Simien Mountains Trekking 7 Days – Hike to Ethiopia’s Roof of Africa
Experience an unforgettable trekking adventure in the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural heritage site, as you journey to Ras Dashen (4,553 m), the highest mountain in Ethiopia. This Simien Mountains trekking tour offers dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and encounters with rare wildlife, including endemic gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and the elusive Ethiopian wolf. Designed for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this Ethiopia trekking itinerary delivers a perfect balance of scenic beauty and high-altitude challenge.
Throughout the journey, you will trek through iconic viewpoints such as Imet Gogo and Innateye, cross remote villages, and camp under the stars surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. With experienced guides and a carefully planned acclimatization program, this Ras Dashen trekking tour ensures both safety and an authentic experience. It is one of the best Ethiopia adventure tours, ideal for travelers seeking a rewarding highland trekking experience.
Day 1: Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park
In the morning, after breakfast, depart from Gondar to the Simien Mountains National Park. On the way, stop in Debark (2,800 m) to arrange trekking permits and meet your guide, cook, and scouts.
Continue into the park and begin a short 2–3 hour acclimatization trek to Sankaber Camp (3,200 m). Enjoy stunning views of the valleys and mountain ranges, and spot endemic gelada baboons along the way.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trekking time: 2–3 hours
Altitude change: ↑400 m, ↓250 m
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Day 2: Trek Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, start trekking through Erica heather, decorated with white lichens and mosses. Walk from Sankaber (3,200 m) to Geech (3,600 m).
After 2–3 hours, reach the impressive Jinbar Waterfall (Nigus Aysmush), plunging nearly 500 meters. Enjoy a picnic near the river, then continue through scenic landscapes to Geech camp.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude change: ↑1,000 m, ↓800 m
Overnight: Geech campsite
Day 3: Trek Geech – Chennek
Begin early and trek to Chennek via one of the park’s most spectacular routes. Visit the famous Imet Gogo Viewpoint (3,926 m), offering breathtaking views of valleys, canyons, and mountain ranges.
Continue to Innateye Viewpoint (4,070 m) before descending to Chennek (3,600 m), a prime location to spot Walia ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude change: ↑900 m, ↓900 m
Distance: ~12 km
Overnight: Chennek campsite
Day 4: Trek Chennek – Ambiko
Start trekking toward Buwahit Pass, with opportunities to see more Walia ibex. Climb to Bwahit Ras (4,430 m), where you’ll enjoy incredible views of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak.
Descend into the Mesheha Valley, cross the river, and continue to Ambiko Camp.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours (22 km)
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Altitude change: ↑945 m, ↓1,400 m
Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Day 5: Trek Ambiko – Ras Dashen – Ambiko
Today is the highlight of your Simien Mountains trekking tour. Start before sunrise and hike to the summit of Ras Dashen (4,553 m), often called the “Roof of Africa.”
The ascent becomes steep and challenging, but reaching the top rewards you with spectacular panoramic views. After celebrating at the summit, return to Ambiko camp.
Trekking time: ~10 hours (22 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Altitude change: ↑1,300 m, ↓1,300 m
Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Day 6: Trek Ambiko – Chennek
Trek back toward Chennek, descending into the Mesheha Valley, crossing the river, and climbing again to Buwahit Pass. Pass through Chiroloba Village before reaching camp.
This marks your final night in the Simien Mountains.
Trekking time: 7–8 hours (22 km)
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Altitude change: ↑1,400 m, ↓945 m
Overnight: Chennek campsite
Day 7: Chennek – Gondar – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive back through the Simien Mountains to Gondar, passing Debark along the way.
Optional: overnight in Gondar or take a domestic flight to Addis Ababa.
Driving time: ~5 hours
End of Tour