Ethiopia · Trekking

4-Day Simien Mountains Trek with Jinba Falls and Mount Bwahit

4 Days Round trip from North Gondar Debark Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness towering peaks, deep valleys, and stunning vistas that change with every step in the Simien Mountains
02 Spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolves, and Walia ibex in their natural habitat
03 Interact with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life
04 Experience the warm hospitality of the Ethiopian people as you immerse yourself in their culture

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic landscapes, breathtaking escarpments, and diverse wildlife. Trek through one of Africa's most stunning mountain ranges as you take in deep valleys, towering peaks, and panoramic viewpoints, while encountering endemic species such as Gelada baboons and Walia ibex. Along the way, you'll also connect with local communities and experience the warm hospitality and culture of the Ethiopian people.

The highlight of your trek will be a visit to Jinba Waterfalls, Ethiopia's longest waterfall at 500 m.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Gondar, Simien Mountains National Park, Debarq

Languages Amharic, English, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer from Gondar to Sankaber Camp

You'll meet in the morning at Gondar Airport or your hotel. Then, you'll drive to Debark, the national park headquarters, to obtain entry permits and meet your scout. You'll enjoy a coffee break and visit the local market if time permits.
From Debark, you'll continue 16 km to the park gate, where your trek will begin. The starting point will be flexible based on your interests.
As you trek to Sankaber Camp for your first night at 3,250 masl, you'll experience stunning escarpment views and diverse plant species.

Day 02

Trek to Gich Camp via Jinba Waterfalls

After breakfast, you'll trek 15 km to Gich Camp, a journey of approximately 7 hours.
You'll walk along the escarpment with breathtaking views 800 m above the foothills. Along the way, you'll encounter Giant Heather, Abyssinian Rose, and possibly Gelada baboons, klipspringers, and even leopards.
The highlight of your trek will be a visit to Jinba Waterfalls, Ethiopia's longest waterfall at 500 m. From the viewpoint, you'll spot various vultures before enjoying a picnic by the Jinba River near a serene waterfall.
Before reaching Gich Camp, you can visit a traditional village house for coffee and a glimpse of local culture. After settling in, you can take an optional sunset trek to Kedadit (3,786 m) for panoramic views before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Gich Camp, 3,600 masl.

Day 03

Trek to Chenek via Imet Gogo and Mount Enatye

You'll trek for 7-8 hours along one of the best routes in the Simien Mountains.
En route, you'll visit Imet Gogo (3,926 m), renowned for its breathtaking 360-degree views of canyons and cliffs.
After Imet Gogo, you'll descend to the valley of Meflekiaw, then climb 500 meters to Enatye (4,070 m), the highest point of the day.
From there, you'll descend to Chenek Camp (3,600 m), where you'll encounter Gelada baboons and possibly Walia ibex relaxing nearby. Your overnight stay will be at Chenek Camp, 3,620 masl.

Day 04

Morning Trek to Mount Bwahit and Return to Gondar

You'll depart from Chenek Camp (3,620 m) early in the morning. You will hike 12 km over 5-6 hours, including breaks, and ascend approximately 600 m to Bwahit Pass (4,200 m), a key point for those aiming for Ras Dashen.
If conditions permit, you'll continue to the summit of Ras Bwahit (4,430 m), one of the region's highest peaks. After enjoying the views, you'll descend back to Chenek.
Your vehicle will then take you along a rough 58 km road to Debark, followed by a smooth drive back to Gondar.