4-Day Simien Mountains Trek with Flights
ID: GYG1089542-1695703
Category:
Country: Ethiopia
Duration:
4 days
Description
Embark on a 4-day trekking adventure in the Simien Mountains. Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar, hike through stunning landscapes, and camp under the stars.
Day 1: Gondar – Sankaber (Simien Mountains National Park)
Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar. Be picked up from Gondar Airport or your hotel and driven along a well-paved road to Debark, the park headquarters, approximately 100 km away (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, arrange the necessary permits and meet your scout. Then, continue driving for about an hour to the starting point of your introductory hike. This first trek is easy, following the northern edge of the escarpment, offering stunning viewpoints over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. Along the way, you may encounter Gelada baboons.
Accommodation: Overnight at Sankaber camp
Day 2: Sankaber – Gich (3,600 m) (Simien Mountains National Park)
Follow the northern escarpment eastward, descending slightly into the Kaba Valley before ascending to the Gich Abyss. Here, cross a narrow ridge leading to a cliff with spectacular views of the abyss and the Simien foothills. Nearby, the Jinbar River plunges 500 meters into a large waterfall. After about two hours, stop for lunch by the Jinbar River. Post-lunch, hike through barley fields to the charming village of Gich, where you can experience a traditional coffee ceremony and learn about local farming life. A short walk from the village brings you to Gich camp, a great spot for observing Lammergeyer vultures and thick-billed ravens. Later, take a short hike to Kedadit to enjoy the sunset and the breathtaking shaded landscapes to the east before returning to camp for dinner.
Accommodation: Camping overnight
Day 3: Gich – Chennek (3,600 m)
From Gich camp, stroll through fields of giant Lobelia plants until you reach the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3,926 m). Here, take time to enjoy panoramic views of the mountain valleys and unusual domes visible in the distance, which you will explore later. Then, descend into the Jinbahir River Valley, offering a different perspective of Imet-Gogo and the volcanic landscape, with sheer cliffs dropping hundreds of meters. Climb to a summit at 4,070 m for lunch before descending along a steep trail for about two hours to Chennek camp. The campsite offers spectacular views in all directions. Keep an eye out for the endemic Walia Ibex, which sometimes grazes near the camp edges in the early morning or late afternoon.
Accommodation: Camping overnight
Day 4: Chennek – Buwahit – Gondar
Climb Buwahit (4,430 m), the second highest peak in the Simien Mountains. This trek offers chances to see the endemic Walia Ibex, as well as spectacular views including Ethiopia’s highest peak, Ras Dashen (4,543 m). After summiting, descend back to Chennek camp where your vehicle awaits. From here, drive approximately four hours back to Gondar. Later afternoon, take your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Highlights
- Feel the thrill of trekking through the stunning Simien Mountains
- Spot Gelada baboons, Lammergeyer vultures, and Walia Ibex in the wild
- Enjoy panoramic views from Imet-Gogo and the summit of Buwahit
- Experience a traditional coffee ceremony in the village of Gich
- Camp under the stars in the heart of the Simien Mountains National Park
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The trek involves high altitudes.
Participants should be in good physical condition.
INCLUDED
- Round trip flights
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- All meals during camping
- All transfers and transportation by 4WD vehicle
- Professional guide and local scouts as needed
- All park entrance fees
NOT INCLUDED
- Alcoholic drinks
- Videography or camera (if required)
- Personal expenses such as internet, telephone, fax
- Laundry services
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.