4 Days Simien Mountain Tour

Gallery

Moments on this route

Overview

About this tour

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Gheralta Mountains on this 3-day trekking adventure starting and ending in Mekelle. This journey takes you through towering sandstone cliffs, remote mountain villages, traditional Tigrayan houses, and some of Ethiopia’s most remarkable rock-hewn churches. Designed for travelers who love history, hiking, culture, and breathtaking scenery, this tour combines mountain trekking with visits to ancient churches such as Yohannes Maqudi, Abune Abraham, Mariam Papsite, Mariam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor. Trek through the dramatic Gheralta Mountains Visit ancient rock-hewn churches hidden in the cliffs Explore Yohannes Maqudi and Abune Abraham Experience traditional Tigrayan village life Enjoy panoramic views from the high points of Gheralta Visit Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor before returning to Mekelle

Highlights

What makes it special

• Trek through the dramatic Gheralta Mountains
• Visit ancient rock-hewn churches hidden in the cliffs
• Explore Yohannes Maqudi and Abune Abraham
• Experience traditional Tigrayan village life
• Enjoy panoramic views from the high points of Gheralta
• Visit Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor before returning to Mekelle

Itinerary

Day by day

1. 1

   Gondar – Debark – Sankaber

   We will pick you up from Gondar Airport or your hotel and drive along a paved road to Debark, the gateway town to Simien Mountains National Park. The journey covers about 100 km and takes approximately two hours. At the park headquarters in Debark, we will arrange the required permits, pick up a scout, and complete the park logistics. From Debark, continue driving for about one hour into the national park before beginning an introductory hike. This easy walk follows the northern escarpment and offers beautiful views over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. Along the trail, you may encounter troops of gelada baboons, one of the most iconic animals of the Simien Mountains.

2. 2

   Sankaber – Gich

   Today’s trek follows the northern escarpment eastward before descending slightly into the Kaba Valley. From there, the trail climbs again toward Gich Abyss, where you will walk along a narrow ridge to a dramatic cliff edge with spectacular views of the gorge and surrounding foothills. One of the major highlights of the day is Jinbar Waterfall, where the river drops approximately 500 meters into the gorge. After enjoying the scenery, continue hiking and stop for lunch near the Jinbar River. In the afternoon, pass through barley fields and arrive at the picturesque village of Gich. Here, you may enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in a local hut and learn more about rural mountain life. A short walk brings you to Gich Camp, a good place to spot lammergeyers and thick-billed ravens. In the late afternoon, hike up to Kedadit for sunset views before returning to camp for dinner.

3. 3

   Gich – Imet Gogo – Chennek

   From Gich, trek through fields of Giant Lobelia and continue toward the cliffs of Imet Gogo, located at 3,926 meters above sea level. This is one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Simien Mountains, offering sweeping views over deep valleys, sharp cliffs, and distant rock formations. After enjoying the views, descend into the Jinbahir River Valley, where the dramatic volcanic landscape gives a new perspective of the mountains. The route continues along the edge of the escarpment, with sheer vertical drops stretching for several hundred meters. Later, climb to a summit at around 4,070 meters for lunch before descending along a steep trail for about two hours to Chennek Camp. The area around Chennek is known for panoramic views and is one of the best places to spot the endemic Walia ibex, especially in the late afternoon or early morning.

4. 4

   Chennek – Buwahit – Gondar

   Today, climb Buwahit, the second-highest peak in the Simien Mountains at 4,430 meters above sea level. This rewarding trek offers another excellent chance to spot the Walia ibex, a rare wild goat found only in Ethiopia’s highlands. From the summit, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks and, on clear days, a glimpse of Ras Dejen, Ethiopia’s highest mountain at 4,543 meters. After taking in the panoramic scenery, return to Chennek Camp, where your vehicle will be waiting. After the trek, drive back to Gondar, a journey of approximately four hours, marking the end of the tour. Trekking Time: 5–6 hoursHighlights: Buwahit summit, Walia ibex, Ras Dejen views, Chennek, return to Gondar