11 Days to Simien Mountains National Park
The Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia offers an unforgettable trekking experience. This journey takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. Below is a detailed itinerary of an 11-day trek that covers all major aspects of this amazing adventure. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, this trek promises a thrilling adventure.
Day 1: Fly to Gondar – Drive to Debark
Driving: 4-5 hours, Walking: 7km / 2-3 hours
Start your adventure with a scenic flight to Gondar, perched on a high plateau just north of Lake Tana. Gondar was Ethiopia’s imperial capital for 200 years. Upon arrival, embark on a 2.5-hour 4×4 drive to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains. The rough road offers a revealing look into rural Ethiopian life. In Debark, register at the park headquarters and meet your guide and scout. A 4×4 will take you further into the mountains, where you’ll begin a leisurely three-hour acclimatization hike along the ridge with breathtaking views. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a short, yet challenging ascent to Sankaber. Here, you’ll be greeted with fresh coffee, tea, and snacks.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 2: Sankaber (3,200M) — Geech Camp (3,600M)
Walking: 7-8 hours / 15km
After a hearty breakfast, trek along the ridge, enjoying panoramic views of the 800m foothills below. For the first two hours, the trail meanders through Giant Heather, soda apple, Abyssinian rose, St. John’s Wort, and Globe thistle. Highlight your trek with a visit to the spectacular 500m Genbar Falls, where you can watch falcons, buzzards, and lammergeiers soar. Continue through arid terrain to a serene waterfall for lunch. Spot klipspringer, bushbuck, and Gelada Baboons as you approach Geech Camp. Just before reaching camp, visit a traditional village house for home-roasted coffee and injera. Geech Camp sits on a grassy plateau with stunning sunset views.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 3: Imet Gogo (3,926M) — Siha Gorge — Kedar Dit — Geech (3,600M)
Walking: 5-6 hours / 13km
After breakfast, trek two hours across a grass plateau adorned with Giant Lobelia plants to Imet Gogo. At 3,926m, this rocky promontory offers 360-degree vistas of the Simien Range. Look west towards Sankaber and Geech and southeast across a deep gully to the next day’s ridge walk to Inatye and Chenneck Camp. The views are perhaps the most breathtaking in the Simien Mountains. Return to camp via the Siha Gorge for lunch, followed by an optional sunset trek to Kedar Dit (3,760m).
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 4: Inatye (4,070M) – Chenneck (3,600M)
Walking: 7 hours / 15km
Today’s trek is long yet strikingly beautiful, hugging the ridge most of the way. After breakfast, retrace your steps towards Imet Gogo before diverging southeast towards Inatye. Descend into a forest of Giant Hazel before ascending open grasslands to Inatye (4,070m). The name “Inatye” translates to “mamma mia,” aptly describing its dizzying vertical drop. Following a picnic lunch, descend through open grasslands and Giant Lobelia towards Chenneck. Chenneck Camp is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 5: Ambiko (3,200M)
Walking: 10 hours
This is the trek’s longest day, spanning up to 10 hours. Begin with a two-hour climb to Buahit Pass (4,200m), offering spectacular views of Ras Dashen. Descend across the Mesheha Valley, crossing the river at 2,750m, then ascend to Ambiko Campsite (3,200m).
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 6: Ambiko (3,200M) — Ras Dashen Summit (4,620M) — Ambiko (3,200M)
Walking: 8 hours
Summit day involves a demanding 1,200m climb with multiple false summits. After a five-hour ascent, tackle the final rocky stretch to the summit cairn. Savor panoramic views from Ethiopia’s highest peak before descending to Ambiko.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 7: Ambiko (3,200M) — Sonar (3,500M)
Walking: 9 hours
Descend to the Mesheha River at 2,750m, then climb to Arkwazye village. Continue downhill to the picturesque Sonar campsite, offering views of the initial trek stages.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 8: Sonar (3,500M) to Mekarebya (2,150M)
Walking: 5-6 hours
Departing Sonar, descend the Incya Valley for 2-3 hours to the lowlands. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Incya River and a refreshing swim. Walk two more hours to Mekarebya, where you’ll camp in the village.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 9: Trek to Mulet (2,150M)
Walking: 6-7 hours
Walk along the Incya River’s dry bed, spotting abundant birdlife. Enjoy lunch at Derkwenth pool, where you can swim. Climb to Awazza Village beneath the Awazza Table Mountain, then continue to Mulet for the final camp.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 10: Drive to Gonder
Walking: 3 hours, Driving: 5 hours
After breakfast, trek three hours to Adi Arkaye. A vehicle will transfer you back to Gonder.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Hotel
Day 11: Gonder and Return to Addis Ababa
In the morning, explore the ancient city of Gondar. Known as the “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar’s skyline is dominated by historic castles and fortresses. Visit the castle complex, the baths of Fasilidas, and the church of Debre Berhan. In the late afternoon, fly to Addis Ababa. Depending on your arrival time, explore Merkato, the grand market. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore performances before transferring to the airport.
Meals: B/L/D
End of tour!
Getting There and Safety Tips
The best way to get to the Simien Mountains National Park is via a domestic flight into the nearby town of Gondar, followed by a 2-hour drive into the park through scenic highland landscapes. Most visitors will spend a night or two in Gondar to explore the town before heading into the Simiens. The Simien Mountains National Park is generally a safe place to visit, especially if you’re on an organized tour. However, petty crime is a concern in Addis Ababa and other Ethiopian cities.
Why Trek the Simien Mountains?
The Simien Mountains National Park is the most popular trekking destination in Ethiopia, offering superb highland trekking, rare wildlife, and incredible scenery. With far-reaching views, unique flora, and an array of wildlife including the endemic Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex, it’s an adventure not to be missed.
Learn more about trekking standards and routes from Against the Compass.
Details
The Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia offers an unforgettable trekking experience. This journey takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. Below is a detailed itinerary of an 11-day trek that covers all major aspects of this amazing adventure. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, this trek promises a thrilling adventure.
Day 1: Fly to Gondar - Drive to Debark
Driving: 4-5 hours, Walking: 7km / 2-3 hours
Start your adventure with a scenic flight to Gondar, perched on a high plateau just north of Lake Tana. Gondar was Ethiopia's imperial capital for 200 years. Upon arrival, embark on a 2.5-hour 4x4 drive to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains. The rough road offers a revealing look into rural Ethiopian life. In Debark, register at the park headquarters and meet your guide and scout. A 4x4 will take you further into the mountains, where you’ll begin a leisurely three-hour acclimatization hike along the ridge with breathtaking views. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a short, yet challenging ascent to Sankaber. Here, you'll be greeted with fresh coffee, tea, and snacks.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 2: Sankaber (3,200M) — Geech Camp (3,600M)
Walking: 7-8 hours / 15km
After a hearty breakfast, trek along the ridge, enjoying panoramic views of the 800m foothills below. For the first two hours, the trail meanders through Giant Heather, soda apple, Abyssinian rose, St. John’s Wort, and Globe thistle. Highlight your trek with a visit to the spectacular 500m Genbar Falls, where you can watch falcons, buzzards, and lammergeiers soar. Continue through arid terrain to a serene waterfall for lunch. Spot klipspringer, bushbuck, and Gelada Baboons as you approach Geech Camp. Just before reaching camp, visit a traditional village house for home-roasted coffee and injera. Geech Camp sits on a grassy plateau with stunning sunset views.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 3: Imet Gogo (3,926M) — Siha Gorge — Kedar Dit — Geech (3,600M)
Walking: 5-6 hours / 13km
After breakfast, trek two hours across a grass plateau adorned with Giant Lobelia plants to Imet Gogo. At 3,926m, this rocky promontory offers 360-degree vistas of the Simien Range. Look west towards Sankaber and Geech and southeast across a deep gully to the next day’s ridge walk to Inatye and Chenneck Camp. The views are perhaps the most breathtaking in the Simien Mountains. Return to camp via the Siha Gorge for lunch, followed by an optional sunset trek to Kedar Dit (3,760m).
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 4: Inatye (4,070M) - Chenneck (3,600M)
Walking: 7 hours / 15km
Today’s trek is long yet strikingly beautiful, hugging the ridge most of the way. After breakfast, retrace your steps towards Imet Gogo before diverging southeast towards Inatye. Descend into a forest of Giant Hazel before ascending open grasslands to Inatye (4,070m). The name "Inatye" translates to "mamma mia," aptly describing its dizzying vertical drop. Following a picnic lunch, descend through open grasslands and Giant Lobelia towards Chenneck. Chenneck Camp is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 5: Ambiko (3,200M)
Walking: 10 hours
This is the trek’s longest day, spanning up to 10 hours. Begin with a two-hour climb to Buahit Pass (4,200m), offering spectacular views of Ras Dashen. Descend across the Mesheha Valley, crossing the river at 2,750m, then ascend to Ambiko Campsite (3,200m).
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 6: Ambiko (3,200M) — Ras Dashen Summit (4,620M) — Ambiko (3,200M)
Walking: 8 hours
Summit day involves a demanding 1,200m climb with multiple false summits. After a five-hour ascent, tackle the final rocky stretch to the summit cairn. Savor panoramic views from Ethiopia's highest peak before descending to Ambiko.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 7: Ambiko (3,200M) — Sonar (3,500M)
Walking: 9 hours
Descend to the Mesheha River at 2,750m, then climb to Arkwazye village. Continue downhill to the picturesque Sonar campsite, offering views of the initial trek stages.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 8: Sonar (3,500M) to Mekarebya (2,150M)
Walking: 5-6 hours
Departing Sonar, descend the Incya Valley for 2-3 hours to the lowlands. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Incya River and a refreshing swim. Walk two more hours to Mekarebya, where you’ll camp in the village.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 9: Trek to Mulet (2,150M)
Walking: 6-7 hours
Walk along the Incya River's dry bed, spotting abundant birdlife. Enjoy lunch at Derkwenth pool, where you can swim. Climb to Awazza Village beneath the Awazza Table Mountain, then continue to Mulet for the final camp.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Camping
Day 10: Drive to Gonder
Walking: 3 hours, Driving: 5 hours
After breakfast, trek three hours to Adi Arkaye. A vehicle will transfer you back to Gonder.
Meals: B/L/D
Overnight: Hotel
Day 11: Gonder and Return to Addis Ababa
In the morning, explore the ancient city of Gondar. Known as the "Camelot of Africa," Gondar’s skyline is dominated by historic castles and fortresses. Visit the castle complex, the baths of Fasilidas, and the church of Debre Berhan. In the late afternoon, fly to Addis Ababa. Depending on your arrival time, explore Merkato, the grand market. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore performances before transferring to the airport.
Meals: B/L/D
End of tour!
Getting There and Safety Tips
The best way to get to the Simien Mountains National Park is via a domestic flight into the nearby town of Gondar, followed by a 2-hour drive into the park through scenic highland landscapes. Most visitors will spend a night or two in Gondar to explore the town before heading into the Simiens. The Simien Mountains National Park is generally a safe place to visit, especially if you're on an organized tour. However, petty crime is a concern in Addis Ababa and other Ethiopian cities.
Why Trek the Simien Mountains?
The Simien Mountains National Park is the most popular trekking destination in Ethiopia, offering superb highland trekking, rare wildlife, and incredible scenery. With far-reaching views, unique flora, and an array of wildlife including the endemic Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex, it's an adventure not to be missed.
Learn more about trekking standards and routes from
Against the Compass.
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