7-Day Simien Mountains Trek with Addis Ababa and Gondar

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa sits at 2,438 m, making it the world's third-highest capital. Enjoy its pleasant climate before exploring the National Museum, home to Ethiopia's historic treasures, including the 3.5-million-year-old fossil of 'Lucy.' Visit the Ethnographic Museum and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Overnight at Metas Hotel.

• Early this morning, fly to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. With its walled Royal Enclosure, Gondar has become one of Ethiopia's largest and most impressive cities. Gondar's most famous monuments are its exceptionally well-preserved 17th-century castles. The largest and best is that of King Fasilidas, a stone-built construction with round turrets and wooden balconies.
• The king also built a remarkable bath a mile or so outside town, known as the 'Pavilion of Delight.' The Bathhouse of Fasil is where thousands of Ethiopians celebrate the Timkat festival every January. This whole complex of buildings is unique in Ethiopia and unlike anything found elsewhere in Africa. This afternoon, we'll also visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Light of Trinity), known for its sensational angelic ceiling and mural. Overnight at Ag Palace Hotel.

• This morning, drive from Gondar to Debark to start your trek in the Simien Mountains National Park. En route, stop for a picnic lunch on the escarpment while admiring the wonderful views of the highest chain in Africa - hopefully spotting Lammergeyer vultures, Gelada baboons, and bushbuck. After lunch, take a short introductory trek to Sankaber Campsite through the breathtaking beauty of these mountains via Buyit Ras. Your days in the Simiens will be spent walking between altitudes of 3,500 m and 4,000 m. Overnight in camp at Sankaber.

• At Sankaber, pack your gear and meet your muleteers before commencing the trek to Geech. After about one and a half hours of walking, see and cross the Jinnbar River and Falls, which are particularly impressive after the rainy season.
• After crossing the river, travel along the escarpment before dropping down for views of the spectacular Geech Abyss. The scenery is lovely, and the endemic Gelada baboon can be seen along the way. Overnight camp at Geech Campsite (3,600 m).

• A spectacular day - in the morning, walk to Imetgogo (3,926 m). Situated at the end of a long ridge that disappears on either side into the lowlands below, it offers outstanding views of the gorge and mountain range. It is possible to see a vast expanse of lowlands and gain some perspective of this incredible mountain range. After a short stay here, continue walking to Seha, another terrific viewpoint in the national park. Enjoy your picnic lunch, then continue to the last viewpoint, Quedadit.
• After some time there, walk back to Geech Campsite. The most common animal in this area is the Gelada baboon, unique to Ethiopia. Klipspringers and grey duikers may also be seen here, though usually only in glimpses as they nimbly spring across the rock face. If you are lucky, you might also have the chance to see mammals such as the Simien wolf and Walia ibex - Ethiopia's endemic species. Return to the same camp and enjoy an afternoon at rest. Overnight at Geech.

• After breakfast, drive back to Gondar this morning, and in the late afternoon, check in to your hotel in Gondar.

• Today, fly back to Addis Ababa. This afternoon is free for last-minute shopping and exploring the city. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, with a traditional dinner and live stage dances from different ethnic groups. Then transfer to the airport for your departure home or to your next destination. Tour ends.