Day 01: Drive to Simien Mountains – Gondar to Sankaber

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel or Gondar Airport and drive approximately 100 km north through the Ethiopian highlands to Debark, a town of about 35,000 inhabitants and the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. After completing park formalities at the headquarters and collecting the mandatory scout and cook, continue on a rough road to Sankaber Camp at around 3,100 meters above sea level. From here, enjoy a short 2–3 hour acclimatization walk.

Along the way, take in your first breathtaking views of the dramatic mountain landscape and observe characteristic highland vegetation such as giant heather trees (Erica arborea), St. John’s wort (Hypericum revolutum), and the Abyssinian wild rose (Rosa abyssinica). This area is also home to the largest populations of Gelada baboons. Overnight: Sankaber Camp (3,250 m)

Day 02: Trek Sankaber to Geech

At Sankaber, arrangements are made for mule handlers and mules to carry heavy camping and cooking equipment. Hikers only need to carry a light daypack with water, a camera, a light jacket, and personal items.

After breakfast, depart around 08:30 AM, trekking along the northern escarpment with impressive views, including the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall. The deep gorge is home to numerous birds of prey such as Griffon vultures, Lappet-faced (Nubian) vultures, and Lammergeiers (Bearded vultures), as well as buzzards and ibises. With some luck, you may also spot the endemic Abyssinian catbird.

Mammals commonly seen along this route include Klipspringers and Menelik’s bushbucks. After a short 20-minute section on a rough road and crossing the Jinbar River, enjoy a lunch break before ascending through terraced farmland to Geech Camp at 3,600 meters. In the evening, there is an optional 30-minute walk to Mount Kedadit (3,760 m) for an unforgettable sunset view. Overnight: Camping at Geech

Day 03: Trek Geech to Chennek

After breakfast, trek for about 2 hours to the summit of Imet Gogo (3,926 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Simien Mountains, offering 360-degree panoramas and views of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak. Continue trekking along the escarpment, crossing a small valley and ascending Mount Inatye (4,070 m), where lunch is taken. From here, enjoy dramatic views dropping more than 1,000 meters down to the green fields of mountain villages such as Dihwara, Tiya, Amiwalka and Truwata.

The trail passes through extensive fields of giant lobelia (Lobelia rhynchopetalum), interspersed with heather trees and red hot poker plants (Kniphofia foliosa). In the afternoon, descend to Chennek Camp (3,620 m), often referred to as a wildlife corridor. This is the best area to observe Gelada baboons, the rare Walia ibex, and the endangered Ethiopian wolf. At the campsite, there is an opportunity to wash at the nearby river or pipe water. Overnight: Chennek Campsite

Day 04: Chennek – Return to Gondar

Early in the morning, depart from Chennek Camp, where sightings of Walia ibex are common. Begin a 600-meter ascent to Bwahit Pass (approx. 4,200 m) the main route used by trekkers climbing Ras Dashen, a journey that normally requires at least two additional days.

If physical conditions allow, continue climbing to the summit of Ras Bwahit (4,430 m), one of the highest peaks in the region. Afterward, descend back to Chennek. From Chennek, drive 58 km on a rough road back to Debark, then continue on the newly paved road to Gondar, arriving in the afternoon at around 5:00 PM. From Gondar, you may fly back to Addis Ababa or stay overnight in the city.

Included

• All ground transportation from and to Gondar (hotel or airport pickup and drop-off)
• Park entrance fees for Simien Mountains National Park
• Mandatory armed scout and park fees
• Licensed local trekking guide
• Cook and cooking staff
• Mules and mule handlers for carrying camping and cooking equipment
• All camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking utensils)
• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Bottled or treated drinking water during the trek
• Camping fees at Sankaber, Geech, and Chennek campsites
• Government taxes and service charges

Excluded

• International flights
• Domestic flights (Addis Ababa – Gondar and return)
• Accommodation in Gondar before or after the trek
• Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, etc.)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, drinks and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks, mule handlers and drivers
• Travel insurance
• Any optional activities or extensions not mentioned in the itinerary
• Any services not clearly listed under Services Included