Trek Ethiopia: The Simien Mountains

10 days
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Small Group Tour
Experience the geological beauty of Ethiopia on a trekking adventure through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa. Observe the remnants of a once prosperous civilisation on a visit to Gondar before tackling the challenging terrain of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park. As you traverse the rugged peaks and valleys of this ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Trek the majestic series of undulating amethyst peaks that make up the Simien Mountains on this hiking adventure through some of the world’s most unique and remote landscapes.
    • Explore the medieval architecture of Gondar, including the elaborate Royal Enclosure – a World Heritage site home to dramatic Emperor-built castles unlike any other in Africa.
    • Camp within the escarpment of the Simien Mountains and experience true African wilderness as you begin and end your trekking days with incredible sunrises and sunsets.
    • Keep your eyes peeled for troops of red-hearted gelada playing along the slopes as you traverse through the mountains – a distinctive breed of baboon, endemic to Ethiopia.
    • Tackle the challenging ascent to the summit of Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia, and be rewarded with breathtaking views that span over 10,000 square kilometres.

What's this trip about?

    Experience the geological beauty of Ethiopia on a trekking adventure through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa. Observe the remnants of a once prosperous civilisation on a visit to Gondar before tackling the challenging terrain of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park. As you traverse the rugged peaks and valleys of this ever-changing trail, witness how millions of years of erosion has created an elaborate network of gorges, canyons and escarpments, flourishing with endemic wildlife and traditional civilisations. Keep an eye out for the endangered walia ibex jousting along the rocky ledges, learn about village life and agricultural rituals in Geech camp and sit among groups of gelada monkeys while you watch the sun set in Chenek. Stop by key lookouts en route to soak up scenery that will leave you speechless and have your breath (literally) taken away by unbeatable views at the summit of Ras Dashen – Ethiopia’s highest peak.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Ethiopia

Attractions

  • Gondar

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! A beautiful country blessed with boundless landscapes of lush highlands, dramatic canyons, sweeping deserts and the spectacular Simien Mountains. On arrival in Addis Ababa, meet your Intrepid representative and transfer to your starting hotel. You...

Day 2 Gondar

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, a city famed for its medieval castles and churches. Often referred to as Ethiopia’s Camelot, Gondar has always been of major importance to Ethiopia’s historical trading routes, and in 1632, Emperor Fasil...

Day 3 Sankaber (3250m / 10660 ft)

Leaving Gondar, take a 2-hour drive north to Debark, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park – an exotic place with unique wildlife, breathtaking views and a captivating combination of endemic wildlife species, superb scenery and...

Day 4 Geech (3600 m / 11810 ft)

Fuel up on breakfast then begin the hike to your second camp. The initial stages of this path lead through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests and along the way you can enjoy impressive views of the escarpment, including the stunning Jinbar Wenz...

Day 5 Chenek (3650 m / 11975 ft)

Prepare for a spectacular day of hiking as you begin your trek by walking to Imetgogo, an incredible viewpoint situated at the end of a long ridge, 3926 metres above sea level, and offering outstanding views over the gorge and surrounding mountain ranges. After soakin...

Day 6 Ambiko (3200 m / 10500 ft)

Today is the longest trekking day so far (approximately 10 hours) as you make your way to Ambiko. Leave Chenek (3650 metres) this morning and begin a 2-hour ascent to the top of Bwahit Pass (4200 metres), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over Mesheha V...

Day 7 Abiko (Ras Dashen summit 4543 m / 14904 ft )

Today is a summit day involving a 16-kilometre trek (10-11 hours) as you ascend 1400 to Ras Dashen. Begin by climbing the steep trail through barley fields and fallow land before reaching the mountain steppe (3700 metres). From here, the terrain flattens as it traver...

Day 8 Chenek (3650 m / 11975 ft)

You have another challenging day ahead, although not as difficult as the previous one! Leave behind your campsite at Ambiko and trek back to Chenek, the superbly positioned camp site, then descend a further 350 metres to Meshah River. From here, you’ll tackle the challenging climb to Buwuhit pass (4200 metres) before descending back to Chenek camp site.

Day 9 Gondar

This morning, drive along the dirt road that runs from Chenek to Sankaber, leaving behind Simien Mountains National Park, then continue to Debark (approximately 2-3 hours). Stop at Debark to finalize all trekking formalities before taking the 105-kilometre journey back to Gondar, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a welcome shower.

Day 10 Gondar

This trip comes to an end today after breakfast. There are no activities planned and you are free to leave at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,600
Price per day$260
Last Updated: 12/2/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Camping with no facilities (6 nights),Hotel (3 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Plane,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Plane
Guides
This trip is led by an experienced guide with the support of trekking scouts. Sufficient mules and porters are employed to carry the group’s equipment.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. ETHIOPIA: All nationalities require a visa for entry to Ethiopia. If you are flying into Addis Ababa you can obtain a 90-day visa can be purchased on arrival. You will need two passport photos and approximately USD50 in cash. You may be asked for proof of a return ticket - please carry your Essential Trip Information if you are leaving overland. If you are entering at any border other than Addis Ababa airport you MUST obtain your visa in advance. For more information, please contact your closest Ethiopian embassy or consulate as this information may change. Alternatively refer to https://www.evisa.gov.et/client/visadescription/TouristVisaOnline
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. CLIMBING SIMIEN MOUNTAINS WITH INTREPID Hiking in altitude can also be a dangerous environment if the right precautions aren’t taken – and that’s why our number one priority is your safety. While trekking we provide one trekking guide plus 2 to 3 scouts, depending on group size, to ensure that you are looked after, encouraged and informed about the trek and life of the local communities. Our trekking guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid kits on the treks.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Haile Resort
  • Arbegnoch Adebabaye Gondar Amhara, 1000
  • Gondar
  • Gondar
  • ETHIOPIA
  • Phone: 251 90 701 0101
Trip ID
intrepid-YOSM

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