Simien Mountains Ras Dashen Trekking 9 Days via Adi Arkay – Ethiopia High-Altitude Adventure
Experience an unforgettable Simien Mountains trekking tour in Ethiopia, combining dramatic highlands, deep valleys, and cultural encounters along one of the most spectacular trekking routes in Africa. This 9-day Ras Dashen trekking itinerary takes you through the heart of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in northern Ethiopia. The journey includes remote mountain villages, breathtaking viewpoints, and the ultimate challenge—summiting Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia.
This Ethiopia high-altitude trekking adventure is designed for experienced hikers seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion. You will traverse iconic trails such as Sankaber, Geech, Chennek, Ambiko, and remote lowland valleys via Adi Arkay. Along the way, you will encounter endemic wildlife such as gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and the rare Ethiopian wolf, while experiencing authentic local life in mountain communities. This is one of the most complete trekking tours in Ethiopia, combining high peaks, deep valleys, and cultural discovery.
Day 1: Drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park
In the morning after breakfast, drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. On the way, stop in Debark (2,800 m) to collect your guide, cook, scouts, and permits after paying the required park fees.
Continue into the park, located above 3,000 m sea level. Due to the altitude, today is important for acclimatization. You will enjoy a short 2–3 hour trek to Sankaber Campsite (3,200 m), offering stunning views of valleys, mountain ranges, and sightings of endemic gelada baboons.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trekking time: 2–3 hours
Elevation gain/loss: ↑400 m / ↓250 m
Overnight: Sankaber Campsite
Day 2: Trek Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, begin a gentle trek through Erica heathlands covered with lichens and moss, resembling an old man’s white beard. From Sankaber (3,200 m), trek to Geech (3,600 m).
After 2–3 hours, reach the seasonal Jinbar Waterfall (Nigus Aysmush viewpoint). Even in the dry season, it forms a dramatic 500-meter-deep canyon. The rare and graceful lammergeier (bearded vulture) is often seen soaring overhead.
Stop for a picnic lunch by the river, then continue through spectacular views of the Simien mountain range, ascending gradually along an undulating trail to Geech village for overnight camping.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain/loss: ↑1,000 m / ↓800 m
Overnight: Geech Campsite
Day 3: Trek Geech – Chennek
Early morning departure from Geech camp toward Chennek via one of the most scenic routes in the national park. The trek takes 7–8 hours and leads to Imet Gogo Viewpoint (3,926 m), offering a 360-degree panoramic view of lowlands, valleys, canyons, and mountain ranges.
Continue toward Chennek via ridges and valleys, stopping at Innateye (4,070 m) before reaching Chennek (3,600 m). Chennek is one of the best locations to see endemic Walia ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf.
Difficulty: Medium
Trekking time: 7–8 hours
Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain/loss: ↑900 m / ↓900 m
Overnight: Chennek Campsite
Day 4: Trek Chennek – Ambiko
Early in the morning, start trekking from Chennek toward Buahit Pass, where you may again encounter endemic Walia ibex. The trail involves a steep climb of about 600 m to reach Bwahit Ras (approx. 4,430 m). From here, enjoy spectacular views of Ras Dashen (4,543 m), the highest peak in Ethiopia.
Descend into the Mesheha River valley, then climb again toward Ambiko. This challenging route includes a total ascent of 945 m and descent of 1,400 m.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours (22 km)
Difficulty: Medium / Difficult
Elevation gain/loss: ↑945 m / ↓1,400 m
Overnight: Ambiko Campsite
Day 5: Trek Ambiko – Ras Dashen – Ambiko
Today is the highlight of the journey: summit day to Ras Dashen (4,543 m), the highest peak in Ethiopia, often called the “Roof of Africa.”
Start before sunrise after breakfast and trek through the valley. The ascent becomes increasingly steep and challenging toward the summit. Once at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the Simien Mountains.
Return back to Ambiko Campsite after the descent.
Trekking time: 10 hours (22 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation gain/loss: ↑1,300 m / ↓1,300 m
Overnight: Ambiko Campsite
Day 6: Trek Ambiko – Sona
Trek from Ambiko to Sona, crossing river valleys and farmland belonging to local communities. Stop in the village of Arkwasiye for a cultural visit to a local farmer’s home and learn about traditional life.
As you descend, you will notice a clear change in temperature from highlands to warmer lowlands, while still enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours (20 km)
Difficulty: Medium / Difficult
Elevation gain/loss: ↑700 m / ↓1,300 m
Overnight: Sona Campsite
Day 7: Trek Sona – Mekarebya
Today’s trek descends over 1,000 meters into the Ansiya River valley and continues to Mekarebya (1,900 m), located below the Imet Gogo plateau.
The campsite is set in a peaceful natural environment surrounded by dramatic landscapes.
Trekking time: 4 hours (9 km)
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain/loss: ↑250 m / ↓1,400 m
Overnight: Mekarebya Campsite
Day 8: Trek Mekarebya – Mulit
An easier trekking day through farmland and gentle landscapes. En route, you may find a small lake where you can take a refreshing swim.
Continue uphill about 400 m before reaching the village of Mulit. Enjoy a cultural coffee experience and interact with local farmers.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours (12 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain/loss: ↑800 m / ↓700 m
Overnight: Mulit Campsite
Day 9: Mulit – Adi Arkay – Gondar
Short final trek of about 2 hours to Adi Arkay, where your vehicle will be waiting.
Drive back to Gondar via the scenic Lima Limo road.
Trekking time: 2 hours (6 km)
Difficulty: Moderate / Medium
Elevation gain/loss: ↑200 m / ↓550 m
Overnight: Gondar
End of Tour