10 Breathtaking Days
in Simien Mountains

Day 1: Drive Gondar to Sankaber (3250m)

After breakfast, drive to Sankaber (about 3 hours), which will be your base for the first night. It offers excellent views of the surrounding valleys and cliffs. Before the campsite, you can take a short acclimatization walk around Sankaber, where you might spot Gelada baboons and enjoy the view of the gorge below. Overnight: Camp at Sankaber.

Day 2: Trek Sankaber to Geech Camp (3600m)

After breakfast, embark on the trek to Geech Camp (approximately 5-6 hours). This is a moderate trek with stunning views of the Simien Mountains and its cliffs. The trail passes through lush vegetation and bamboo forests, offering beautiful views of deep valleys and ridgelines. You can enjoy a relaxing evening with amazing views of Kedadit and valleys. You will have great opportunity to spot Ethiopian wolf. Overnight: Camp at Geech Camp.

Day 3:  Trek Geech Camp to Chenek (3620m)

After breakfast, set out for Chenek via Imetgogo (3926m) approximately 6-7hours. It is a beautiful and scenic route. From Geech Camp, you’ll trek through high-altitude meadows and rocky ridges. On this day you may encounter Walia ibex grazing along the way and the Ethiopian wolf as well. Overnight: Camp at Chenek.

Day 4: Chenek to Ambiko (3200m)

After breakfast, begin the trek to Ambiko (approximately 7-8 hours). Ambiko is a small settlement and serves as the base camp for those aiming to summit Ras Dejen. The trek is moderately challenging as ascends to 4200m and descends to 2800m, but the spectacular landscapes make the journey worthwhile. It’s a good spot to rest and prepare for the ascent to Ras Dejen the following day. Overnight: Camp at Ambiko.

Day 5: Trek Ambiko to Ras Dejen(4543m) – Return to Ambiko

After breakfast, as you’ll trek from Ambiko to the summit of Ras Dejen, Ethiopia’s highest peak. The trek involves a steep ascent, gaining altitude quickly. It will take approximately 9-10 hours round-trip. Overnight: Camp at Ambiko

Day 6: Trek Ambiko to Sona (3400m)

After a restful night, start your journey towards Sona (approximately 6-7hours). The route from Ambiko to Sona involves descending through a beautiful valley, and the landscape gradually becomes more open and rolling. You’ll pass through villages and the terrain becomes more varied. As you near Sona, you’ll see impressive cliffs and ridgelines to your right. Overnight: Camp at Sona.

Day 7: Trek Sona to Mekarebia Camp (1800m)

After breakfast, continue your trek to Mekarebia Camp (approximately 3-4 hours). You will encounter big descends to the river and enjoy swimming at natural pool. This camp offers great views and is a peaceful spot to enjoy the wilderness. Overnight: Camp at Mekarebia.

Day 8: Trek Mekarebia to Mulit (2100m)

After breakfast, you will have 3-4 hour trek to Mulit Camp, a popular campsite in the Simien Mountains that offers scenic views of the highlands. The trek involves a mix of forest paths and open highland meadows, and you will pass through local villages along the way. Here, you will have a farewell dinner and you will say goodbye the crews.  

Day 9: Trek Mulit to Adiarkay

After breakfast, descend to Adiarkay village (about 2 hours) and prepare for your departure either to Gondar or Axum.

Travel Tips of the Simien Mountains

Clothing: Pack layers, as the weather can vary greatly. Mornings and evenings are cold, while midday can be warm. A lightweight waterproof jacket is also essential in case of rain.

Footwear: Wear comfortable trekking boots with good ankle support. The trails can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy shoes are crucial.

Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your head from the strong sun at higher elevations.

Camera and Binoculars: The views and wildlife are extraordinary, so don’t forget to bring a good camera and binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting.