Climbing the Simien Mountains offers some of the most fulfilling trekking at high altitudes in Ethiopia. The treks can be planned from day trips up to ten {10} days
Day 1 – Gondar to Sankaber {Simien Mountains}
The base town for climbing the Simien mountains is Gondar, where we meet our local guide. Drive for about 2½ hours from Gondar to Michibiny, situated near the entrance of the Simien Mountains National Park. Check that we have all the necessary provisions for the adventure. Hike for three hours Sankaber, the first camp. The hike is gentle and allows you to acclimatise as you’re introduced to the sensational views of the Simiens. Dine and stay overnight in Sankaber campsite.
Day 2 – Sankaber to Geech
The relatively moderate hike takes you from Sankaber to Geech. You are likely to see some of Simien’s famed wildlife, including Gelada Baboons, Klipspringers, and Walia Ibex. A highlight of the day’s trek is Genbar Falls, a waterfall over a sobering 500-metre sheer drop, which you’ll see from the opposite side of the ridge. 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. Dine and stay overnight at Geech camp.
Day 3 – Geech to Chennek
After breakfast, we start a 7-8 hour trek to Chennek via the incredible Imet Gogo and Inataye. Imet Gogo, standing at nearly 4,000m, affords unbelievable panoramic views of the entire Simien range. If that isn’t enough, Iantaye stands at a sobering 4,070m. If you can pull yourself away from the views, the remaining trek to Chennek is pleasant. Dine and stay overnight at Chennek camp.
Day 4 – Mount Buahit to Ambiko Camp
After breakfast, we follow 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 viewpoints en route. This is your best chance to see Walia Ibex. Mount Buahit is Ethiopia’s third highest peak, standing at an impressive 4,430 metres.
Once at the summit, you are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the entire Simiens range. Backtrack down the trail from Buahit, which drops down out of the park and into farmland. Pass through the new settlement of Tiru Leba and stop here for a (well deserved) soft drink or beer. The trail continues down to a small stream at the bottom (which can flush flood in the height of the rainy season), before heading up the rail on the eastern side of the village of Ambiko, where a simple campsite awaits. Dine and overnight at the campsite. {You may buy a soft drink or a beer from the locals}
Day 5 – Ras Dashen to Menteber Camp
Today is undoubtedly a highlight of the tour as you summit Ethiopia’s tallest mountain: Ras Dashen. Start early and take it slow (10–11 hours of hiking today), admiring the views along the way. By late morning, you’ll arrive at the moorland top, where the dirt road disappears and gives way to remote villages as your trail turns northeast and snakes up the final peak. In true explorer fashion, reaching the summit requires a couple of handholds and manoeuvres (nothing too challenging) as you scramble to the top. Now relax and enjoy the unbelievable view from 4,533 metres up…
When you can finally tear yourself away from the view, head northeast and make for the village of Menteber, where a camp awaits.
Day 6 – Ambiko to Chennek
Today marks your last day in the Simien Mountains. A 7-8 hour trek takes you from Ambiko to Chennek, where you’ll spend your final night in the Simien Mountains.
Day 7 – Return to Gondar
In the morning, your driver will take you from Chennek to Gondar in 3½ hours for further safari extension.
