8 Days Trek To The Summit Of Ethiopia's Highest Pick, Ras Dashen

Itinerary

Day 1: Day1: Gondar- Sankaber

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via Debark (the small town); you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low land areas to the north and west; you will very likely encounter troops of the endemic Gelada baboons. Before you arrive at the camp you have about 2hrs walk.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 2: Day2: Sankaber - Geech

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5-6hrs). The initial stages of this path leads through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. One of the best views is of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 3: Day3: Gech - Imet Gogo

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Walk from Geech to Imet Gogo, Saha and Kedatit.These three places are perhaps the most spectacular places in the simien mountains. The time taken to complete this hike is about 5-6hrs and then back to Geech Camp and overnight here.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 4: Day4: Imet Gogo - Cheneck

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
The trek from Imet Gogo to Chenek covers approximately 12 km (6 to 7hrs), following a path along the escarpment edge. Just before arriving into Chenek you will encounter the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4070 metres. A large troop of gelada baboons are common here and Walia Ibex are also often seen on the rocky escarpment edges here.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 5: Day5: Cheneck - Ambiquo

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Today is the longest trekking day so far, consisting of a total of about ten hours. From Chenek camp, 3650 metres, the path to Ambiquo campsite crosses through B wahit Pass. Leaving Chenek you will be faced with a two-hour ascent to the top of B wahit Pass at 4200 metres. Here you will notice an increase in temperature as you descend down to the Mesheha River at 2800 metres before climbing slightly to reach Ambiquo campsite at an altitude of 3100 metres.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 6: Day6: Ambiquo - Ras Dashen

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Today is summit day involving a trek of 16 km (10 to 11hrs)! The path will wind its way over eight kilometres and ascending over 1400 metres to Ras Dashen. From atop the summit of Ras Dashen, 4543 meters, you will be mesmerized by the far-ranging view which spans more than ten thousand square kilometres. From the summit you will need to return along the same path to return to your camp at Ambiko. This campsite, situated along the banks of a stream and amidst a small village, is a project of the local church and a donation for the facilities is gratefully accepted.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 7: Day7: Ras Dashen - Chenek

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Walk from Ambiko to Chenek via the same way. It takes about seven to eight hours walking; stay the night in Chenek camp site.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 8: Day8: Chenek - Gondar

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Drive from Chenek to Gonder via Debark, about five hours driving.
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.