The Roof of Africa: Trekking Through Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains
Code / 1694
Few places on Earth feel as wild, ancient, and breathtaking as the Simien Mountains. This five-day trekking adventure takes you along dramatic escarpments, through cloud-kissed alpine meadows, and into the heart of one of Africa’s most spectacular national parks — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where wildlife, landscapes, and highland culture converge.
Our promise
What you'll experience
Why This Trek Is Unforgettable
At over 4,000 meters above sea level, the Simien Mountains offer more than a challenge to trekkers: they offer stillness, wonder, and a rare encounter with untouched nature. Whether you’re walking alongside Gelada baboons on the ridge, spotting the rare Walia ibex, or gazing across vast gorges with no end in sight, every moment here humbles and inspires.
Raw, Remote Beauty
Jagged peaks, sunlit plateaus, and misty valleys — the Simien landscape is one of Earth’s most dramatic.
Rare & Endemic Wildlife
Home to the Ethiopian wolf, Walia ibex, and the famous Gelada baboons.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological value since 1978.
Cultural Encounters
Visit highland villages, meet local shepherds, and see how life unfolds in one of Africa’s highest regions.
Pure Trekking Joy
Varied routes, rich ecosystems, and manageable daily distances — all in crisp, cool mountain air.
Program
Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar, where your journey begins. After a short drive to Debark (the park entrance), you'll be welcomed by your trekking team and continue on to Buyit Ras. From there, enjoy a gentle 3–4 hour hike to Sankaber Camp along the dramatic escarpment ridge — with your first chance to see Gelada baboons in the wild.
Trek from Sankaber to Gich on a 5–6 hour route filled with visual and cultural riches. Pass through fields of Erica heather and descend to the Jinbar River, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch near the majestic Jinbar waterfall. Reach Gich village, where traditional thatched huts dot the landscape, before heading through a moorland of giant lobelia to your next camp.
Today’s 4–5 hour loop is all about views. Hike up to Imet Gogo viewpoint (3,926m) for jaw-dropping vistas over the highlands, with distant views of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s tallest mountain. Continue through Lobelia Valley to Saha and Kedadit viewpoints, stopping for lunch amid rock towers and endless gorges before returning to Gich camp.
A longer 7–8 hour trek takes you higher — to Inatye Peak (4,070m) — with spectacular birdwatching along the way (look for lammergeyers and tawny eagles). Descend to Chennek Camp, where you may spot the elusive Walia ibex, a species found only here, and more Gelada troops grazing near the cliffs.
After breakfast, say goodbye to the highlands and drive back to Gondar. Enjoy a relaxed lunch or last-minute shopping before your return flight to Addis Ababa, carrying with you the silence of the mountains and memories that will stay for a lifetime.
Euro 680
Prices are per person and include VAT.
Note: Due to local currency and economic fluctuations in Ethiopia, listed prices may vary. However, as part of Ayzoh! Ethiopia’s transparency policy, once your contract is signed, the agreed price is guaranteed and will not change under any circumstances.
What's included
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- All ground transportation in a recent-model, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Ethiopian driver
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Three meals per day
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- All tips and gratuities, except for your tour driver (tipping is at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to all historical sites, museums, and national parks
- Fees for licensed local guides and required national park scouts
What's not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa prior to the night before Day 1 (we’re happy to arrange extra nights for you if needed)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses – Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend bringing some cash in US Dollars or Euros
- Ethiopian tourist visa (approximately US$52, available online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
How to Book Your Tour
FAQ / Suggestions
Absolutely! All our tours are flexible — we can adjust the itinerary, dates, and experiences to match your needs and interests.
Just fill out the contact form or message us directly. Once we agree on the plan, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary, contract, and payment instructions.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. You may also choose to pay the final balance upon arrival in Ethiopia — no hidden fees.
Yes, fully refundable if you cancel at least 15 days before Day 1. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Yes! You can cancel or reschedule up to 14 days before departure with no penalty. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes.
Yes, a 1-month tourist visa (around US$52) is required. You can get it online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure! We'll send you a full packing list before departure.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Let’s Design Your Journey
Interested in this itinerary as it is? Or would you like to personalize it? Just fill out the form with your details — our travel designers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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