Simien Mountains Trekking Tour

This itinerary starts and ends in Addis Ababa, using domestic flights to save time and
maximize your travel experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and Transfer to Gondar (Historical Site 1)
Your trip begins with a morning domestic flight from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Gondar (GDQ).
Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel and begin exploring one of Ethiopia’s historic jewels.
The afternoon is dedicated to sightseeing in Gondar, including the UNESCO World Heritage
site of the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a complex of 17th-century castles, and the serene
Bath of Emperor Fasilidas.
Day 2: Gondar History and Start of the Simien Trek
Start your day with a visit to the famous Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its vividly
painted ceiling of winged angels. Afterwards, you will drive north to Debark, the headquarters
for the Simien Mountains National Park. Here, you will finalize permits and meet your trekking
team (guide, scout, cook). You will then drive or take a short introductory hike to your first
campsite, Sankaber (approx. 3,200m). This is the official start of your 5-day trek.
Day 3: Trek from Sankaber to Geech (Simien Trek Day 2)
Begin the first full day of trekking along the edge of the great escarpment. The trail offers
breathtaking views and the chance to see the endemic Gelada Baboons. You will pass the
spectacular Jinbar Waterfall before ascending to the campsite at Geech (approx. 3,600m).
This day is around 5-7 hours of walking.
Day 4: Geech, Imet Gogo, and Valley Exploration (Simien Trek Day 3)
This is one of the most scenic days. You will do a spectacular loop hike from Geech camp,
trekking to the iconic viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3,926m). From this peak, you get a 360-degree
panorama of the dramatic canyons and valleys. You’ll hike through meadows dotted with
giant lobelia plants. After soaking in the views, you will return to Geech camp.
Day 5: Trek from Geech to Chennek (Simien Trek Day 4)
A longer and more challenging day (approx. 7-8 hours). You will ascend to Inatye Peak
(4,070m) before descending to the final campsite of your trek, Chennek (3,600m). Chennek is
considered the best place in the park to spot the extremely rare and endemic Walia Ibex.
Day 6: Final Simien Views and Return to Addis Ababa (End Trek & Travel)
Start the day with a final optional short hike up to Bwahit Pass/Summit (approx. 4,200m) for
one last incredible view and a final chance to spot the Walia Ibex or even the Ethiopian Wolf.
After breakfast, you will meet your waiting vehicle and drive back through Debark to Gondar.
You will then catch a late afternoon or evening domestic flight from Gondar (GDQ) back to
Addis Ababa (ADD) for an overnight stay in the capital.
Day 7: Addis Ababa City Tour and Departure (Historical Site 2)
Spend the morning exploring the capital city. Your city tour can include the National Museum
(home of Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil), the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral,
and a drive through the chaotic but fascinating Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. In
the evening, you’ll have a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant before transferring to
Bole International Airport (ADD) for your international flight departure

1. Simien Mountains Trekking Logistics
Park Fees and Permits: All mandatory national park entrance fees, camping fees, and
government taxes for the duration of the trek.
Trekking Team: The salary and expenses for the required personnel:
Professional English-speaking Ethiopian Guide (certified).
Mandatory armed Park Scout (required by the park for safety).
Cook and Assistant Cook (for all trek meals).
Mule handlers and Mules (for carrying all camping gear, food, and luggage between
camps).
Camping Equipment (Full Board):
Four-season tents (often shared 2 people per tent).
Foam sleeping mattresses.
Cooking equipment, utensils, and supplies.
Dining tent, tables, and chairs for meal times.
2. Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation (Non-Trekking Days): Hotel or guesthouse stays in Addis Ababa and
Gondar (usually based on a shared twin/double room).
Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) throughout the 7 days, except usually for
lunch and dinner on the first and last days in Addis Ababa.
Drinking Water: Bottled water or treated water provided daily, especially during the trek.
Farewell Dinner: Often includes a complimentary farewell dinner at a traditional
Ethiopian restaurant on the final night in Addis Ababa.
3. Transportation & Historical Sites
Domestic Flights: The two internal flights: Addis Ababa (ADD) – Gondar (GDQ) – Addis
Ababa (ADD). (Note: These are usually included at a discounted rate if your
international flight is with Ethiopian Airlines).
Ground Transportation: All private transfers in a comfortable 4×4 or minibus:
Airport transfers in Addis Ababa and Gondar.
Driving from Gondar to the Simien Mountains trailheads (and back).
All ground transport for historical site tours in Gondar and Addis Ababa.
Entrance Fees (Historical Sites): All entry fees for the sites mentioned in the itinerary
(e.g., Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie Church, National Museum, etc.).
Local Guides: Specialist local guides for specific historical sites where required (e.g.,
inside the Gondar castles).

These are costs that are generally personal in nature or are not covered in the standard tour
package:
International Flights: Your flight to and from Ethiopia (Addis Ababa – ADD).
Visa: Ethiopian entry visa fee (must be secured before or upon arrival).
Sleeping Bag: Most tours recommend bringing your own high-quality, high-rated sleeping
bag due to the high altitude and cold nights on the Simien trek, though some operators
may provide basic ones upon request.
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, spirits) and soft drinks outside of the water, tea,
and coffee provided during meals.
Tipping/Gratuities: Tips for the trekking team (guide, cook, scout, mule handlers), drivers,
and restaurant staff. This is a significant cultural component and should be budgeted for
separately.
Personal Gear: Personal trekking equipment like specialized hiking boots, poles, clothing,
sun screen, etc.
Optional Fees: Photography or video fees at certain historical sites (where they may
apply).
Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, including medical and evacuation coverage
(highly recommended for high-altitude trekking).
Extra Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, internet access, and souvenirs.