6 Days Simien Mountains Tours
Tour Highlights
-
Summit Ras Dejen (4,533 m) — highest peak in Ethiopia
-
Iconic viewpoints including:
-
Imet Gogo
-
Inatye
-
Kedadit Sunset Point
-
Bwahit Pass
-
-
Close encounters with endemic wildlife:
-
Gelada baboons
-
Walia ibex
-
Lammergeyer (bearded vulture)
-
-
Dramatic volcanic landscapes & deep escarpment valleys
-
Jinbar Waterfall and scenic river valleys
-
Authentic highland communities & cultural interaction
-
Camping under star-filled mountain skies
Day 1: Sankaber
An early start from Gondar takes us along a good gravel road to Debark (100 km / approx. 3 hrs by 4×4), where we obtain permits and meet our knowledgeable local guide and scout. From here, we drive one more hour into the National Park and begin our introductory hike along the northern escarpment.
The trail offers impressive views over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia, and you are likely to encounter gelada baboons grazing along the cliffs. On arrival at Sankaber Camp, enjoy tea or coffee while your camp is prepared in advance of your arrival.
Day 2: Geech
After breakfast, we continue along the escarpment before descending slightly into the Kaba Valley. A steady climb brings us to the dramatic Gich Abyss, followed by a narrow ridge leading to spectacular views of the Simien foothills to the north.
To the east lies the famous Jinbar Waterfall, where the Jinbar River plunges 500 m into the abyss — one of the park’s iconic sights. We continue for two hours to reach the riverbank for lunch.
Afterward, we climb through barley fields frequented by geladas to reach the traditional highland village of Gich. A short walk brings us to Gich Camp, perched above the village and an excellent place to see lammergeyers, black kites, and thick-billed ravens.
Later, we take a sunset hike to Kedadit (3,760 m) for golden-hour views over the escarpment before returning to camp for dinner.
Day 3: Chennek
From Gich Camp we trek across open highlands dotted with giant lobelia, eventually reaching the stunning viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3,926 m) — a highlight of the Simien trek.
Optionally, the route can be extended to include Saha viewpoint (3,785 m) before joining the main trail toward Imet Gogo.
We then descend into the Jinbahir Valley, where extraordinary views give the impression that huge sections of the mountains have broken away.
After a scenic climb to Inatye (4,070 m), we break for lunch, then descend along a steep trail for about two hours to Chennek Camp, a prime area for spotting the endemic Walia ibex grazing near the escarpment.
Dinner is served generously and well-earned after a rewarding day.
Day 4: Chenek - Ambiko
We begin trekking toward the Ras Dejen range, climbing east from Chennek to the Bwahit Pass (4,200 m).
From here, enjoy fine views of the lush Chennek valley below, Bwahit Peak to the south, and the rugged Menesha River valley stretching toward Ras Dejen.
A steep descent leads into the valley and through the rural village of Chiro Leba, followed by a scenic riverside path toward the Menesha River.
We then ascend to Ambiko Camp, where we rest and prepare for the summit attempt early next morning.
Day 5: Ambiko - Ras Dejen - Ambiko
Our climb begins before dawn as we follow a valley path through Misma Village (3,500 m). Reaching a ridge crest, we enjoy sunrise views across wider valleys below.
The trail gradually approaches the rocky west face of Ras Dejen, before ascending a broad ridge into a high corrie surrounded by three rugged summits.
Following a gulley to the left, we make our final climb to the highest peak in Ethiopia.
From the summit, enjoy breathtaking 360° views across the Simien massif, with morning light illuminating volcanic cliffs and deep canyons.
After ample time to rest and celebrate the achievement, we descend along the same route to Ambiko Camp for lunch and relaxation.
Day 6: Ambiko - Chiro Leba - Gondar
We retrace part of the Day 4 trail toward Chiro Leba, trekking westward with the sun at our backs and views of Bwahit Peak ahead and the western escarpment to the south.
From Chiro Leba, our vehicle awaits for a scenic drive back to Gondar, where the trip concludes.
