Overview
The Simien Mountains are one of Africa’s most dramatic trekking regions, with sheer cliffs dropping more than a kilometre and panoramic views over pinnacles and gorges. This trek follows the escarpment from Sankaber to Geech and Chenek, with mules carrying your gear and an armed scout accompanying the group.
You will spend time among the extraordinary gelada, look for the endemic walia ibex and watch lammergeiers soaring on the thermals. The trek begins and ends in Gondar, where you can visit the royal castles.
Route
Highlights
- Four days trekking in the Simien Mountains
- Sitting among gelada troops
- Walia ibex at Chenek
- Imet Gogo viewpoint
- Castles of Gondar
Activities
- Guided historical tour
- Church visits
- Timkat festival
- Trekking
- Wildlife viewing
- Village visits
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Castles of Gondar
GondarYour journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Addis Ababa (or from your arriving international flight) and a transfer for your flight to Gondar. Explore the Fasil Ghebbi royal enclosure with its castles and palaces, then visit Debre Berhan Selassie church to see its famous ceiling of painted angels.
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Day 2:
Into the Simien Mountains
Simien MountainsAfter breakfast, continue by road from Gondar to Simien Mountains (about 2.5 hours). Take your first walk along the escarpment edge near Sankaber, where the land drops away for hundreds of metres and gelada troops graze on the grassy slopes.
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Day 3:
Trek to Geech
Simien MountainsTrek from Sankaber past the Jinbar waterfall, which plunges into a vast gorge, and climb to the village of Geech, where you can visit a local family. Spend the afternoon among giant lobelias and grazing geladas.
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Day 4:
Imet Gogo Viewpoint
Simien MountainsHike to Imet Gogo (3,926 m), one of the finest viewpoints in the Simiens, with spectacular views over pinnacles and gorges. Continue along the escarpment towards Chenek, looking for lammergeier soaring on the thermals.
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Day 5:
Chenek & Walia Ibex
Simien MountainsExplore around Chenek, the best place to see the endemic walia ibex on the cliffs, and optionally climb Bwahit peak (4,430 m). Return to camp for a final evening under the stars.
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Day 6:
Simien Mountains to Gondar Airport
Simien MountainsAfter an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, travel back to Gondar Airport, with a lunch stop on the way. On arrival you will be transferred to Gondar Airport or your hotel.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- GondarHotel near the royal enclosure1 night
- Simien MountainsMountain lodge near Sankaber and supported camping4 nights
Meals: Full board on tour days; breakfast and dinner in cities
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver and an expert English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Entrance fees to churches, monasteries, museums and parks
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Domestic and light-aircraft flights as described in the itinerary
- Park scouts, local guide and mule support in the Simien Mountains
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Camera and photography fees at some churches and villages
Travel information
Best time to travel
October to March for clear views and dry trails; September for wildflowers after the rains.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- Soft-sided duffel bag — light aircraft allow around 15 kg per person
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and a scarf for women
- Socks for church visits (shoes are removed)
- A small torch for dark church interiors
- Warm layers, hat and gloves for nights at altitude
- Broken-in hiking boots and walking poles
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 1,450 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Is there a luggage limit on the flights?
Yes. Light aircraft and some domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, packed in soft-sided bags. We can store extra luggage for you.
Do I need to be very fit to trek in the Simiens?
Day walks are suitable for most people. Multi-day treks involve 5–7 hours of walking at altitude, so good fitness helps. We can adapt routes to your level.
Gallery
Enquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
