeking adventure, Ras Dashen rises just east of Mount Bwahit at an impressive 4,550 meters. This makes it the highest peak in Ethiopia and the tenth highest in Africa.

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