11 DAYS TREKKING SIMEN MOUNTAINS

Today, the short internal flight takes you over the rugged Ethiopian plateau to the historic town of Gondar, one of Ethiopia’s historical sites and famous for its 17th and 18th-century castles. Upon arrival at Gondar airport, you will meet your Local Guide and driver and then start to drive 100km to the small town of Debark, the starting point for the Simen Mountains National Park. After completing formalities at the park headquarters and picking the local team, head up into the mountains to start the trekking. The Simiens are Africa’s highest mountain range, with a dozen peaks exceeding 4,267 meters in height. This National Park is a World Heritage Site and contains some of the most dramatic scenery and is best known for its endemic Ethiopian Wildlife. The Hike will start from Buyit Ras and it will be a leisurely three-hour hike to the Sankaber campsite. Today’s hike objective is to acclimatize and to help you adjust to the high altitude. You will trek through the beautiful views of the landscape and the endless mountain ridges, and you likely see some gelada baboons. When you meet at Sankaber, you will have fresh coffee, tea, and snacks. Sankaber will be the first campsite on this trekking trip.

• Campsite: Sankaber (3,200m).
• Altitude: Max. 3,300m.
• Trekking Time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
• Distance: 7kms.
• Ascent: 150m.
• Descent: 150m.

After breakfast at Sankaber campsite, you start your second day hiking towards Geech. The trek takes you along the ridge with stunning views over the foothills 800m below. The trail, for the first two hours, passes through the low bush of Giant Heather, Soda Apple, Abyssinian Rose, St John’s Wort, and Globe Thistle. On the way, keep your eyes open to spot the elusive and elegant Klipspringer (a small antelope). You may also meet troops of Gelada Baboons. From the ridge, you will descend down into the valley where the Jinbar river plunging into the spectacular Geech Abyss. The highlight of today’s hike is Jinbar waterfall, an incredible 500m sheer drop and a favorite location for the abundant Lammergeyer. After some time at the waterfall, you will continue on to Geech. Cross the river and then ascend through terraced farmland passing the site of the former village. Continue hike towards Geech campsite from nearby there are glimpses of much of Simen Mountains chain. Geech camp is set on a grassy plateau with stunning sunset views.

• Campsite: Geech (3,600m).
• Altitude: Max. 3,640m.
• Trekking Time: Approx. 6 -7 hrs.
• Distance: 13kms.
• Ascent: 928m
• Descent: 525m.

Today you will have early breakfast and then start the hike from Geech to Chennek camp which takes about 7 to 8 hours and is the best trekking route in the Simen Mountains. This is an interesting hiking trail with a few steep ups and downs. The trek begins by ascending for about 2 hours through the Afroalpine meadow. Hike through open moorland tundra, dotted with giant lobelias which are endemic plants to Ethiopia. Follow a high escarpment and reach Imet Gogo Peak, the trek’s most spectacular view. Imet Gogo is the most spectacular spot in the whole of the Simen Mountains. Located at 3,926m, this peak has incomparable 360-degree views of canyons, cliffs, and valleys. You will be given time to admire the panorama and take in the scenery. After Imet Gogo, you will descend into a valley and then hike up to the summit of Inatye (4,070m). The hike to Inatye, roughly translates as ‘Mamma Mia’, rewards magnificent views. This area is an outstanding site to view birds, particularly Tawny Eagle, Lammergeyer, and Augur Buzzards. You will also get a spectacular view of the Imet Gogo summit, Bwahit Pass, and the surrounding mountains. Following a brief rest and lunch, begin a descent to Chennek camp. The Endemic Walia Ibex and Gelada Baboons are often seen along this day’s route

• Campsite: Chennek (3,600m).
• Altitude: Max. 4,070m.
• Trekking Time: Approx. 7-8 hrs.
• Distance: 15kms.
• Ascent: 900m.
• Descent: 850m.

Set off and leave Chennek campsite early and trek towards Ambiko campsite at the foot of Ras Dashen (or Ras Dejen), the highest mountain in Ethiopia. This is the longest day of this trekking trip, with up to 10 hours. First, you will set out from camp for a steady 2-hour climb up to Bwahit summit (4,200m), Ethiopia’s third tallest mountain. It’s a tough ascent to reach the Bwahit Peak but you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of the Mesheha River Valley and stunning views over towards Ras Dashen. Also, there is a possibility to see the indigenous Walia Ibex and Abyssinian Wolf. After a break at the summit, follow a steep path down towards Mesheha river valley and cross the river.  After crossing the river, there will be the final steep climb of the day – a 200m ascent to the village of Ambikwa where you will camp for two nights.

• Campsite: Ambiko (3,200m).
• Altitude: 4,430m.
• Trekking Time: Approx.
• Distance: 20 kms.
• Ascent: 969 m
• Descent: 1,466

Today’s trekking begins before sunrise to give you ample time. It is a full day trekking from Ambiko to Ras Dejen, Ethiopia’s highest mountain, and back to Ambiko campsite. You climb slowly and steadily through farmland and giant lobelia forests before a steep scramble for 20 minutes to the summit. This challenging trek takes 10- 12 hours (6 -7 hour ascent & 4-5 hour descent) but it is enormously rewarding. The ascent and descent is 1,300m. The first part of the hike (2-3 hours) follows a rocky trail. For another hour the trail starts to ascend more steeply. Starting from here to the summit, you will hike through Afroalpine meadows and moorland where you’ll be surrounded by everlasting flowers (helichrysum) for 2 hours. The trail to the summit is obvious and easy until you make that final scramble to the top of Mount Ras Dejen at 4,553m (14,938 feet). You will have amazing views of the immense landscape and there is plenty of time to enjoy the expansive views from the highest mountain in Ethiopia. You will enjoy the excitement of being at Africa’s fourth highest peak. After having a rewarding lunch, start trek down for 4-5 hours back to Ambiko. Today is a very long day but well worthwhile if you decide to take on the challenging trek. Or take the day off to relax at camp and observe village life.

• Campsite: Ambiko (3,200m).
• Altitude: Max. 4,533m.
• Trekking Time: Approx. 10-12 hrs.
• Distance: 26kms.
• Ascent: 1,355m.
• Descent: 1,355m.

Another long day trek from Ambiko campsite to Sona, a wonderfully situated campsite perched on top of a ravine. You will traverse the farming country of the Simiens as you trek through the upper catchments of the Mesheha River. Get the chance to meet local people in the fields, on the trails, and in the villages. First, the trek takes you back from Ambiko down to the Meseha River at 2,750m, before ascending again to north across fields and passing scattered houses to the sprawling small village of Arkwasiye. From Arkwazye it is down again to Sona campsite. Camping will be near the village of Sona on the edge of the plateau, looking across the Gorge to the spectacular cliffs of Imet Gogo and other peaks where we walked previously.

• Campsite: Sona (3,450m).
• Altitude: Max. 3,600m.
• Trekking Time: Approx. 9-10hrs.
• Distance: 23kms.
• Ascent: 1,136m.
• Descent: 1,158m.

Depart from Sona and trek to Mekarebiya village. The day begins with a downhill walk to the Ansiya River located at 1,975m, the river is surrounded by big fig trees. Today’s descent is approximately 1,000m and takes 3 – 4 hours. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Ansiya river one of the tributaries of the Tekeze River that drains towards Sudan, and joins the Atbarah River.  There is a lovely spot for a refreshing swim. After lunch and break, there is a further walk along the banks of the river to Mekarebiya where you camp in the village. Looking back up towards the escarpment we can see exactly where we have been over the last few days.

• Campsite: Mekarebiya (1,900m).
• Altitude: 3,200m.
• Trekking Time: Approx. 5-6hrs.
• Distance: 12kms
• Ascent: 326m
• Descent: 1,800m.

Today’s hike starts by descending to the Ansiya river and continues on an undulating trail along the riverbed. Begin a steep ascent, from the lowest point of the day at 1,620m, for 2 hours on a rocky trail to Hawaza (Table Mountain in Amharic). On the way, you will see an impressive array of rock towers. The birdlife is incredible, pin-tailed waders, village indigo, paradise monarchs, and tropical bobu are all frequently spotted. Continue on a flat path to reach the very vibrant village of Mulit where we will spend our final night camping with a backdrop of rock pinnacles.

• Campsite: Mullit (2,050m).
• Altitude: 1,800m.
• Trekking Time: Approx. 6-7hrs.
• Distance: 19kms.
• Ascent: 690m.
• Descent: 592m.

The final day of the hiking. You descend the rough village trail to the small town of Adi Arkay (1,655m) where we complete the trek. Adi Arkay is located on the Gondar to Aksum ‘highway’. Short break at the town for coffee and wait until the mules have arrived you’re your baggage. Then you will be transferred back to Gondar via Debark. Arrive at Gondar in the afternoon and check in to your Accommodation.

• Trekking Time: Approx. 2-3 hrs.
• Distance: 10 kms.
• Ascent: 78 m
• Descent: 485 m.

After breakfast, start a half-day city tour of Gondar which was Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. First, you will discover the complex of medieval castles and ruins in the Royal Enclosure, a testament to the majesty of the Ethiopian Empire. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bathing Pool of Emperor Fasilidas. Then explore the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered with stunning murals of angels. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Gondar for a flight to Addis Ababa. Lunch and time for shopping in Addis Ababa. Then you will be transferred to the hotel to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Traditional Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.