Ethiopia · Trekking

8-Day Simien Mountains Trek with Ras Dashen Summit and Wildlife

8 Days Round trip from Sankaber Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park
  • 02 Spot endemic wildlife including Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and the rare Ethiopian wolf
  • 03 Hike to Jinbar Waterfall and enjoy panoramic mountain views
  • 04 Summit Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 4,543 meters
  • 05 Visit a village of the Ethiopian Jewish community for cultural insight

Embark on an 8-day trekking adventure through Ethiopia's majestic Simien Mountains, where deep valleys, towering peaks, and spectacular waterfalls create a dramatic backdrop. Encounter endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and the rare Ethiopian wolf as you hike through Simien Mountains National Park. The journey includes a summit of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak, with scenic camping along the way. Your experience is rounded out with cultural moments in Gondar and Addis Ababa, including visits to local communities and a traditional Ethiopian dinner with folkloric dances.

Embark on an 8-day trekking adventure through Ethiopia's majestic Simien Mountains, where deep valleys, towering peaks, and spectacular waterfalls create a dramatic backdrop.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Addis Ababa, Gondar, Ras Dashen, Simien Mountains National Park, Debarq
Languages English, French, Galician

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Gondar and Trek to Sankaber

  • Have an early breakfast.
  • Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar.
  • Drive to Sankaber (3,200 m), with a stop at Debark town, the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park.
  • Hike through stunning landscapes and enjoy the scenery.
  • Spot endemic Gelada baboons.

Overnight camping at Sankaber.

2
Day 02

Trek from Sankaber to Geech via Jinbar Waterfall

  • Begin trekking from Sankaber to Geech (3,550 m).
  • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours.
  • Stop at Jinbar Waterfall, best visited from August to December.
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the Simien Mountains.

Overnight camping at Geech.

3
Day 03

Scenic Trek from Geech to Chenek

  • Trek from Geech to Chenek (3,986 m).
  • Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours.
  • Pass the Emetgogo viewpoint, one of the most scenic routes in the park.

Overnight camping at Chenek.

4
Day 04

High-Altitude Trek to Ambiqo

  • Trek to Ambiqo (4,500 m).
  • Trek duration: approximately 8 hours.
  • Pass Buwahit Hill, the third-highest peak in Ethiopia.
  • Spot endemic Walia ibex and possibly the rare Ethiopian wolf.

Overnight camping at Ambiqo.

5
Day 05

Summit Ras Dashen and Return to Camp

  • Wake early for the summit attempt.
  • Climb Mount Ras Dashen (4,543 m), Ethiopia's highest peak.
  • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours round trip.
  • Descend and return to Ambiqo camp.

Overnight camping at Ambiqo.

6
Day 06

Trek to Chiroleba or Chenek and Drive to Gondar

  • After breakfast, trek back to Chiroleba village or Chenek campsite (about 3 hours).
  • Meet your vehicle and drive to Gondar (5 to 6 hours).
  • Stop at a village of the Ethiopian Jewish community for cultural insight.

Overnight at a hotel in Gondar.

7
Day 07

Return to Addis Ababa and Farewell Evening

  • After breakfast, transfer to Gondar airport.
  • Fly to Addis Ababa.
  • Enjoy shopping and leisure activities in the capital.
  • Attend a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring local cuisine and folkloric dances.

Overnight at a hotel or prepare for departure.

8
Day 08

Departure from Addis Ababa

  • Transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your flight home.
  • End of services.
Ras Dashen summit, Jinbar Waterfall, Sankaber campsite, Simien Mountains National Park

Where this trip takes you

Ras Dashen summit, Jinbar Waterfall, Sankaber campsite, Simien Mountains National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sankaber 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Meals on a full-board basis, including tea and coffee
  • Accommodation in tents and 3-star to 4-star hotels
  • Minivan or bus transportation
  • Fuel expenses
  • Driver allowance
  • English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Local guide services at every destination
  • Scout payment in the Simien Mountains
  • Entrance fees for the park
  • 2 liters of water per day per person
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Scout allowance
  • Mule or horse rentals
  • All camping gear provided
  • Government tax and related fees

What's Not Included

  • Local and international air tickets
  • Personal expenses such as shopping, photography, and video charges
  • Health-related expenses
  • Visa and insurance fees
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Alcoholic drinks and other personal items

What to bring

  • Trekking shoes
  • Walking stick
  • Binoculars
  • Thick clothes
  • Sleeping bag (if you prefer not to use ours)

Know before you go

  • Individuals who are elderly or have altitude-related health issues are advised not to join this tour.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hotel or Airport
Tour start
Sankaber, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Sankaber.

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