3 Day Simien Trek

Day 1 Drive (3 hrs) Gondar - Sankaber (3250 m). Hike Sankaber to Gich (3600 m)

We drive from Gondar to Sankaber with a brief stop at the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters to arrange the permit.

Today's trek covers a distance of approximately 12km and takes around 5-6 hours. The hike goes through highland grasslands, heather forests, cultivated fields and follows a spectacular escarpment with dramatic views.

We will encounter the friendly Gelada baboons, foraging in big groups. A stunning viewpoint at the Jinbar Falls is reached after clambering a few rocks. This waterfall plunges several hundred meters down into the abyss.

At the end of the day we pass through the welcoming village of Gich where the local people are happy to prepare a well-deserved coffee. The coffee ceremony is an important social event in Ethiopian culture. The camp for the night is not far from the village. Overnight camping.

Day 2 Hike Gich to Chennek (3620 m).

This is long day, but probably the most spectacular stage of the trekking, offering stunning views all the way. Today we hike 7-8 hours to cover 12 km, including a short detour to Imet Gogo (3925 m). This summit offers the most exciting views. The giant lobelia is abundant on the Gich plateau. The majestically lammergeyer might soar the skies in front of you and the endemic thick billed raven will be present. On your way to Chennek you pass some other major peaks (Inataye reaching 4070 meter) and a deep valley. Chennek is the best place to spot the endemic and endangered walia ibex. Not seldom they walk into the camp. Overnight camping.

Day 3 Hike Chennek to Ras Bwahit (4430 m). Drive (4 hrs) to Gondar

The last day in the Simien Mountains takes us up to the Bwahit Pass (4200 m) and when you're still fit enough all the way to Ras Bwahit, the second highest peak of Ethiopia after Ras Dashen. Total hike is 10 km, 5-6 hrs. Besides the walia ibex you have a change in seeing the even more endangered Ethiopian wolf. Late afternoon we drive back to Gondar.