Ethiopia · Trekking

10-Day Simien Mountains Trekking Adventure with Ras Dashen Summit

10 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Encounter Gelada Baboons and spot Walia Ibex in Simien Mountains National Park
02 Trek to Ras Dashen, Africa's fourth-highest peak at 4,543 meters
03 Marvel at the spectacular Jinbar waterfall and the Enatye escarpment
04 Camp amid the dramatic landscapes of Sankaber, Geech, Chenek, and Ambiquo
05 Explore Addis Ababa's landmarks, including Mount Entoto and the National Museum
06 Browse Merkato, the biggest market in East Africa
07 Enjoy Ethiopian dishes, traditional dances, and a coffee ceremony in Gondar

Visit the Simien Mountain range, one of Africa's most significant highland landscapes, and trek among many of its peaks. Marvel at Mount Ras Dashen, the fourth-highest peak on the continent, and admire the extraordinary scenery of Simien Mountains National Park. Along the way, discover Addis Ababa's cultural landmarks, including the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Ethnographic Museum, while learning about the fossils and bones of early hominids discovered in Ethiopia. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the serene beauty of the mountains, this journey immerses you in Ethiopia's rich history, unique wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Depart early in the morning for the summit of Ras Dashen, at 4,543 meters, Africa's fourth-highest peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Addis Ababa, Gondar, Ras Dashen, Simien Mountains National Park, Mount Entoto

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Addis Ababa Sightseeing

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Refresh and begin your sightseeing of Addis with a drive up to Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa.
Descend and drive to the National Museum, where you will have a chance to see the oldest hominid fossil, 'Lucy'. Visit and proceed to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built during WWII.
Then continue to the Ethnographic Museum, which used to be the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. To wrap up, drive to Merkato, the biggest market in East Africa. Overnight in Addis.

Day 02

Fly to Gondar and Transfer to Sankaber

Fly to Gondar on Ethiopian Airlines.
Meet your vehicle and drive to Sankaber, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your guides and prepare for the trek.
Overnight camping.

Day 03

Trek from Sankaber to Geech

Trek from Sankaber to Geech (3,600 m elevation), which will take between 5 and 7 hours.
After one and a half hours, see the Jinnbar River and falls, which you will cross later in the day.
After crossing the river, ascend for about 2 hours to Geech. The scenery is wonderful, and a herd of Gelada Baboons can be seen on the journey.
Overnight camping.

Day 04

Trek along the Enatye Escarpment to Chenek

Trek from Geech to Chenek (3,620 m elevation). Trek along the breathtaking 4,000-meter Enatye escarpment before descending to Chenek.
Walia Ibex and Gelada Baboons are routinely spotted.
Overnight camping.

Day 05

Day Trekking from Chenek

Day trekking from Chenek (3,200 m).
Overnight camping.

Day 06

Morning Sightseeing in Simien and Drive to Gondar

Continue with morning sightseeing in the Simien Mountains.
After lunch, depart for Gondar in time for a late afternoon arrival.
Overnight at a hotel.

Day 07

Trek to Ambiquo via Mt. Buhit

Trek to Ambiquo campsite (3,200 m), approximately 9 hours via Mt. Buhit (4,430 m). Cross the Mesheha River before reaching Ambiquo.
Overnight camping.

Day 08

Summit Ras Dashen from Ambiquo

Trek from Ambiquo to Ras Dashen and back to Ambiquo. Depart early in the morning for the summit of Ras Dashen, at 4,543 meters, Africa's fourth-highest peak.
Trek up the valley from your campsite to the small village of Mizma.
From here, a steep climb brings you to an impressive amphitheater made up of three major buttresses of exposed rock. It is then an easy scramble to the summit. Reaching the summit can take up to 6 hours.
Return to Ambiquo.
Overnight camping.

Day 09

Return Trek from Ambiquo to Chenek

Trek from Ambiquo to Chenek, bypassing Mt. Buhit on the return.

Overnight camping.

Day 10

Drive to Gondar, Fly to Addis, and Departure

After breakfast, drive to Gondar.
In the evening, attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances from the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia.
A traditional coffee ceremony will also be served.
Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.