Tour Highlights
- Summit Ras Dejen (4,553m), the highest mountain in Ethiopia.
- Traverse the dramatic escarpments of Imet Gogo and Inateye.
- Spot the rare Ethiopian Wolf and the cliff-dwelling Walia Ibex.
- Descend 2,000 meters into the scenic lowlands to experience traditional village life.
Travel Itinerary
Day 01: Trek from Sankaber to Gich (3,600m)
The trek starts with a gentle stroll through the Erica heather draped in white lichen, resembling an “old man’s beard.” Keep an eye out for the elusive klipspringer. After 2-3 hours, you reach the viewpoint for the impressive Jinbar Waterfall. From there, climb for an hour to the Jinbar valley and descend to the river at 3,190m for a picnic lunch. Watch for the rare lammergeyer soaring above. After a rest, ascend gradually for 2-3 hours to Gich village, home to a Muslim community living in traditional thatched huts, before arriving at the moorland Gich camp filled with giant lobelias.
Day 02: Imet Gogo and the Two Peaks Circuit
This scenic route showcases geological formations from 60–70 million years ago. A 2-hour uphill walk leads to Imet Gogo (3,926m), where you may spot the Ethiopian wolf and see Ras Dejen in the distance. An hour through Afro-alpine meadows leads to the Lobelia Valley and the Saha viewpoint (3,785m), overlooking a dramatic gorge. After lunch, trek another hour to the Kedadit viewpoint (3,760m) before a 45-minute downhill stroll back to Gich camp.
Day 03: Trek from Gich to Chennek (3,600m)
Ascend through Afro-alpine meadows for 2 hours before descending toward the gorge below Imet Gogo. The trail then climbs steeply to Inateye (“Beloved Mother”) at 4,070m. This is an outstanding spot for viewing raptors like the tawny eagle and augur buzzard. After lunch, enjoy a 2-3 hour descent to Chennek. Stop at Kurbetemetaya for final views and a chance to see the Walia Ibex and Geladas.
Day 04: Trek from Chennek to Ambiko (3,600m)
Begin at sunrise to search the cliffs for Walia Ibex. Start a tough 3-hour ascent to Bwhait Pass (4,200m) for views of the Lori village and surrounding peaks. Descend for 3 hours to Chiro Leba village to meet the local people. After another hour descending through slopes of endemic aloe to the Mesha River, take a final 1.5-hour ascent to reach Ambiko camp.
Day 05: Summit Ras Dejen (4,553m) to Mentaber
Summit Ethiopia’s highest peak. This 10-12 hour challenge involves a 1,300m ascent and descent. Starting before sunrise, follow a rocky trail for 3 hours, then climb steeply through Afro-alpine moorland dominated by everlasting flowers. The final scramble leads to the “Roof of Africa.” After enjoying the summit, descend for 4-5 hours to the Mentaber campsite.
Day 06: Trek from Mentaber to Arekwazeye (3,600m)
This trail passes famous peaks like Kidus Yared and Silki. Walk across the hillside for 3-4 hours to a pass at 3,580m. The path then descends for about 2 hours into the village of Arekwazeye, with the campsite situated pleasantly at the foot of Mt. Berochwuha.
Day 07: Trek from Arekwazeye to Sona (3,020m)
Walk uphill for one hour to the peak of Mt. Berochwuha (4,272m) for views of Imet Gogo’s rocky spires. Leave the summit for a flat and downhill stroll through small villages and the local primary school until reaching Sona campsite located by the river.
Day 08: Trek from Sona to Mekarebya (1,900m)
Begin a 1,000m descent (3-4 hours) to the Ansiya River, surrounded by giant fig trees. Continue on flat ground through riverine forests and lowland flora like the Cordia africana tree. This area is rich in birdlife, including the African paradise flycatcher and hornbills. Arrive at the village of Mekarebya for the night.
Day 09: Trek from Mekarebya to Mulit (2,050m)
Descend for an hour to the riverbed and walk the undulating trail for 2 hours. From the low point (1,620m), start a steep 2-hour rocky ascent to Hawaza (“Table Mountain”), passing impressive rock towers. Continue on a flat path for 1-2 hours to reach the vibrant village of Mulit.
Day 10: Trek from Mulit to Adi Arkay (1,665m)
The final, shortest trek is a 2-hour gentle downhill stroll to Adi Arkay. Enjoy the scenery of the lowland villages before concluding the trek and arranging transportation back to Gondar or onward.
