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 metres 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 metres. 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.
