Simien Mountain Trekking 7 Days
Experience an unforgettable Simien Mountains trekking adventure through one of Africa’s most dramatic highland landscapes to the lowlands. This 7-day trekking tour in Simien Mountains National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—combines scenic drives, high-altitude hiking, and encounters with endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolf. Starting from Gondar, the journey gradually ascends into breathtaking escarpments, deep valleys, and panoramic viewpoints, offering excellent opportunities for photography, trekking, and nature exploration.
This well-paced Ethiopia trekking itinerary is designed for proper altitude acclimatization, blending moderate to challenging hikes with rewarding views of peaks like Ras Dashen. Trek through Afro-alpine landscapes, traditional villages, and remote campsites while enjoying authentic outdoor experiences. Ideal for adventure travelers, this guided trekking tour includes camping, professional support crew, and immersive cultural encounters along the way.
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-listed natural heritage site. On the way, stop at Debark (2,800 m) to collect the guide, cook, scouts, and permits after completing the necessary park formalities. Here, we will also organize all the required trekking equipment for the coming days.
Continue driving into the park. The Simien Mountains are located above 3,000 m above sea level, and trekkers often need to acclimatize to the high altitude on the first day. Enjoy a short trekking hike (2–3 hours) to Sankaber Campsite (3,200 m), offering stunning views of the valley, mountain ranges, and endemic Gelada baboon troops.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trekking time: 2–3 hours
Altitude gain/loss: ↑400 m, ↓250 m
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Day 2: Trek Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, start trekking with a gentle walk through Erica heather forests draped in white lichen and moss, 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. Even in the dry season, the 500-meter drop is impressive. Spot the graceful Lammergeier (bearded vulture) soaring above. After a picnic lunch by the river, continue along an undulating trail with spectacular mountain scenery 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 to Chennek
Early in the morning, after breakfast, depart Geech campsite and begin one of the most scenic trekking routes in the park (7–8 hours). Hike to Imet Gogo Viewpoint (3,926 m), offering breathtaking 360° views of valleys, canyons, and mountain ranges.
Continue trekking toward Chennek (3,600 m) via Innateye Viewpoint (4,070 m). This area is one of the best places to spot the endemic Walia ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours (approx. 12 km main stretch)
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude gain/loss: ↑900 m, ↓900 m
Overnight: Chennek campsite
Day 4: Trek Chennek – Sona
Start early and trek from Chennek toward Bwahit Ras (4,200 m) via Awhait Ras, where you may again encounter Walia ibex. The trek includes a steep ascent of about 600 m. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Ras Dashen (4,543 m), Ethiopia’s highest peak.
Descend to Sona village (3,500 m). As you descend, notice the temperature shift from the cold highlands to warmer lowlands. Enjoy scenic views of the Simien mountain range you have been trekking through.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours (approx. 17 km)
Difficulty: Medium to difficult
Altitude gain/loss: ↑700 m, ↓1,300 m
Overnight: Sona campsite
Day 5: Trek Sona to Mekarebya
Today’s trek descends more than 1,000 m into the Ansiya River valley. Continue hiking to Mekarebya (1,900 m), located below the dramatic cliffs of Imet Gogo.
Trekking time: 4 hours (9 km)
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude gain/loss: ↑250 m, ↓1,400 m
Overnight: Mekarebya campsite
Day 6: Trek Mekarebya to Mulit
Enjoy a relatively easier trekking day toward Mulit. Along the way, pass a small lake where you may take a swim. Ascend about 400 m through scenic farmland before reaching Mulit village. Interact with local farmers and experience traditional Ethiopian rural life, including a chance to enjoy a local coffee ceremony.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours (12 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude gain/loss: ↑800 m, ↓700 m
Overnight: Mulit campsite
Day 7: Mulit – Adi Arkay – Drive to Gondar
Today, trek for about 2 hours to reach Adi Arkay village, where your vehicle will be waiting. Drive back to Gondar via the scenic Lima Limo road, marking the end of your Simien Mountains trekking tour.
Trekking time: 2 hours (6 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude gain/loss: ↑200 m, ↓550 m
Overnight: Gondar
End of Tour