7 Days - Trekking & Hiking in the Simien Mountains

Overview

Tour Highlights
• Summit Ras Dashen (4,533 m) – the highest mountain in Ethiopia
• Trek through the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains
• Encounter unique wildlife such as Gelada baboons and Walia ibex
• Camp in beautiful remote mountain locations
• Enjoy spectacular viewpoints including Imet Gogo and Geech Abyss
• Experience traditional highland villages and landscapes
• Observe rare birds including Lammergeyer and other raptors

Included / Excluded

Airport transfers
• All transport by private vehicle
• Professional trekking guide and local support team
• Mule transport for camping equipment and luggage
• Full camping equipment (tents
mattresses
cooking equipment)
• Sleeping bags and camping gear (recommended to bring personal sleeping bag)
• All meals during trekking (full board)
• Park entrance fees and government taxes
• Local scout/security personnel as required by the park

International flights
• Domestic flights (unless stated)
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic drinks and additional beverages
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides and support staff
• Souvenirs and personal purchases

Gallery

Gallery for 7 Days - Trekking & Hiking in the Simien Mountains

Travel itinerary

Day 1 - Gondar – Debark – Sankaber | Begin Trekking

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Gondar to Debark, the gateway town to the Simien Mountains. Here we complete park formalities and meet our experienced trekking crew including guides, scouts, cooks, and muleteers.
From Debark we continue by 4×4 vehicle into the park to reach Sankaber Camp, where the trekking begins. In the afternoon we enjoy an easy acclimatization hike along the dramatic escarpment with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Wildlife sightings often begin here, particularly large groups of Gelada baboons grazing on the highland grasslands.

Overnight: Camping at Sankaber

Day 2 - Sankaber – Geech (6–8 hours trek)

After breakfast we begin trekking toward the beautiful Geech Plateau. The trail offers spectacular views over the Geech Abyss, one of the most impressive escarpments in the Simien Mountains.
Along the way we pass rolling grasslands, waterfalls, and small farms where local villagers cultivate barley and keep livestock. A highlight of the day is the impressive Jinbar Waterfall, which plunges dramatically into the abyss below.
By late afternoon we arrive at Geech Camp, a scenic campsite with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Overnight: Camping at Geech

Day 3 - Geech – Imet Gogo – Chenek (7–9 hours trek)

Today is considered one of the most spectacular trekking days in the Simien Mountains. After leaving Geech, we hike toward Imet Gogo (3,926 m), one of the most famous viewpoints in the park.
From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with an extraordinary 360-degree panorama across deep valleys, towering cliffs, and distant lowlands.
Continuing along the escarpment we pass other viewpoints such as Saha and Gidar Got, offering constant dramatic scenery. This area is also one of the best places to spot the rare Walia ibex, an endemic mountain goat found only in the Simien Mountains.
By late afternoon we arrive at Chenek Camp, located in a stunning setting surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged peaks.

Overnight: Camping at Chenek

Day 4 - Chenek – Ambiko (8–9 hours trek)

Today’s trek is longer and more challenging as we cross one of the highest points of the route. The trail climbs toward Bwahit Pass, reaching elevations above 4,200 meters, where we enjoy our first clear views of Ras Dashen rising above the surrounding mountains.
After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we descend steeply into the Mesheha River Valley, cross the river, and begin a gradual climb toward the village of Ambiko, located at the base of Ras Dashen.
This remote settlement serves as the starting point for tomorrow’s summit climb.

Overnight: Camping at Ambiko

Day 5 - Summit Ras Dashen (4,533 m) – Return to Ambiko

We start very early in the morning for the summit attempt of Ras Dashen. The trail ascends through high-altitude vegetation, rocky slopes, and giant lobelia forests typical of Ethiopia’s alpine zone.
After several hours of steady climbing and a short scramble near the summit ridge, we finally reach the highest point in Ethiopia at 4,533 meters.
From the summit, spectacular views extend across the rugged mountains of northern Ethiopia and, on clear days, even toward Eritrea.
After celebrating the achievement and taking photos, we descend carefully back to Ambiko Camp.

Overnight: Camping at Ambiko

Day 6 - Ambiko – Drive to Gondar

After breakfast we meet our driver and begin the journey back through the mountains toward Debark and onward to Gondar.
After several days of trekking in the wilderness, travelers can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and comfortable hotel stay.

Overnight: Hotel in Gonder

Day 7 - Fly Gondar – Addis Ababa – Departure

In the morning we take a short domestic flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa.
Depending on your departure time, optional sightseeing, shopping, or cultural experiences can be arranged in Addis Ababa before your international departure.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa