Simien Mountains

Simien Mountains – 8 Days Trek

The Simien Mountains in Northern Ethiopia offer some of the finest highland trekking in the world with rare wildlife, vast views and fascinating traditional villages all on view. The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and treks follow a common trail from park campsites along a dramatic ridge that overlooks mile upon mile of hill country.

This extended 8 day trek includes many of the highlights of the classic 5 day trek, including the 700m drop at Genbar Falls, the 360 degree views at Imiet Gogo and of course plenty of opportunity to catch a glimpse of the native Gelada Baboons and majestic Whallia Ibex. What marks this trek out are the last 3 days heading down into the lowlands away from the crowds. Expect refreshing swims in rivers, rich bird-life and buzzing villages.

Itinerary

Gondar to Sankaber

You will depart early morning from Gondar to Debark. In debark you will arrange your visit with the park office and receive a scout and guide then drive into the park to arrive at Sankaber. You can either drive all the way in to Sankaber or have the car drop you off near Buyit Ras for a short hike. If you choose to hike in you will take in beautiful views of the landscape and the endless mountain ridges, and you likely see some gelada baboons. When you arrive in Sankaber you will be met with your supplies. Sankaber will be the first campsite on your trip.

Sankaber to Geech Camp

From Sankaber you will begin hiking following the ridge and look out over the foothills 800m down. From the ridge you will descend down into the valley and be able to view the Jinbar River plunging into the Geech Abyss. After some time at the waterfall you will continue on to Geech village where you will find your second campsite.

Geech to Chennek

After breakfast you will start off on a 7-8 hour hike of the best views you will see in the Simien Mountains. In route you will pass through Imet Gogo. Here you will have reached an altitude of 3,926m and be able to look out at the amazing landscape from 360 degrees. At this height and view point you can see the canyon below, distant ridges, and view the seemingly never ending valleys. After Imet Gogo you will hike to the view point at Innateye valley at an altitude of 4,070m. Lunch will be here and then you will descend to Chennek (3,600m) for your third campsite.

Chennek to Sona

After breakfast you will hike for 2 hours and summit the Buwahit pass (4,200m). From here you can look out towards your hike for tomorrow, Ras Dashen. You will follow the path down towards Arkuziye And after Lunch walk to Sona for overnight.

Sona to Mekareba

From Sona you will reach a valley called Incya Vally and descend into the lowlands. After lunch at the Incya River you will have time for a swim before heading out for another hike along the banks of the river to Mekarbe campsite where you will stay for the night.

Mekareba to Mulet

The walk from Markerba to Mulet brings you along the riverbed of the Incya River and provides amazing opportunities to see numerous birds. Pin-tailed waders, village indigo paradise monarchs and tropical bobu can all be spotted here. Lunch break will be at Derkwenth pool where you can have another chance to take a swim before climbing to the Awazza village. Here you can find the spectacular Awazza Table Mountain and then hike to the last campsite at Mulet.