Trekking in the Simien Mountains

Day 1 - Addis to the Simien Mountains

A connecting flight from Addis Ababa gets you in to Gondar, where your local guide will be waiting for you. You'll then head towards Michibiny, situated near the entrance of the Simien Mountains National Park. The drive from Gondar to Michibiny is around 2.5 hours. 

You'll stop briefly while your guides arrange all the necessary provisions and arrangements for your adventure. 

Your journey into the mountains begins with a 3-hour hike to Sankaber, your first camp. The hike is gentle and allows you to acclimatise as you're introduced the sensational views of the Simiens. 

You'll spend the night camping at Sankaber. 

Day 2 - Sankaber to Geech

Today's hike takes you from Sankaber to Geech. En route, you'll likely meet some of the Simien's famed wildlife, including Gelada Baboons, Klipsringer and Walia Ibex. 

A highlight of today’s trek is Genbar Falls, a waterfall over a sobering 500m sheer drop, which you’ll see from the opposite side of the ridge. After a break for lunch, you’ll carry on towards Geech, a remote traditional village with thatched roofs. Geech camp is a great spot to watch the sun go down over the range, and you’ll often see troops of Gelada monkeys climbing down the precipitous slopes to their sleeping quarters in caves in cliffs below. 

Overnight at Geech camp. 

Day 3 - Geech to Chennek

Today is a 7-8 hour trek from Geech to Chennek via the incredible Imet Gogo and Inataye. Imet Gogo, standing at nearly 4,000m, affords unbelievable panoramic views of the entire Simien range. If that isn't enough, Iantaye stands at a sobering 4,070m. 

If you can pull yourself away from the views, the remaining trek to Chennek is pleasant. Overnight at Chennek camp. 

Day 4 - Mount Buahit to Ambiko Camp

Mount Buahit is Ethiopia’s third highest peak, standing at an impressive 4,430 metres. Your route to Mount Buahit follows footpaths off the road alongside a stream that trickles down the hill. This is quite a steep walk, but you can take regular breaks at great view points en route. This is your best chance to see Walia Ibex. 

At the summit, you’re rewarded with phenomenal views across the entire Simiens range. Head back down the trail from Buahit which drops down out of the park and into farmland. Pass through the new settlement of Tiru Leba and stop here for a (well deserved) soft drink or beer. The trail continues down to a small stream at the bottom (which can become unsurpassable in the height of the rainy season), before heading up the rail on the eastern side of the village of Ambiko where a simple campsite awaits. (psst, the local committee sell beers for around $2 a pop, well worth a little splurge…)

Overnight at Ambiko camp. 

Day 5 - Ras Dashen to Menteber Camp

Today is undoubtedly a highlight of the tour as you summit Ethiopia’s tallest mountain: Ras Dashen. Start early and take it slow (10-11 hours of hiking today), admiring the views along the way. By late morning, you’ll arrive at the moorland top where the dirt road disappears and gives way to remote villages as your trail turns north east and snakes up the final peak. In true explorer fashion, reaching the summit requires a couple of hand holds and manoeuvres (nothing too challenging) as you scramble to the top. Now relax and enjoy the unbelievable view from 4,533 meters up… 

When you can finally tear yourself away from the view, head north-east and make for the village of Menteber, where a camp awaits. 

Day 6 - Ambiko to Chennek

Today marks your last day in the Simien Mountains. A 7-8 hour trek takes you from Ambiko to Chennek, where you'll spend your final night in the Simien Mountains. 

Day 7 - Return to Addis

In the morning, your driver will take you from Chennek to Gondar (3.5 hours). Catch a flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa to continue your journey or travel home.