Simien Mountains lies in northern Ethiopia, north east of Gondar in Amhara region. They are part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They are a World Heritage Site and includes the Simien Mountains National Park. The mountains composed of plateaus separated by valleys and rising to pinnacles. The highest Ethiopian peak is Ras Dejen at 4,550m with the second highest peak of Kidis Yared at 4,453m; other notable peaks include Mount Biuat at 4,437 m.
These Mountains are remarkable as being one of the few spots in tropical Africa where snow regularly falls. Due to their geological origins, the mountains are almost unique, with only South Africa ‘s Drakensberg range having been formed in the same manner and thus appearing similar. Animals notable in the mountains include the walia ibex, gelada, and caracal. There are a few Ethiopian wolves which can be seen with luck on your side.
This expedition is operated on fixed dates. Inquire for the date and you will be advised on the group to join.
Prices are based on number of pax as follow:
2 pax USD 1250 per person
4 pax USD 995 per person
6 pax USD 855 per person
8 pax USD 680 per person
10 pax USD 645 per person
Itinerary
We will depart early in morning from Gondar to Debark. Once in debark we will arrange our visit with the park office and receive a scout and guide then drive into the park to arrive at Sankaber. You can either drive all the way in to Sankaber or have the car drop you off near Buyit Ras for a short hike. If you choose to hike in you will take in beautiful views of the landscape and the endless mountain ridges, and you likely see some gelada baboons. When you arrive in Sankaber you will be met with your supplies. Sankaber will be the first campsite on your trip.
From Sankaber we will begin the trek following the ridge and look out over the foothills 800m down. From the ridge you will descend down into the valley and be able to view the Jinbar River plunging into the Geech Abyss. After some time at the waterfall, you will continue on to Geech village where you will stay in the campsite.
After breakfast,we will set off on a 7–8 hrs hike of the best views you will see in the Simien Mountains. Along the route, you will pass through Imet Gogo. Here you will have gained an altitude of 3,926m and be able to look out at the amazing landscape from 360 degrees. At this height and view point you can see the canyon below, distant ridges, and view the seemingly never-ending valleys. Afterwards, you will hike to the viewpoint at Innateye valley at an altitude of 4,070m. Lunch will be served here and then you will descend to Chennek (3,600m) for your third campsite.
After breakfast we will hike for 2 hours and summit the Buwahit pass (4,200m). From here we can look out towards our hike for tomorrow, Ras Dashen. You will follow the path down towards Meseha valley and cross a river and back up again towards Ambiko where you will camp for the night.
The journey to the peak of Ras Dashen will begin with an early morning walk through the main valley before sunrise. Then we will start ascending the mountain with a steep climb amidst the Giant Lobelia plants. The last part of the trek will likely be very challenging, but very rewarding when you are able to reach the highest point in Ethiopia. At 4,543m you will get amazing views of the immense landscape. After approximately 8-9 hours of hiking for the day you will arrive at Ambiko campsite for the overnight stay.
Another long day that takes you back from Ambiko down to the Meseha River at 2,750m, before ascending again to the small village of Chiroloba, where we will have lunch then we start clamping up the buwahit pass (4430) and then walk down to Chennek camp site stay overnight.