3 Days Simien Mountain Trekking Tour

Gallery

Moments on this route

Overview

About this tour

Explore the dramatic beauty of Simien Mountains National Park on this 3-day trekking adventure starting and ending in Gondar. Travel through Debark, enter one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, and trek through escarpments, valleys, mountain viewpoints, and highland camps. This short trekking tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience the Simien Mountains in a compact itinerary. Along the way, you may encounter gelada baboons, scenic valleys, Jinibar Waterfall, Imet Gogo viewpoint, and the graceful lammergeyer soaring above the cliffs. Start and end the journey in Gondar Visit Debark and enter Simien Mountains National Park Trek to Sankaber and Gich campsites Walk along dramatic escarpments and scenic valleys Visit Jinibar Waterfall or Nigus Aysmush viewpoint Trek to Imet Gogo, one of the best viewpoints in the Simien Mountains Spot gelada baboons and lammergeyer vultures Enjoy a short but rewarding trekking experience in northern Ethiopia

Highlights

What makes it special

• Start and end the journey in Gondar
• Visit Debark and enter Simien Mountains National Park
• Trek to Sankaber and Gich campsites
• Walk along dramatic escarpments and scenic valleys
• Visit Jinibar Waterfall or Nigus Aysmush viewpoint
• Trek to Imet Gogo, one of the best viewpoints in the Simien Mountains
• Spot gelada baboons and lammergeyer vultures
• Enjoy a short but rewarding trekking experience in northern Ethiopia

Itinerary

Day by day

1. 1

   Gondar – Simien Mountains – Sankaber

   Drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, stop at the Felasha village, also known as the Ethiopian Jewish village, and enjoy scenic views of the northern Ethiopian highlands. After about two hours of driving, arrive in Debark at 2,800 meters above sea level. Here, the team will collect the trekking guide, scouts, entrance permits, and complete all logistics for the trek, including park fees. From Debark, drive directly into Simien Mountains National Park and begin the first day of trekking. The hike takes around two to three hours and helps you acclimatize to the altitude at Sankaber campsite, located around 3,200 meters. The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, offering beautiful views of the Simien mountain range. You may also encounter troops of gelada baboons, which are endemic to Ethiopia.

2. 2

   Sankaber – Gich

   After breakfast, begin the trek from Sankaber to Gich village, located at around 3,600 meters above sea level. The route passes through scenic valleys and offers remarkable views of the Simien landscape. Along the way, pass near Jinibar Waterfall or the Nigus Aysmush viewpoint. During the dry season, the waterfall may have little or no water, but the gorge remains beautiful throughout the year. In the rainy season, Jinibar Waterfall becomes an impressive cascade dropping hundreds of meters into the gorge. Continue trekking toward Gich Village Campsite, where you will spend the night surrounded by the highland scenery of the Simien Mountains.

3. 3

   Gich – Imet Gogo – Gondar

   After a short morning break, depart from Gich camp and trek to Imet Gogo, located at 3,926 meters above sea level. Imet Gogo is one of the most spectacular panoramic viewpoints in the Simien Mountains, offering a wide 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and cliffs. During the trek, you may spot the bearded vulture, also known as the lammergeyer, recognized for its wide wingspan and graceful flight above the mountain cliffs. After visiting Imet Gogo, return to the main road, where your vehicle will be waiting. Drive back to Gondar, marking the end of the trekking tour.