Simien Mountains Trekking with Lalibela, Axum & Gheralta – 8 Days
Experience one of Ethiopia’s most iconic adventure trekking tours, combining the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park, the ancient wonders of Lalibela, the historic legacy of Axum, and the breathtaking rock-hewn churches of Gheralta. This 8-day journey offers a perfect blend of high-altitude trekking, cultural exploration, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Travel through the towering escarpments of the Simien Mountains, home to endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon and the rare Ethiopian highland ecosystems. Continue your adventure across northern Ethiopia’s historic route, discovering ancient civilizations, sacred churches carved into rock, and spectacular mountain scenery. This is a complete Ethiopia trekking and cultural experience designed for nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts.
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 required permits after paying the necessary park fees. Here, you will also collect all essential items for the upcoming trekking days.
Continue driving into the park. The Simien Mountains are located above 3,000 m above sea level, and acclimatization is important on the first day. Enjoy a short 2–3 hour trek to Sankaber Campsite (3,200 m), offering stunning views over valleys, mountain ranges, and endemic Gelada baboon troops. Arrive and overnight at Sankaber campsite.
- Driving time: 2:30 hrs
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trekking time: 2–3 hrs
- Altitude gain/loss: ↑400 m, ↓250 m
- Overnight: Sankaber Campsite
Day 2: Trek Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, start a gentle trek through Erica heathland covered with 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. Although there may be little or no water in the dry season, it is still a spectacular 500-meter-deep drop. You may also spot the rare and elegant lammergeyer soaring overhead.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, then continue trekking through the scenic Simien Mountains landscape for another 2–3 hours until reaching Geech village, where you will camp overnight.
- Trekking time: 5–6 hrs
- Difficulty: Medium
- Altitude gain/loss: ↑1,000 m, ↓800 m
- Overnight: Geech Campsite
Day 3: Trek Geech – Chennek
After an early breakfast, depart Geech camp and trek toward Chennek, one of the most scenic routes in the park. The trek takes approximately 7–8 hours through dramatic landscapes.
Reach Imet Gogo (3,926 m), offering 360-degree panoramic views of valleys, canyons, and mountain ranges. Continue toward Chennek, passing ridges and valleys, and stop at Inatye (4,070 m) viewpoint before descending toward Chennek (3,600 m).
Chennek is one of the best locations to observe endemic wildlife such as the Walia Ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf.
- Trekking time: 7–8 hrs (approx. 12 km)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Altitude gain/loss: ↑900 m, ↓900 m
- Overnight: Chennek Campsite
Day 4: Trek Chennek – Bwahit Ras (4,430 m) – Return to Gondar
Early morning, begin trekking from Chennek toward Awhait Ras / Bwahit Ras, where you may again encounter the endemic Walia Ibex. The ascent is steep, climbing approximately 600 m to reach around 4,200–4,430 m.
From the summit, enjoy spectacular views of Ras Dashen (4,543 m), the highest peak in Ethiopia. After enjoying the scenery, trek back down to Chennek, where your vehicle will be waiting.
Drive back to Gondar through the scenic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park.
- Trekking time: 4–5 hrs (10 km)
- Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
- Altitude gain/loss: ↑945 m, ↓1,400 m
- Overnight: Gondar
Day 5: Fly Gondar/Addis Ababa – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, home to the famous rock-hewn churches, carved directly from solid stone in the 12th century by King Lalibela. Visit the iconic 11 monolithic churches, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ethiopia.
- Overnight: Lalibela
Day 6: Fly Lalibela – Axum
Fly to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia. Visit the royal tombs of the Kings of Axum and the famous standing stelae, symbols of the powerful Axumite civilization.
- Overnight: Axum
Day 7: Drive Axum – Gheralta
Drive from Axum to Gheralta, home to some of Ethiopia’s most dramatic landscapes and rock-hewn churches. Although Lalibela is world-famous, the churches of Tigray are equally stunning.
Visit the famous Abune Yemata Guh Church, accessed by climbing a vertical 8-meter cliff, offering breathtaking views and a spiritual experience.
Day 8: Gheralta – Mekelle – Departure
Enjoy the stunning morning views of the Gheralta Mountains before trekking to St. Maryam Korkor, a 6th-century rock-hewn church. Afterwards, drive to Mekelle Airport.
Fly back to Addis Ababa and connect with your international departure. End of the tour.