2-days
Simien mountains
LARGEST NATIONAL PARK.GREAT RIFT VALLEY
The classic three days Simien Mountain trek, tracing the dramatic ridge trail and culminating in the ascent of Buahit at 4,430m.
Forget Kilimanjaro, the Simien Mountains have greater claim to be the roof of Africa. Whether trekking with rare Gelada Baboons, Walia Ibex and Ethiopian wolves, or getting your thrills from terrifying vertical views, the Simien Mountains have it all up their sleeves. The Simiens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so. Set amidst a vast mountain range that resembles a landscape you might expect to see in the Grand Canyon, the Simien National Park sits haughtily above at 3,500m+ offering a dramatic ridge with incredible views every step of the way.
You’d be hard pressed to find another trek with more views per km anywhere in the world. The trail follows the course of the ridge offering breathtaking view after breathtaking view. Highlights include the terrifying 700m drop of the Genbar Falls, the raised promontory of Imet Gogo with 360 degree views and summiting Buahit at 4,430m. Its hard to take your eyes off the drop, but the wildlife makes its best effort to divert you. Large troops of colourful gelada baboon roam the park, whilst the rare Wallia Ibex with its incredibly long curved horns .
All treks and tailor-made itineraries are organized on demand for groups of two or more people.
Itinerary
Drive (3 hrs) drive Gondar to Sankaber (3250 m). Hike Sankaber to Gich (3600 m).
Day 1
We drive from Gondar to Sankaber with a brief stop at the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters to arrange the permit. Today’s trek covers a distance of approximately 12 km and takes around 5-6 hours. The hike goes through highland grasslands, heather forests, cultivated fields and follows a spectacular escarpment with dramatic views. We will meet the friendly gelada baboons, foraging in big groups. A stunning viewpoint at the Jinbar Falls is reached after clambering a few rocks. This waterfall plunges several hundred meter down the escarpment in the abyss. At the end of the day we pass through the welcoming village of Gich where the local people are happy to prepare a well-deserved coffee. The coffee ceremony is an important social event in Ethiopian culture. The camp for the night is not far from the village. Overnight camping.
Hike Gich to Ambaras (3620 m). Drive (3.5 hrs) to Gondar.
Day 2
Today is the most spectacular stage of the trekking, offering stunning views all the way. We hike 5-6 hours, including a short detour to Imet Gogo (3925 m). This summit offers the most exciting views. The giant lobelia is abundant on the Gich plateau. The majestically lammergeyer might soar the skies in front of you and the endemic thick billed raven will be present. In the afternoon we drive back to Gondar.
For a detailed tour
View All Destinations
Address
Gondar,Kebele 02
Chewua Sefere, Gondar Town
Ethiopia
Phone
+251 95 346 8979
ethiopianhighlandtours@gmail.com
