Tour Highlights
- Experience an authentic coffee ceremony in the traditional village of Gich.
- Search for Walia Ibex and Gelada baboons at the Chenek campsite.
- Explore the “Imet Gogo” promontory, often called the most spectacular view in the park.
- Scramble over boulders to reach the 4,543m summit of Ras Dashen.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Gondar – Debark – Sankaber
Meet in Gondar and drive to Sankaber via the small town of Debark. Along the way, you’ll see impressive views of the northern lowlands and likely encounter Gelada baboons, known as “lion monkeys” for their shaggy coats. You will have a 2-hour walk before arriving at Sankaber camp (3,250m).
Day 2: Sankaber to Geech Village
A 10km trek (5-6 hours) through highland grasslands and heather forests. You’ll see the Jinbar Wenz waterfall plummeting into the Geech Abyss. In Geech village, you are invited into a local house for a traditional coffee ceremony. The campsite is located just above the village, surrounded by giant Lobelia plants.
Day 3: Imet Gogo, Saha, and Kedadit
A 5-6 hour circuit from Geech camp to the three most spectacular viewpoints in the Simien Mountains. These spots offer 360-degree views of the canyon and rocky spires before returning to Geech for the night.
Day 4: Geech to Chenek
Trek 12km (6-7 hours) along the escarpment edge. Pass the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4,070m, which offers a vertical look at the lowlands and the village of Dihwara. Chenek camp is beautifully situated at the foot of Bwahit Peak, where Walia Ibex and Geladas are frequently seen.
Day 5: Chenek to Ambiko via Bwahit Pass
A 10-hour day starting with a 2-hour ascent to Bwahit Pass (4,200m). View the Dashen range to the east before descending steeply into the Mesheha Valley. The temperature rises as you drop to the Mesheha River (2,800m) before a final climb to Ambiko camp (3,100m).
Day 6: Summit Day: Ras Dashen (4,543m)
A 16km trek (10-11 hours) involving a 1,400m ascent. Climb through barley fields into the mountain steppe. Pass an ancient glacial moraine from the last ice age before the final scramble over large boulders to the summit. Enjoy views spanning 10,000 square km before returning to Ambiko.
Day 7: Ambiko to Chenek
Return from Ambiko to Chenek following the same trail through the Mesheha Valley and over the Bwahit Pass. This 7-8 hour walk brings you back to the Chenek campsite for your final night in the mountains.
Day 8: Chenek – Debark – Gondar
After breakfast, join the vehicle for a 5-hour drive back to Gondar via Debark, marking the end of your mountain expedition.
