Simien Mountains Trek

Arrive to the Bole International Airport where you are met and drive to your hotel for the evening.

Transfer back to the airport this morning for your flight on to Gondar. From here you set out on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Buhit Ras in Simien Mountains National Park. Along the way observe breathtaking glimpses of the Simien Mountains, one of the largest in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than a dozen peaks higher than 12,000 ft. The gelada baboon, Ethiopian wolf, and walia ibex are all found here and the cliffs are known for birds of prey such as the lammergeyer. Settle in this evening to Simien Mountain Lodge, set on the edge of an escarpment at 10,700 ft above sea level. The lodge claims to have the highest bar in Africa!

Set out from your hotel this morning after breakfast for your trek following along the ridge of an escarpment. Incredible views await you on both sides of the ridge and the path is lined with unique flora and fauna. One of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Ethiopia, you hike past some steep rocky passes on rough roads and trails. You may even spot the elusive gelada baboon. After about five hours of hiking, arrive to Sanqaber for your first dinner and settle into your tented camp. Campsites here are public and there may be other travelers sharing the site with you.

Trek Distance: 4-5 hours of trekking at about 10,300 elevation

Get an early morning start today after breakfast for your trek eastward along a narrow ridge before you descend into the Koba River Valley. Catch a sight of the Jinbar River and a spectacular waterfall which tumbles into a narrow canyon known as Geech Abyss. The canyon is rumored to be about 2600 ft deep but this has yet to be accurately documented due to its remote location and difficult to measure conditions. Cross the river here and ascend for about two more hours to reach Geech and your next campsite.

Trek Distance: About 11 miles (5-6 hours) on rocky track at about 11,500 elevation

Depart Geech this morning and follow a high escarpment to reach a 12,800 ft Imet Gogo Peak, the trek’s most spectacular view. Pause here to admire the panorama and take in the scenery. Walia ibex and gelada baboons are often seen along this day’s route. Arrive to Chenek Camp for a much-earned rest.

Trek Distance: About 15 miles (7-8 hours) on rocky path with multiple ascents and descents at about 11,800 ft elevation

Hike today for the rewarding ascent to Bwahit summit, Ethiopia’s third tallest mountain. Depart camp early and continue east up a valley for a steady climb to the broad summit plateau. Here you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Simien Range. Cross the Bwahit Pass and arrive to another viewpoint to the Mesheha River Valley and a glimpse of the 14,870 ft Ras Dashen. Admire the landscape and return to your camp at Chenek this afternoon. Return to Simien Mountain Lodge to freshen up this evening after your long trek.

Trek Distance: About 6 miles (3 hours ascent, 1.5 hours descent) on steep terrain. Highest elevation is 14,530 ft.

This morning drive about 3 hours down to Gondar to the airport for your flight on to Addis Ababa.