Simien Mountains

Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober, stopping in Debark to handle National Park fees, etc.  You will start your trek around Buyit Ras for a 3-4 hour hike to Sankober, which passes close to the escarpment edge.  Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons.  In Sankober, you will be met with your supplies.  Overnight camping in Sankober.

From Sankober, depart into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) River runs.  (This river is often dry).  Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss.  Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech.  Total trekking time: 4-5 hours

After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m.  Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip.  As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metia, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment.  This is also a good place for spotting lammergeiers.  Overnight camping in Chenek.  Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours

From Chenek, continue east up a valley to Mt. Bwahit, overlooking the camp from where you just came.  After crossing the Bwahit Pass, you come to a viewpoint offering wonderful views of the Mesheha River Valley as well your first glimpse of Ras Dashen.  From here, the path descends, passes through the village of Chiro Leba, and finally leads to the Mesheha River.  Across the river, you climb back up the valley to the village of Ambikwa.  Overnight camping in Ambikwa.  Total trekking time: 6-8 hours

Starting early, you will continue up the valley to the village of Mizma, after which you will have a steep ascent to a ridge crest overlooking a large valley.  The path then follows along the side of the valley, straight at Ras Dashen.  You will eventually reach a point where you will see three distinct buttresses.  The buttress on the left is the summit of Ras Dashen.  A pile of rocks at the top of the buttress marks the summit.  After your successful arrival at the highest point in Ethiopia, you return to Ambikwa for overnight.  Total trekking time: 8-10 hours

Today you return back to Chenek for overnight camping.  Total trekking time: 6-8 hours

Today you will be transported out of the park, returning to Gondar.