Imet Gogo is a stunning viewpoint in the Simiens.
Sitting amongst Geladas and Juniper trees.
Fields of Gelada Monkeys play near Simien Lodge.
On a clear day, the views are an amazing display of light and shadow.
Taking a break to admire the view.
The epic Jinbar waterfall, a 500m plummet to the Gich Abyss.
View from the deck at Limalimo Lodge.
An armed scout must accompany you in the Simiens.
Geladas racing across the open fields near Sankaber.
View from Imet Gogo - day 2 of the Simien trek.
Lobelia trees encompass the Chennek campsite.
Tom on the 'Roof of Africa'.
The Simiens are dubbed the 'Roof of Africa' - and for good reason.
The 'bleeding heart' Gelada Monkeys - symbol of the Simiens.
Cliff-edge treks towards Chennek.
The incredible view from the Imet Gogo viewpoint.
The best time to visit the Simien Mountains is between October and March, with the clearest skies and warmest weather.
December, January, and February is the peak travel season. During these months, you have the best weather conditions, but the campsites could be busy and the lodges will be booked well in advance.
The rainy season in the Simien Mountains is between June and August, with rains often creeping into the first half of September. During these months, rainfall increases significantly, temperatures drop, and skies are more likely to be overcast. Whilst it is still possible to do treks, we recommend visiting at a different time of year if possible.
The shoulder season runs from April to the start of the rainy season in June. You won’t have any issues trekking in the Simiens during these months, but be prepared for cloudier skies and intermittent showers.
Admiring the view in the Simien Mountains
From October, the rains have passed and the mountains are verdant and colourful. October marks the start of the dry season that runs until April.
The Simiens are at their most beautiful in September, October, and November, as the grasses and flora are in full bloom following the rainy season.
Peak visitor numbers are between December and February as these months have the best conditions for trekking in the Simiens.
All campsites will be open for business, as will the two lodges in the park: Simien Lodge and Limalimo Lodge.
View from Imet Gogo - day 2 of the Simien trek.
April is the start of the transition from the dry season to the rainy season.
You can expect cloudier skies and intermittent (sometimes heavy) showers in the mornings and afternoons. These showers become more frequent as you head into May and get closer to the start of the rainy season in June.
It is still possible to visit during this time, and conditions usually hold up for trekking. Campsites and lodges are still open for business. There will be fewer visitors around during these months.
Princess stop and the views around Limalimo Lodge.
As global climate patterns change, rigid seasonality is becoming less and less clear. Typically, the rainy season in the Simien Mountains runs from June to August, but the rains sometimes come in May, and can extend into the first half of September.
You should be prepared for showers at any time.
From June to August, all campsites will be closed. Limalimo Lodge is closed from mid-July until the end of August (but remains open in June). Simien Lodge remains open year-round.
If you’re visiting during these months, be prepared for heavy showers and overcast skies. Mists can often obscure the views.
The sprawling, jagged, epic Simien landscape.
The trips below showcase just some of what is possible in Ethiopia. Get in touch with us and we can help create your Ethiopian adventure of a lifetime.
The wildlife in the Simien Mountains can be seen year-round. The park has an impressive number of endemic species, so there are no migratory patterns to worry about.
The Gelada Monkeys in the Simiens have become accustomed to human presence, so you are all but guaranteed to see them no matter when you visit. Walia Ibex are harder to find, particularly during misty days in the rainy season.
Bird life in the Simiens is abundant, but of course clearer skies make for better sightings.
The endemic Ethiopian Wolf is rarely spotted in the Simiens. The park is simply too big and population numbers too small. If you want to see Ethiopian Wolves, your best bet is to take a trip to the Bale Mountains National Park in the south of the country.
The 'bleeding heart' Gelada Monkeys - symbol of the Simiens.
When you choose to visit the Simiens will have an impact on costs.
Campsites, lodges, scouts, guides, support staff and vehicle costs all have seasonal prices, and these are reviewed every season.
Costs are highest during the peak travel season (October to March), and lower in the shoulder season and rainy season (April to September).
All told you will likely pay $150-300 USD more if you are travelling during peak season, depending on your accommodation choices and length of stay.
The incredible view from the Imet Gogo viewpoint.
Average daytime temperatures are very mild in the Simien Mountains, typically between 15-20°C during the warmer months of December to March, and between 10-15°C in the colder months of June to November.
Nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing, so pack warm clothes no matter when you travel. If you are camping, we recommend bringing a sleeping bag as the ones provided won't do a great job of keeping you warm!
The Simiens receives the highest rainfall (300mm) in June and July, and the lowest in December and January (10-10mm).
From June to September, there are on average 10 or more rainy days in the Simiens. Outside these months, there are (on average) fewer than 10 rainy days.
Imet Gogo is a stunning viewpoint in the Simiens.
Ethiopia has some of the best trekking routes in Africa. The Simien Mountains National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the country. A combination of stunning …
The Simien Mountains has three major campsites, and most camping trips in the Simiens will include all three camps. A typical trail starts at Sankaber campsite, then heads to Geech…
The views, aesthetic and service make this lodge the perfect start or end point for any Simien trek. You can also take sorties into the park from here if you want to explore the …
At over 3200 metres, the Simien Lodge is the highest altitude lodge in Africa. Comprised of stone-walled tukuls with thatched roofing, the Simien Lodge is a great alternative to …
There is plenty of wildlife to be found in the Simien Mountains. The iconic Gelada Monkey is found most easily here, and the park is home to other endemic species like the Walia …
The Simien Mountains National Park is in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia. The nearest airport town is Gondar, so most visitors will reach the Simiens via a domestic flight …
Below are just some of the possibilities for exploring the Simien Mountains. Whatever you're planning, we have the partnerships, experience and expertise to crate your perfect Ethiopian adventure.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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