Simien Mountain Trekking with Lalibela & Harar – 7 Days
Tour Description
Experience an unforgettable Ethiopia trekking tour combining the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park, the sacred rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Harar. This 7-day adventure offers a perfect blend of mountain trekking, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and authentic local encounters, making it one of the best Ethiopia travel itineraries for nature and culture lovers.
From scenic hikes with breathtaking viewpoints and endemic wildlife to historic churches carved from rock and the unique tradition of feeding wild hyenas in Harar, this journey delivers a rich and diverse Ethiopian adventure experience. Ideal for travelers seeking trekking in Ethiopia, cultural discovery, and iconic destinations.
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 permits after paying the necessary park fees. Here, you will also organize all the necessary equipment for the coming trekking days.
Continue driving into the park. The Simien Mountains lie above 3,000 meters above sea level, and in many cases trekkers need to acclimatize to the high altitude on the first day. You will do a short trek of 2–3 hours to Sankaber Campsite (3,200 m), offering stunning views over the valleys and mountain ranges, with chances to see endemic gelada baboons. Arrive at Sankaber.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trekking time: 2–3 hours
Altitude difference: ↑400 m, ↓250 m
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Day 2: Trek Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, start your trek with a gentle walk through Erica heather, draped with white lichen and moss resembling an old man’s beard. From Sankaber (3,200 m), trek to Geech (3,600 m).
After 2–3 hours, reach the seasonal Jinbar Waterfall or Nigus Aysmush Viewpoint. Although there is little or no water during the dry season, it remains an impressive 500-meter-deep cliff. You may spot the rare and graceful lammergeier soaring overhead.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, then continue along an undulating trail with spectacular views of the Simien mountain range for another 2–3 hours until reaching Geech village, where you will camp overnight.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude difference: ↑1,000 m, ↓800 m
Overnight: Geech campsite
Day 3: Trek Geech – Imet Gogo – Drive to Gondar
Early in the morning after breakfast, leave Geech campsite. Trek along one of the most scenic and spectacular routes in the national park. This trail takes you to the famous Imet Gogo Viewpoint (3,926 m), offering breathtaking 360-degree views over valleys, canyons, and mountain ranges.
From Imet Gogo, continue trekking to Ayna Meda, where your vehicle will be waiting. Drive back to Gondar, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park via Debark.
Difficulty: Medium
Trekking time: 4–5 hours (approx. 12 km)
Altitude difference: ↑900 m, ↓900 m
Overnight: Gondar
Day 5: Fly Gondar to Lalibela
In the morning, fly to Lalibela. Upon arrival, meet your driver or guide. After hotel check-in, begin visiting the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are 11 remarkable churches carved from a single rock. The most iconic is St. George (Bete Giyorgis), shaped like a cross and considered one of the finest examples of Ethiopian rock-cut architecture.
Overnight: Lalibela
Day 6: Fly Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Dire Dawa – Harar
In the morning, fly back to Addis Ababa, then connect to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to Harar. After hotel check-in, meet your guide for a Harar city tour, exploring the old town, local markets, and museums for an authentic cultural experience.
In the evening, visit the famous Hyena Man, where you can feed meat to wild hyenas—one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Ethiopia.
Overnight: Harar
Day 7: Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Departure
After a relaxed morning, drive back to Dire Dawa Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Fly home.
End of Tour