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The Simien Mountains, or the "rooftop of Africa"

Simien Mountains Trek

Example 7 Day Tour
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Spend 4 full days trekking through the Simien Mountains on this 7-day Ethiopia tour. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, spot wildlife, and experience the mystery of the ‘rooftop of Africa’, one of its biggest mountain ranges. Trek from campsite to campsite as you make your way towards a summit up the Bwahit Peak where 360-degree views of the Simien Mountains await you. This Ethiopian trekking adventure takes place at high altitude and is not for the faint of heart.
Hiking the Simien MountainsGelada baboons spotted in the Simien MountainsTrekking the Simiens affords gorgeous viewsSolar panels at Simien LodgeGelada Baboons in the SimiensSimien Mountains in EthiopiaThe Simien Mountains, or the "rooftop of Africa"
Highlights
  • Spend four days trekking and camping through the Simien Mountains
  • Spot wildlife including gelada baboons and the Ethiopian fox
  • Spend two nights at the remote and cozy Simien Mountain Lodge
  • Summit Bwahit Peak on the fourth day of your Simien Mountains Trek
Places Visited
  • Africa
  • Ethiopia
  • Addis Ababa
  • Chenek
  • Geech
  • Gondar
  • Mount Bwahit
  • Sankaber
  • Simien Lodge
  • Simien Mountains National Park
Activity Level: Ultimate
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa

Arrive to the Bole International Airport where you are met and drive to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Fly Gondar | Simien Mountain Lodge

Transfer back to the airport this morning for your flight on to Gondar. From here you set out on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Buhit Ras in Simien Mountains National Park. Along the way observe breathtaking glimpses of the Simien Mountains, one of the largest in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than a dozen peaks higher than 12,000 ft. The gelada baboon, Ethiopian wolf, and walia ibex are all found here and the cliffs are known for birds of prey such as the lammergeyer. Settle in this evening to Simien Mountain Lodge, set on the edge of an escarpment at 10,700 ft above sea level. The lodge claims to have the highest bar in Africa!

Day 3: Trek to Sanqaber

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set out from your hotel this morning after breakfast for your trek following along the ridge of an escarpment. Incredible views await you on both sides of the ridge and the path is lined with unique flora and fauna. One of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Ethiopia, you hike past some steep rocky passes on rough roads and trails. You may even spot the elusive gelada baboon. After about five hours of hiking, arrive to Sanqaber for your first dinner and settle into your tented camp. Campsites here are public and there may be other travelers sharing the site with you.

Trek Distance: 4-5 hours of trekking at about 10,300 elevation

Day 4: Trek Sanqaber to Geech

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Get an early morning start today after breakfast for your trek eastward along a narrow ridge before you descend into the Koba River Valley. Catch a sight of the Jinbar River and a spectacular waterfall which tumbles into a narrow canyon known as Geech Abyss. The canyon is rumored to be about 2600 ft deep but this has yet to be accurately documented due to its remote location and difficult to measure conditions. Cross the river here and ascend for about two more hours to reach Geech and your next campsite.

Trek Distance: About 11 miles (5-6 hours) on rocky track at about 11,500 elevation

Day 5: Trek Geech to Chenek

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Depart Geech this morning and follow a high escarpment to reach a 12,800 ft Imet Gogo Peak, the trek’s most spectacular view. Pause here to admire the panorama and take in the scenery. Walia ibex and gelada baboons are often seen along this day’s route. Arrive to Chenek Camp for a much-earned rest.

Trek Distance: About 15 miles (7-8 hours) on rocky path with multiple ascents and descents at about 11,800 ft elevation

Day 6: Bwahit Peak Ascent

Hike today for the rewarding ascent to Bwahit summit, Ethiopia’s third tallest mountain. Depart camp early and continue east up a valley for a steady climb to the broad summit plateau. Here you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Simien Range. Cross the Bwahit Pass and arrive to another viewpoint to the Mesheha River Valley and a glimpse of the 14,870 ft Ras Dashen. Admire the landscape and return to your camp at Chenek this afternoon. Return to Simien Mountain Lodge to freshen up this evening after your long trek.

Trek Distance: About 6 miles (3 hours ascent, 1.5 hours descent) on steep terrain. Highest elevation is 14,530 ft.

Day 7: Return Addis Ababa

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
This morning drive about 3 hours down to Gondar to the airport for your flight on to Addis Ababa. 

Accommodations

Jupiter International Hotel

Jupiter International Hotel
Jupiter International Hotel
Enjoy a comfortable stay at Jupiter Hotel

Simien Lodge

Room interior at Simien Lodge
"The highest bar in Africa"
Gelada Baboons in the Simiens

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,394 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Rates based on group of 2 or more.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Simien Mountains National Park Entrance Fee 
  • Photography Fees
  • Gear Rental: Camping Gear; sleeping bags included
  • Hotel accommodation on a double/twin room occupancy on bed and breakfast basis
  • All private airport transfer and ground transportation as per the program
  • Drinking water throughout the trip
  • An English speaking professional escort guide
  • Local guide
  • Porter fee
  • All entrances and 15% tax fee
  • Day use room
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights: Addis Ababa - Gondar - Addis Ababa
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Early check-in

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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