Classic Simiens Safari

Day 1 - Addis to Gondar

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, catch a connecting domestic flight to Gondar where your guide will meet you at the airport.  Spend the day exploring this historic town.

Your first stop will be Debre Berhan Selassie Church, whose heavy and unassuming stone facade hides the colourful frescoes inside. After this you will head to the well-preserved Fasil Gebbi in Gondar, described by some as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. Now known as the Royal Enclosure, this was initially founded in 1636 and built by Emperor Fasilides as his home, but successive emperors and rulers added to his blueprint. Now, the buildings span over 70,000 square metres of land and include palaces, libraries, two lion houses, royal baths, and a women’s vocational school built by Mentewab, the Empress of Ethiopia.

Within the enclosure there are multiple architectural styles and influences jostling for position. The influences include Indian, Portuguese, Moorish and Aksumite.

Overnight: Goha Hotel or similar

Day 2 -  Introducing, the Simien Mountains National Park 

Drive from Gondar to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park. The first day of proper hiking starts with breakfast before you head out to the trail along the ridge. There’s a wonderful vantage point offering incredible views over the foothills ~800 metres below. The mountains are known worldwide for their biodiversity and your guide will point out all point out flora and fauna of note. Along the trail, Gelada Monkeys, Klipspringer and Walia Ibex make regular appearances and birds soar on the thermals beneath you as you look out over the views. 

The highlight of today’s trek is Genbar Falls, a waterfall over a sobering 500m sheer drop. The falls plummet into the Geech Abyss - a vast canyon cut into the main wall of the escarpment. 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. 

Route: Debark to Geech (3,600m)

Overnight: camping at Geech

Day 3 - Imet Gogo (3,925m) 

Today you’ll head to Imet Gogo, a headland at the edge of the ridge that stands close to 4000 metres altitude with unbelievable 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. You can see west, back towards Sankaber and Geech, and south-east along a large gorge towards tomorrow’s destination, Inyate. Trail through Giant Erica woodlands before emerging on the moorland top at Inatye, the second highest peak in the western part of the park. Drop down to Chenek camp along a path that has some impressive views of the lowlands below. Overnight at Chenek camp which is the best spot to see both Ethiopian Wolves and Walia Ibex. 

Length of hike: 5-6 hours/13km

Overnight: Chennek Camp

Day 4 - Mount Buahit and Limalimo Lodge

Mount Buahit is Ethiopia’s third highest peak, standing at an impressive 4430 metre. 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. 

No experience of the Simien Mountains is complete without a night at the stunning Limalimo Lodge. 

Overnight: Limalimo Lodge

Day 5 - Gondar to Addis

Spend the morning relaxing around the lodge and soaking up the last of the incredible views. After an early lunch, transfer to Gondar airport to catch a flight back to Addis. Your guide will meet you at the other side and take you for a farewell dinner before transferring back to Addis airport for your international flight home.