Quick Summary
8-Day Simien Mountains National Park Trekking is a 8 Days tour in Ethiopia via the Simien Mountains route, starting from USD 1760. Below you'll find the latest itinerary, inclusions & exclusions, and how to book.
8 Days
Simien Mountains
USD 1760
Kitano Tours & Safaris
ABOUT 8-Day Simien Mountains National Park Trekking
Simien Mountains National Park is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Ethiopia and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the northern part of the country, the park is known for its dramatic scenery, including jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sheer cliffs that drop as much as 1,500 meters. The park is home to several endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, and the Gelada baboon.
- Duration: 8 Days
- Route: Simien Mountains
- Starts at: USD 1760
Highlights for 8-Day Simien Mountains National Park Trekking
Day 1:Arrival in Gondar and Transfer to Debark
Day 2:Drive from Debark to Sankaber
Day 3:Trek from Sankaber to Geech Camp
Day 4:Ascend to Imet Gogo
Day 5:Trek to Chenek
Day 6:Descend from Chenek to Ambiko
Day 7:Ascend from Ambiko to Ras Dashen
Day 8:Trek back from Ambiko to Chenek and drive to Gondar for departure
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Gondar and Transfer to Debark |
| Day 02 | Drive from Debark to Sankaber |
| Day 03 | Trek from Sankaber to Geech Camp |
| Day 04 | Ascend to Imet Gogo |
| Day 05 | Trek to Chenek |
| Day 06 | Descend from Chenek to Ambiko |
| Day 07 | Ascend from Ambiko to Ras Dashen |
| Day 08 | Trek back from Ambiko to Chenek and drive to Gondar for departure |
Day 01: Arrival in Gondar and Transfer to Debark
>> Day 1: Arrival in Gondar & Transfer to Debark
- Morning: Arrive in Gondar. Explore the historical town, including the castles and churches. This an opportunity for visitors to visit this ancient town on their way to Simien National Park
- Afternoon: Transfer to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 02: Drive from Debark to Sankaber
>> Sankaber is one of the main campsites located in the Simien Mountains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Ethiopia. It is renowned for its dramatic highland landscapes, deep valleys, and jagged peaks. Sankaber is typically the starting point for trekking tours in the Simien Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding escarpments and wildlife sightings. Trekkers in Sankaber often encounter gelada baboons, a species unique to the Ethiopian highlands, as well as various bird species like the lammergeyer, a large bearded vulture. Other wildlife includes the rare Ethiopian wolf and walia ibex. Sankaber serves as a major trailhead for multi-day trekking routes in the Simien Mountains. Popular treks typically start from Debark and head to Sankaber before continuing toward Geech, Imet Gogo, and Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Sankaber is ideal for nature lovers and trekkers seeking to explore Ethiopia's remarkable highland ecosystem.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping Outside Simien Mountains NP
Day 03: Trek from Sankaber to Geech Camp
>> Morning: Trek along the escarpment with panoramic views of the mountains.
- Afternoon: Pass through waterfalls and spot wildlife like the Walia ibex. Geech is another key campsite in the Simien Mountains National Park, located further along the trekking route from Sankaber. It is known for its incredible views and proximity to some of the most iconic landmarks in the Simien Mountains. Geech is often the second campsite for trekkers on multi-day hikes through the park and offers a more remote and scenic environment. The landscape around Geech is open and grassy, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is dotted with giant lobelia plants, which are characteristic of Ethiopia's highland ecosystem. The plateau offers panoramic views, especially during sunset, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the park.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP
Day 04: Ascend to Imet Gogo
>> Morning: Ascend to Imet Gogo (3,926m) for breathtaking views of the mountain ridges and valleys.
- Afternoon: Return to Geech camp for relaxation.
One of the highlights near Geech is Imet Gogo, a stunning viewpoint located about 2-3 hours of hiking from the campsite. From Imet Gogo, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the sheer cliffs, deep valleys, and vast plains stretching out below. It’s one of the most famous viewpoints in the entire Simien Mountains.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
- Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP
Day 05: Trek to Chenek
>> Morning: Trek to Chenek, passing through rugged terrain with chances of spotting the Ethiopian wolf.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the dramatic scenery and camp near the Walia ibex habitats.
Chenek is another key campsite and trekking destination in the Simien Mountains National Park in northern Ethiopia. It is often considered one of the most beautiful and exciting stops along the trekking route, offering spectacular views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The landscapes around Chenek are stunning, with steep cliffs, deep valleys, and towering mountain peaks. The views from Chenek are considered some of the most breathtaking in the entire Simien Mountains. The escarpments and rugged terrain make it a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the dramatic natural beauty.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP
Day 06: Descend from Chenek to Ambiko
>> - Morning: Begin the descent towards the Ambiko campsite, located near the base of Ras Dashen.
- Afternoon: Prepare for the climb to Ras Dashen.
Ambiko is a notable campsite in the Simien Mountains National Park, primarily serving as the base camp for trekkers attempting to summit Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Ambiko is located further along the trekking route after Chenek and offers a more remote and rugged experience for adventurers seeking to explore the highest parts of the Simien Mountains.
Ambiko is situated at around 3,200 meters (10,498 feet) above sea level. It sits lower than some of the earlier campsites like Geech and Chenek, as it lies in a valley between towering peaks, including Ras Dashen. Ambiko’s main significance is its proximity to Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,550 meters (14,928 feet). Trekkers often stay at Ambiko overnight before making the final push to the summit early the next morning.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP
Day 07: Ascend from Ambiko to Ras Dashen
>> - Morning: Ascend to Ras Dashen, the highest peak in the Simien Mountains and the fourth highest in Africa.
- Afternoon: Descend back to Ambiko camp.
Ras Dashen (also spelled Ras Dejen) is the highest mountain in Ethiopia and the tenth-highest in Africa, standing at an impressive 4,550 meters above sea level. It is located in the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in northern Ethiopia. Ras Dashen is a prime destination for trekkers and adventurers, offering a challenging climb with breathtaking landscapes and sweeping views. Most trekkers approach Ras Dashen from the Ambiko campsite, located at around 3,200 meters. The ascent typically starts early in the morning and takes about 4-6 hours to reach the summit, depending on the pace.
The trek to Ras Dashen is considered challenging due to its high altitude, steep climbs, and long distances. Hikers should be well-acclimatized before attempting the summit.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP
Day 08: Trek back from Ambiko to Chenek and drive to Gondar for departure
>> - Morning: Trek back to Chenek, then drive back to Gondar for departure or further exploration. - Accommodation is not included in the itinerary (optional stay Gondar hotels).
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Inclusions
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation
- (Unless labeled as optional)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Sleeping bag
Exclusions
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Bath towels
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)