Simien Mountains Trekking & Bale Mountain Wildlife – 10 Days
Experience an unforgettable Simien Mountains trekking tour through one of Africa’s most dramatic highland landscapes. This Ethiopia adventure itinerary focuses on the breathtaking beauty of Simien Mountains National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), combining high-altitude trekking, scenic drives, and encounters with endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolf. Ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers, this journey offers a rewarding mountain trekking experience in the heart of Ethiopia.
Travel from historic Gondar into the stunning Simien highlands, trekking across deep valleys, rugged escarpments, and spectacular viewpoints, including a summit attempt of Ras Dashen (4,543 m)—the highest peak in Ethiopia. This guided trekking tour blends challenging hikes, cultural encounters, and panoramic mountain scenery, making it one of the most rewarding and authentic Ethiopia trekking packages.
Day 1: Drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park
In the morning after breakfast, drive from Gondar to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. On the way, stop at Debark (2,800 m) to collect the guide, cook, scouts, and permits after paying the necessary park fees. Here, you will also prepare all necessary equipment for the upcoming trekking days.
Continue driving into the park. The Simien Mountains are located above 3,000 m above sea level, so proper acclimatization is important. Upon arrival, enjoy a short 2–3 hour trek to Sankaber Campsite (3,200 m), offering stunning views over valleys and mountain ranges, with chances to see endemic Gelada baboon troops.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Trekking time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude gain/loss: ↑400 m, ↓250 m
Overnight: Sankaber Campsite
Day 2: Trek Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, start trekking through Erica heather forests covered with white lichen, resembling an old man’s beard. Trek from Sankaber (3,200 m) to Geech (3,600 m).
After 2–3 hours, reach the seasonal Jinbar Waterfall or Nigus Aysmush Viewpoint, an impressive 500 m drop (with less water during the dry season). You may also spot the rare Lammergeier (bearded vulture) soaring above. After a picnic lunch by the river, continue through the scenic Simien landscape on an undulating trail to Geech village.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude gain/loss: ↑1,000 m, ↓800 m
Overnight: Geech Campsite
Day 3: Trek Geech – Chennek
Early in the morning after breakfast, trek from Geech to Chennek. This is one of the most scenic trails in the park. Visit Imet Gogo Viewpoint (3,926 m) for spectacular 360° views of valleys, canyons, and mountain ranges.
Continue to Innateye Viewpoint (4,070 m) before reaching Chennek (3,600 m). This area is the best place to spot the endemic Walia ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours, ~12 km
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude gain/loss: ↑900 m, ↓900 m
Overnight: Chennek Campsite
Day 4: Trek Chennek – Ambiko
Start trekking from Chennek toward Buwahit Pass, with chances to see Walia ibex again. The trek includes a climb of about 600 m and a steep hike to Bwahit Ras (4,430 m), offering views of Ras Dashen (4,543 m).
Descend into the Meseha River Valley and climb again to Ambiko.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours, 22 km
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Altitude gain/loss: ↑945 m, ↓1,400 m
Overnight: Ambiko Campsite
Day 5: Trek Ambiko – Ras Dashen – Ambiko
Today is the highlight: summit Ras Dashen (4,543 m), the highest peak in Ethiopia, often called the “Roof of Africa.” Start before sunrise and trek through the valley before ascending steep terrain toward the summit.
The climb is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the entire Simien range. After reaching the summit, return to Ambiko Campsite.
Trekking time: ~10 hours, 22 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Altitude gain/loss: ↑1,300 m, ↓1,300 m
Overnight: Ambiko Campsite
Day 6: Trek Ambiko – Chennek
Trek back from Ambiko (3,200 m) to Chennek (3,600 m). Descend into the Meseha Valley, cross the river (2,750 m), and climb again to Buwahit Pass (4,430 m). Pass through Chiroloba Village before reaching camp.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours, 22 km
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Altitude gain/loss: ↑1,400 m, ↓945 m
Overnight: Chennek Campsite
Day 7: Chennek – Gondar – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive from Chennek to Gondar via Debark, enjoying scenic views of the Simien Mountains.
Driving time: ~5 hours
Overnight: Gondar or flight to Addis Ababa
Day 8: Addis Ababa – Hawassa
In the morning, drive to Hawassa, a popular lakeside resort city known for its beautiful lake and relaxing atmosphere. Visit the fish market, where pelicans, marabou storks, and other birds gather.
Optional boat trip on Lake Hawassa to spot hippos and enjoy scenic views.
Overnight: Hawassa Hotel
Day 9: Hawassa – Bale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, drive to Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most important highland ecosystems, with peaks reaching up to 4,377 m above sea level.
Explore the Sanetti Plateau, where you may encounter the rare Ethiopian wolf, as well as giant mole rats and other endemic wildlife species.
Overnight: Bale – Wabi Shebele Hotel
Day 10: Dinsho – Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, visit Dinsho Forest, known for its rich biodiversity and native vegetation such as Juniper and Hagenia abyssinica.
Spot wildlife including Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, antelopes, warthogs, and monkeys. After the visit, drive back to Addis Ababa. End of the tour or transfer to the airport for departure.
Overnight: Addis Ababa Hotel or departure