Simien Mountains Trekking, Ras Dashen & Danakil Volcano Adventure – 10 Days
Experience an unforgettable Ethiopia trekking adventure combining the dramatic highlands of the Simien Mountains National Park with the extreme landscapes of the Danakil Depression. This 10-day journey takes you through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will hike above 3,000 meters, encounter endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and Walia ibex, and conquer the legendary Ras Dashen—the highest peak in Ethiopia.
The journey continues into one of the world’s most unique geological wonders, the Danakil Depression, featuring the active Erta Ale volcano, colorful sulfur fields of Dallol, and vast salt plains. This is a perfect blend of high-altitude trekking, cultural encounters, volcanic exploration, and off-the-beaten-path travel in Ethiopia.
Day 1: Drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, drive from Gondar to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. En route, stop in Debark (2,800 m) to collect your guide, cook, scouts, and permits after completing park formalities. Here, all necessary trekking equipment and logistics will be arranged.
Continue driving into the park. The Simien Mountains rise above 3,000 m, so acclimatization is important on the first day. Enjoy a short 2–3 hour acclimatization trek to Sankaber Campsite (3,200 m), with stunning views of valleys, mountain ranges, and endemic Gelada baboons.
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trekking time: 2–3 hours
- Elevation change: ↑400 m, ↓250 m
- Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Day 2: Trek Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, begin a gentle trek through Erica heather covered 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 / Nigus Aymush viewpoint. In the dry season it may have little water, but the 500-meter-deep gorge is still impressive. You may spot the majestic lammergeyer (bearded vulture) soaring overhead.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing along scenic trails for 2–3 more hours to Geech village.
- Trekking time: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation change: ↑1,000 m, ↓800 m
- Overnight: Geech campsite
Day 3: Trek Geech – Chennek
Early morning after breakfast, trek from Geech toward one of the most scenic routes in the Simien Mountains. Reach Imet Gogo (3,926 m) for spectacular 360° views of valleys, canyons, and mountain ranges.
Continue via Innateye (4,070 m) before descending toward Chennek (3,600 m). This area is famous for sightings of the endemic Walia ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf.
- Trekking time: 7–8 hours (12 km)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation change: ↑900 m, ↓900 m
- Overnight: Chennek campsite
Day 4: Trek Chennek – Ambiko
Begin early from Chennek toward Bwahit Pass. You may encounter Walia ibex along the way. Climb steeply to Bwahit Ras (4,430 m), offering breathtaking views of Ras Dashen (4,543 m), Ethiopia’s highest peak.
Descend into the Mesheha River valley, then ascend again to Ambiko.
- Trekking time: 7–8 hours (22 km)
- Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
- Elevation change: ↑945 m, ↓1,400 m
- Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Day 5: Trek Ambiko – Ras Dashen – Ambiko
Today is the highlight of the trek: ascent to Ras Dashen (4,543 m), the “Roof of Africa.” Start early before sunrise and trek through valleys and steep rocky sections to reach the summit.
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views before descending back to Ambiko.
- Trekking time: ~10 hours (22 km)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation change: ↑1,300 m, ↓1,300 m
- Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Day 6: Trek Ambiko – Chennek
Final trekking day in the Simien Mountains. Descend into the Mesheha Valley (2,750 m), cross the river, then climb back up to Bwahit Pass (4,430 m). Pass through Chiroloba village before reaching Chennek campsite.
- Trekking time: 7–8 hours (22 km)
- Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
- Elevation change: ↑1,400 m, ↓945 m
- Overnight: Chennek campsite
Day 7: Chennek – Gondar – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive from Chennek to Gondar with scenic views of the Simien Mountains. Continue to Addis Ababa or overnight in Gondar.
- Driving time: ~5 hours
- Overnight: Gondar or flight to Addis Ababa
Day 8: Fly Addis Ababa – Mekele – Danakil Depression
Early morning flight to Mekele. Meet your driver and join the Danakil Depression expedition group.
Drive from Mekele to Dodom Base Camp. At night, hike 30 minutes to Erta Ale Volcano, one of the world’s most active lava lakes. Witness glowing lava and volcanic activity before returning to camp.
- Overnight: Volcano camping
Day 9: Erta Ale – HamadEla
Early morning return to the volcano for sunrise views. Drive to HamadEla (100 km), passing camel caravans and salt mining areas. Enjoy sunset at Lake Assale.
- Overnight: HamadEla campsite
Day 10: HamadEla – Dallol – Mekele – Addis Ababa
Morning drive to Dallol, the lowest point in Africa (-225 m). Explore surreal landscapes of sulfur springs, salt formations, and colorful geothermal fields that resemble Mars.
Return to Mekele and fly back to Addis Ababa. Overnight in Addis Ababa hotel.
End of Tour – Ethiopia trekking & volcano adventure complete