Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places to trek in Ethiopia. Due to its breathtaking and vast landscape, many compare the beauty of the Simien Mountains with that of the Grand Canyon. The route that we will take is the most established route in the park and includes summiting Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia at 4,533m (14,938 feet).

The trek will be assisted by up to 20 mules and local mule men who will carry all the camping gear, cooking gear, luggage, food and water. The mule owners and mule men are part of an association that contracts with the National Park to assist trekkers. This partnership is an essential part of economic development through tourism for the Amhara people and helps support protection of the park. 

Travelers will carry a day pack for water (3-liters), extra layers, rain gear, hat, sunglasses, insect repellant and other personal items on the trek.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – October 11 – Arrivals

Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa.

Day 2 – October 12 – Welcome and flight to Gondar

In the morning enjoy a Welcome Brunch at the hotel. Meet your fellow travelers and staff from the END Fund and learn about your adventure ahead.

In the afternoon, travel to Gondar by domestic flight and settle in at the Zobel Resort Hotel to rest up before leaving for the trek the next day.

Dinner and overnight at Zobel Resort Hotel.

Day 3 – October 13 – Sightseeing in Gondar, drive to Simien Mountains National Park, hike to Sankaber

-Trekking time: 1 hour
-Elevation gain: 950m (3,116 feet) by car
-Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)

In the morning, visit the ancient castles of Gondar. After lunch, drive for about 2 hours to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park at 2,800m (9,186 feet). After entering the park, you’ll drive for another 2 hours before hitting the trail at Waruba at 3,300m (10,827 feet). You will hike for about 1 hour to Sankaber, stopping at viewpoints along the way.

Dinner and overnight at Sankaber Camp at 3,250m (10,663 feet).

Day 4 – October 14 – Trek from Sankaber to Geech

-Trekking time: 5-6 hours
-Elevation gain: 350m (1,148 feet)
-Distance: 15km (9.3 miles)

The trek today starts with a gentle stroll through the Erica Heather forest. Along the route, keep your eyes open to spot the elusive and elegant Klipspringer (a small antelope). You may also come across troops of Gelada Baboons.

After 2-3 hours, you will reach a viewpoint where you can see the impressive Jinibar waterfall that plummets into the Geech Abyss. From there, climb steeply for an hour to reach the Jinbar valley. Then, head down to the Jinbar River at 3,190m (10,466 feet) and enjoy a picnic lunch.

After a brief rest at the river, ascend gradually for 2-3 hours to the village of Geech, dotted by traditional round thatched huts. You may have the chance to meet some local Amharas people while in the village.

The trail then winds its way into the moorland which is covered with Giant Lobelia before reaching Geech Camp.

Dinner and overnight at Geech Camp at 3,600m (11,811 feet).

Day 5 – October 15 – Trek Geech to Cheneck

-Trekking time: 7-8 hours
-Elevation gain: 470 (1,542 feet), loss: 470 (1,542 feet)
-Distance: 19km (11.7 miles)

The trek begins by ascending gradually for about 2 hours through Afroalpine meadow. Then, you will descend to where you’ll have impressive views of the Emetgogo gorge below. The trail winds its way down to the lowest point of the day and then begins ascending again to the peak of Enateye, the highest point of the day at 4,070m (13,353 feet). This area is an outstanding place to view birds, particularly raptors. Look for the Tawny Eagle, Lammergeyer, and Augur Buzzards. You will also get a spectacular view of the Emetgogo summit, Bwhait Pass, and the surrounding mountains.

After a brief rest and lunch, begin your 2-3 hour descent to Cheneck camp. About 10-20 minutes before reaching the camp, stop at Kurbetemetaya and look for Walia Ibex, a mountain goat endemic to the Simien Mountains.

Overnight camping at Cheneck Camp at 3,600m (11,811 feet).

Day 6 – October 16 – Trek Cheneck to Ambiko

-Trekking time: 8-9 hours
-Elevation gain: 1,000m (3,280 feet), loss: 800m (2,624 feet)
-Distance: 19km (11.7 miles)

In the morning, begin the tough 3-hour ascent to the top of the Bwhait pass (4,200m or 13,780 feet). The nearby Bwhait peak at 4,430 m (14,534 feet) is the second highest point in the park and offers magnificent views. To the east across the vast valley of the Mesha River, you can see the bulk of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak. From the viewpoint north of Bwahit, the path drops steeply. Hike downhill for about 3 hours to the village of Chiroleba at 3,400m (11,155 feet).

After lunch, follow a stream bed through a rocky gorge to finally reach the Mesha River. Across the river, the path climbs sharply up the east side of the valley to reach the village of Ambiko.

Dinner and overnight at Ambiko Camp at 3,800m (12,467 feet).

Day 7 – October 17 – Trek Ambiko to Ras Dashen and back to Ambiko

-Trekking time: 10-12 hours (the trek to the summit is a 6-7 hour ascent, 4-5 hour descent).
-Elevation gain: 733m (2,404 feet), loss: 733m (2,404 feet)
-Distance: 22km (13.6 miles)

The day begins before sunrise to give you ample time for trekking. The first 2-3 hours follows a rocky trail. The trail then starts to ascend more steeply for another hour. From here to the summit, it will take about 2 hours of trekking through Afroalpine meadows and moorland where you’ll be surrounded by everlasting flowers (helichrysum). The trail to the summit is obvious and easy until you make that final scramble to the top of Mount Ras Dashen at 4,553m (14,938 feet).

Having enjoyed the excitement of being at Ethiopia’s highest and Africa’s forth highest peak, have a rewarding lunch and then trek down for 4-5 hours back to Ambiko.

Overnight at Ambiko Camp at 3,800m (12,467 feet).

Day 8 – October 18 – Trek Ambiko to Chiroleba, drive to Simien Lodge

-Trekking time: 2-3 hours
-Driving time: 4-5 hours (depends on road conditions)
-Elevation gain: 800m (2,624 feet), loss: 1,340m (4,396 feet)
-Distance: 8km (4.9 miles)

In the morning hike down to Chiroleba where you will meet your vehicle for the drive to Simien Lodge.

Enjoy a celebratory dinner and overnight Simien Lodge.

Day 9 – October 19 – Visit an END Fund project, flight back to Addis

Today, you will visit an End Fund project site on the way back to Gondar.

Take an evening flight back to Addis Ababa (ET 169 – departs Gondar at 19:30, arrives in Addis at 20:30).

Dinner and overnight at Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa.

Day 10 – October 20 – Departures

After a leisurely, restful morning, gather for a Farewell Brunch together. Then travelers will be transferred to Bole International Airport in time for their international departures.

For those with later flights, there will be optional sightseeing in Addis Ababa including the Trinity Cathedral, the National and Ethnographic museums, and the Merkato (the largest open-air market in Africa).