A Week Trek In The Simien Mountains National Parks

Upon arrival in Addis, you will be directly connected to your domestic flight to Gondar. Depart Gondar, and drive to Sankaber via Debark where the park’s entrance fee is paid, and obligatory staff is met.  You will be dropped off at Buyit Ras for a 3-4 hours hike to Sankaber by which you will pass close to the escarpment edge.  Nearing Sankaber, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. Here, the driver will back to Gondar until the last day you finish the hiking.    Overnight Camping in Sankaber.

The trek starts with a gentle stroll through the Erica heather that hangs on white lichen and mosses, resembling an old man’s white beard. Along the route keep an eye open to spot the elusive and elegant klipspringer. After 2-3 hours, you will reach the viewpoint where you encounter the seasonal and impressive Jinibar waterfall. From there, you climb fairly steeply for an hour to reach the Jinbar valley and head down to the Jinbar River at 3,190m. Have a picnic lunch in these majestic surroundings. On the way, keep an eye open for the rare and graceful lammergeyer, soaring in search of food. After a brief rest at the river ascend gradually on an undulating trail for 2-3 hours to the village of Gich - dotted by the traditional round thatched huts and home to the Muslim community. After the village, the trail then winds its way into the moorland where visitors will experience the highland flora of giant lobelia as you arrive at Gich camp.    Overnight camping in Geech.

One of the most scenic and spectacular trails in the park, this route takes you to a viewpoint that rewards you with views of the remarkable shape of the landscape and canyon which are the result of geological upheaval between 60 - 70 million years ago. The first part of the hike is a gentle uphill walk of around 2 hours from Gich to the imetgogo viewpoint (3,926m). With some good luck, you may spot the iconic Ethiopian wolf. While sitting amongst the rocks at Imeg Gogo, you can see Ras Dejen in the distance.  Another hour’s walk through the Afroalpine meadow takes you to the Lobelia Valley, which is home to thousands of these giant plants. The trail then brings you to the second viewpoint: Saha (3,785m) with stunning views of the dramatic gorge and rock towers. This is ideal spot for lunch. After lunch and before the final ascent towards the camp, another 1 hour trek brings you to the final viewpoint of the day called kedadit(3,760m). After that, a 45-minute downhill stroll brings to the Gich campsite.   Overnight camping in Geech.