10 Days of Trekking, Wildlife, Mountain Villages & Ras Dashen Peaks
Experience the Simien Mountains from the high escarpments to the lower valleys on this unforgettable ten-day trekking adventure with Abyssinia Explorer Tours.
Price per person: $3,850 USD
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Starting point: Addis Ababa
- Gondar starting option: Available upon request
- Group discounts available upon request
Contact us through the link below for more information.
An Introduction To The Simien Mountains (All Tours)
Experience the dramatic beauty of Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains on a 10-day trekking adventure through some of the country’s most spectacular highland landscapes.
This journey is designed for travelers who want to experience the mountains beyond the viewpoints — walking through remote highland scenery, meeting local communities, camping beneath wide mountain skies, experiencing unique wildlife, and reaching Ras Dashen, the highest mountain in Ethiopia.
Your adventure begins in Addis Ababa, with a domestic flight to Gondar, followed by a scenic drive through the northern Ethiopian highlands toward the Simien Mountains National Park. From there, the trail takes you through dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, open grasslands, mountain landscapes, and some of the most memorable viewpoints in the park.
Along the way, you may encounter Gelada Baboons, look for the rare Walia Ibex, and, with some luck, catch a glimpse of the elusive Ethiopian Wolf.
The trek takes you through Sankaber, Geech, Imet Gogo, Innatye, Chennek, Bwahit Pass, Meseha Valley and Ambiko, before reaching the summit of Ras Dashen.
This 10-day adventure combines spectacular scenery, challenging mountain trails, wildlife, camping, local communities, and the unforgettable experience of standing on the highest mountain in Ethiopia.
Your Simien Adventure — 10 Days In The Mountains
This is our 2nd longest Simien trekking route and gives you plenty of time to experience the mountains without rushing.
You will walk along dramatic ridges, through deep valleys and remote villages, camp beneath the highland skies and discover some of Ethiopia’s most remarkable landscapes.
The trek also includes the ultimate highlight: reaching Ras Dashen at 4,543 metres, the highest mountain in Ethiopia.
Along the way, keep your eyes open for Gelada baboons and Walia ibex, with also the possibility of seeing the rare Ethiopian wolf.
You will also experience local life, traditional hospitality and the changing landscapes as the trail gradually descends from the high mountains towards the lowlands.
Meeting Us In Gondar — Optional Starting Option
The standard tour starts from Addis Ababa and includes the domestic flight to Gondar and the return domestic flight back to Addis Ababa at the end of the journey. This is subject to the available flight schedule – before the tour starts flight times will be shared in advance via Whatsapp.
However, if you are already in Gondar, or prefer to make your own way here, we can arrange a Gondar-start option upon request.
For guests choosing this option, our team can meet you at your hotel or another agreed location in Gondar before beginning the journey toward Debark and the Simien Mountains.
The Gondar-start option does not include domestic flights, and the tour ends in Gondar after the final transfer from the Simien Mountains.
Please contact us in advance so we can confirm the arrangements and provide the appropriate price.
Your 10-Day Simien Trekking Itinerary
Over the next 10 days, we journey through some of the most spectacular and varied landscapes of the Simien Mountains.
Beginning among the high escarpments of the national park, our route takes us through mountain camps, famous viewpoints, wildlife habitats, remote villages and river valleys before gradually descending towards the warmer lowlands and finishing at Adi Arkaye.
Here is what you can expect for each day of your tour.
Day 1 – Addis Ababa to Gondar, Debark and Sankaber
Your adventure begins with a morning domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar.
After arriving in Gondar, you will meet our driver and begin the scenic journey toward Debark, the main gateway to Simien Mountains National Park.
At Debark, we complete the necessary park formalities and meet the trekking team, including your mountain guide and scout.
We then continue into the national park toward Sankaber, where the spectacular mountain scenery begins to appear.
Depending on road and trekking conditions, we may drive to Sankaber or begin walking from around Buyit Ras.
If we start trekking from Buyit Ras, the trail immediately offers beautiful views of the escarpment, valleys, and surrounding mountains. This area is also a good place to look for Gelada baboons, which are frequently seen grazing on the highland grasslands.
We continue toward Sankaber, where our first campsite will be prepared.
Trekking: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on starting point.
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Please Note: Time of arrival in Gondar is dependant on availability of domestic flights. For the best start to the day and the tour we recommend arriving in Gondar the day before – please feel free to contact us for more details.
Day 2 – Sankaber and Jinbar River to Geech Camp
After breakfast, we begin our trek from Sankaber, following the spectacular escarpment with impressive views over the valleys and surrounding highlands.
The trail gradually descends toward the Jinbar River.
One of today’s highlights is the dramatic Jinbar Waterfall, where the river plunges deep into the valley below, creating one of the most impressive scenes along this section of the Simien trail.
We take time to enjoy the landscape and photograph the waterfall before continuing toward Geech.
As we approach Geech, the scenery becomes increasingly open, with highland grasslands, Giant Lobelia, and magnificent mountain views.
We arrive at our campsite above Geech and have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Geech campsite
Day 3 – Imet Gogo, Siha Gorge, Keda Dit and Back To Geech
Today is dedicated to exploring some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Simien Mountains.
After breakfast, we cross the highland grasslands around Geech, where you can see Giant Lobelia and other characteristic highland vegetation.
Our first major destination is Imet Gogo, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Simien Mountains.
At approximately 3,926 metres, Imet Gogo provides spectacular panoramic views over the dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, ridges, and distant mountain landscapes.
We spend some time at the viewpoint enjoying the scenery and taking photographs.
We then continue toward Siha Gorge, where we stop for lunch and enjoy the surrounding landscape before making our way back toward Geech.
After returning to camp, there is time to rest. If conditions and energy levels allow, we can take a short walk toward Keda Dit to enjoy the afternoon light and sunset over the mountains.
This is one of the most scenic days of the entire trek.
Trekking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Geech campsite
Day 4 – Geech to Innatye and Chennek
After breakfast, we leave Geech and begin our trek toward Chennek.
The trail takes us through beautiful highland landscapes, including areas of vegetation and open grasslands.
We continue toward Innatye, one of the impressive viewpoints along this route. As we gain altitude, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with steep cliffs and deep valleys stretching below us.
We stop to enjoy the views and have lunch before continuing toward Chennek.
Chennek is one of the best areas in the Simien Mountains for wildlife viewing. Depending on the season and conditions, we may see Gelada baboons and Walia ibex among the rocky slopes and grasslands.
We arrive at Chennek and settle into our campsite.
Trekking: Approximately 7 hours
Overnight: Chennek campsite
Day 5 – Chennek Via Bwahit Pass and Meseha Valley to Ambiko
After breakfast, we leave Chennek and begin one of the more demanding sections of the trek.
We climb toward Bwahit Pass, reaching an altitude of approximately 4,200 metres.
From the pass, we enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is also where the landscape begins to feel increasingly remote as we move deeper into the Simien Mountains.
After crossing the pass, we descend toward the Meseha Valley.
We cross the river and begin another ascent toward Ambiko.
Today’s trek is challenging, but the changing scenery and sense of remoteness make it a memorable part of the journey.
We arrive at Ambiko and settle into camp. Tonight, we prepare for the biggest trekking challenge of the journey — the ascent of Ras Dashen.
Trekking: Approximately 7–8 hours
Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Day 6 – Ambiko to Ras Dashen and Back to Ambiko
Today is the great highlight of our Simien Mountains adventure. The day we reach Ras Dashen Summit.
We wake early, before sunrise, and begin our ascent from Ambiko.
As the sun rises over the mountains, the trail takes us through spectacular high-altitude landscapes. We gradually gain elevation as we approach the summit area.
The terrain becomes more demanding, but the scenery becomes even more impressive.
We continue climbing through rocky mountain terrain and areas of Giant Lobelia until we reach Ras Dashen, at approximately 4,543 metres above sea level.
Standing on the summit of Ethiopia’s highest mountain is an unforgettable experience.
We take time to enjoy the achievement, photograph the spectacular surroundings, and appreciate the enormous landscape stretching across the Simien Mountains.
After spending time at the summit, we begin our descent back toward Ambiko.
The descent brings welcome relief after the demanding climb.
We return to Ambiko in the afternoon or evening and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Trekking: Approximately 8–9 hours
Altitude: Approximately 4,543 metres at Ras Dashen
Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Day 7 – Ambiko, Meseha River to Arkwazye Village and Sona
After breakfast, we leave Ambiko and continue our long journey toward Sona.
Today’s trail takes us deeper through the remote mountain landscape.
We descend toward the Meseha River before climbing again toward Arkwazye village.
As we continue, the landscape gradually begins to change. We are moving away from the highest sections of the Simien Mountains, and the vegetation and climate begin to feel different.
After a long day on the trail, we eventually arrive at Sona campsite.
This is a good evening to relax, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and reflect on the achievement of reaching Ras Dashen.
Trekking: Approximately 9 hours
Overnight: Sona campsite
Day 8 – Sona, Incya Valley, Incya River to Mekareba
After breakfast, we continue from Sona toward the Incya Valley.
Today’s trek takes us gradually down from the highlands toward the warmer lowlands.
The landscape changes noticeably as we descend. The high mountain environment begins to give way to warmer valleys, different vegetation, and a new atmosphere.
We eventually reach the Incya River, where we stop for lunch.
If conditions are suitable and the water is safe, there may be an opportunity to cool off and swim.
After lunch, we continue following the river toward Mekareba.
The river and surrounding vegetation provide a pleasant change after several days of high-altitude trekking.
We arrive at Mekareba and settle into camp.
Trekking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Mekareba campsite
Day 9 – Mekareba, Incya River, Derkwenth Pool, Awazza To Mulet
After breakfast, we leave Mekareba and continue along the Incya River toward Mulet.
This is a particularly interesting section for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The river environment and surrounding vegetation provide opportunities to observe different bird species and other wildlife.
We continue toward Derkwenth Pool, where we stop for lunch.
If conditions are suitable, there may be another opportunity to swim and relax beside the water.
After lunch, we begin climbing toward Awazza village.
From the area around Awazza, we can admire the impressive Awazza Table Mountain and the surrounding landscape.
We then continue along the trail toward Mulet, our final campsite.
After a long journey through the Simien Mountains, this is our last night camping in the mountains.
Trekking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Mulet campsite
Day 10 – Mulet, Adi Arkaye to Gondar
After breakfast, we begin the final walking section of our ten-day adventure.
We trek from Mulet toward Adi Arkaye, enjoying the changing scenery as we approach the end of the mountain route.
The final walk takes approximately three hours.
At Adi Arkaye, our vehicle and driver will be waiting for us.
We say goodbye to our trekking team and begin the drive toward Gondar.
After ten unforgettable days of mountain trekking, wildlife encounters, remote villages, dramatic landscapes, camping, and the achievement of reaching Ras Dashen, our Simien Mountains adventure comes to an end.
For guests continuing to Addis Ababa, we can arrange the scheduled domestic flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa, subject to flight availability.
Trekking: Approximately 3 hours
Tour End & Transfer
At the end of your Simien Mountains adventure, our team makes sure your journey back is smooth and well organized.
After completing the final section of the trek from Mulet to Adi Arkaye, your private 4×4 vehicle and experienced driver will meet you and drive you through the surrounding landscapes towards Gondar.
Standard Addis Ababa Start
For guests booking the standard package from Addis Ababa, the tour includes the domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar at the beginning of the journey and the scheduled Gondar to Addis Ababa return flight at the end, subject to flight availability and schedule.
Airport transfers in Gondar are also included.
Optional Gondar Start
For guests choosing the optional Gondar-start arrangement, we will meet you at your agreed location in Gondar and begin the journey from there.
At the end of the trek, we return you to Gondar.
Domestic flights are not included in the Gondar-start option.
If you would like to stay in Gondar before or after the trek, have a different onward destination, or would like help coordinating your travel, simply let us know when booking.
Why Choose This 10-Day Trek?
This extended route is perfect for travelers who want to experience the Simien Mountains slowly, deeply, and authentically.
Rather than rushing between viewpoints, you have time to:
Trek through dramatic mountain landscapes
Visit spectacular viewpoints such as Imet Gogo and Innatye
Explore Chennek and Bwahit Pass
Climb Ras Dashen
Camp in remote mountain locations
Encounter Gelada baboons and Walia ibex
Look for the Ethiopian wolf
Walk through remote valleys and villages
Experience the changing environment from highlands to lowlands
Meet local communities and experience Ethiopian hospitality
Wildlife & Nature
The Simien Mountains are famous for their unique wildlife.
During the trek, you may see:
- Gelada baboons
- Walia ibex
- Ethiopian wolf
- Rock hyrax
- Giant Lobelia
- Giant Hazel Tress
- Highland birds and birds of prey
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals live freely in their natural environment. However, our experienced local guides know the area and can help you find and identify wildlife along the trail.
Camping In The Simien Mountains
Camping is an important part of the experience.
Rather than returning to hotels each evening, you spend your nights in tents surrounded by the mountains. This gives you the opportunity to experience the Simien landscape when the trails become quiet and the evening sky appears above the highlands.
Our trekking support team takes care of the essential camping arrangements, including tents, cooking equipment, and meals during the trekking days.
You can focus on walking, enjoying the scenery, meeting local people, and experiencing the mountains without having to carry heavy camping equipment.
Local Guides and Trekking Support
You will be accompanied by an experienced local trekking team familiar with the Simien Mountains.
Depending on the group and arrangements, your support team may include:
- Professional mountain guide
- Scout
- Cook
- Trekking support staff
- Experienced driver
Our guides do more than lead the trail. They can explain the landscape, wildlife, local traditions, villages, history, and daily life of the communities around the mountains.
Our aim is to make your journey safe, comfortable, informative, and memorable.
What To Bring For Your Simien 10 Day Mountain Tour
The Simien Mountains can have changing conditions, particularly at higher elevations.
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Warm clothing and layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm sleeping bag
- Small daypack
- Sun protection (sunscreen etc.)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Trekking Poles
- Personal toiletries
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp/torch
- Personal medication
- Camera or phone for photography
- Powerbank
- Swimming shorts and towel for Derkwenth pool (if swimming)
- Essential Travel Documents (passport etc.)
Also, temperatures can change quickly in the mountains, so warm and waterproof clothing is particularly important.
What’s Included in Your Simien Mountains Trek
We handle the essential logistics so you can focus on walking the trails, meeting local communities, and experiencing the extraordinary landscapes of the Simien Mountains.
Your Trek Includes
- Private transportation from your hotel in Gondar to the Simien Mountains and back to Gondar.
- Experienced local guide speaking English and Amharic throughout the trek.
- Park scouts/guards accompanying the trekking group.
- Horse and experienced horseman to support the group and transport equipment when required.
- Mules and mulemen to carry heavy camping and cooking equipment along the route.
- Professional cook and assistant cook, preparing fresh meals throughout the trek.
- Full-board meals, including breakfast, lunch or packed lunch, and dinner.
- Daily drinking water during the trekking days.
- Quality camping accommodation, with tents normally shared by two people.
- Sleeping mattresses and essential camping equipment.
- Complete cooking and kitchen equipment required for the trek.
- Simien Mountains National Park entrance and camping fees.
- All necessary trekking and administrative arrangements.
- Applicable taxes and administrative fees.
- Basic first-aid support and emergency assistance during the trek.
- Local community and cultural experiences, where included in the itinerary.
- A dedicated support team throughout the trek, allowing you to concentrate on the landscapes, wildlife, and mountain villages rather than the logistics.
Optional Gondar-Start Package
If you choose to start the tour from Gondar, the domestic flights are not included.
The package includes the agreed Gondar pick-up, transportation to the Simien Mountains, trekking services, and return transfer to Gondar at the end of the journey.
The exact price for the Gondar-start option is available upon request.
What’s Not Included
Not Included In Price of Tour:
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Tips and gratuities
- Any service not specifically mentioned under “Included in Your Simien Mountains Trek”.
Important Information About The 10 Day Itinerary
Mountain trekking depends on weather, road conditions, flight schedules, park regulations, and local conditions.
We always aim to follow the published itinerary, but the exact timing may sometimes need to be adjusted to keep the journey safe and comfortable.
The Addis Ababa–Gondar flight schedule is particularly important on Day 1. If the available flight does not allow sufficient time to reach Sankaber comfortably, we can adjust the itinerary and arrange an additional overnight stay where necessary.
Similarly, the return flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa on Day 10 depends on the available flight schedule.
Our priority is to provide a realistic, enjoyable, and well-organized trekking experience rather than rushing you through the mountains.
A Note About the Trekking Team For the 10 Days
Please note: This trek uses horses and mule Your journey is supported by a local team of guides, park scouts/guards, experienced horsemen, mulemen, a professional cook, and an assistant cook. They work behind the scenes to carry equipment, prepare meals, and support the trek, giving you more time to enjoy the trails, wildlife, dramatic mountain scenery, and villages of the Simien Mountains.
Why Travel With Abyssinia Explorer Tours?
We are a locally operated Ethiopian tour company with a strong connection to the places we explore.
Our goal is to create journeys that feel personal, well organized, and authentic — combining beautiful landscapes with local knowledge, meaningful cultural experiences, and genuine Ethiopian hospitality.
When you trek with us, you are not simply following a route on a map.
You are traveling with a local team that understands the mountains, the communities, and the rhythm of life in the Ethiopian highlands.
From your arrival in Gondar to your final transfer, we take care of the important details so you can concentrate on the experience.
Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as part of a group, we are happy to help organize your Simien Mountains adventure around your travel plans.
Other Simien Mountains Tours
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- 6 Days / 5 Nights
- 7 Days / 6 Nights
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- 11 Days / 10 Nights
Shorter itineraries are ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the landscapes, wildlife and atmosphere of the Simien Mountains.
Our longer itineraries allow more time to explore the mountains, travel through remote areas and experience more of this extraordinary region on foot.
Not sure which trek is right for you?
Contact Abyssinia Explorer Tours and tell us how many days you have available. We can help you choose the Simien Mountains itinerary that best fits your travel plans.
Ask Us A Question / FAQs
Is there anything you would like to know about this tour?
Please leave a question in the comments section below or contact us directly through our Contact Us page.
Customer Reviews
Incredible
I had a wonderful experience with Abyssinia Explorer Tour in Ethiopia! If you are interested in coffee, culture, and discovering the real Ethiopia, I definitely recommend them.
Asmir, our guide, was fantastic. His English was excellent, he was very knowledgeable and kind, and he made the whole experience feel natural. What I appreciated most was that it didn’t feel like I was just following a tour guide around. We connected so well that he actually became a friend along the way.
The coffee tours were a great way to learn more about Ethiopian coffee culture, which is like… such a rich history and tradition. You could really appreciate the experience beyond just drinking coffee. It was the nature, the people, the real africa…
Overall, it was a memorable experience, discoveries, and genuine human connection. Asmir really made the difference, he was a very interesting person with such a crazy interesting story ! I am grateful to have met him. I definitely recommend Abyssinia Explorer Tour to anyone visiting Ethiopia!
Lovely experience
I had a bike tour of Addis with Absynnia. It was a lovely experience. I got to experience lovely parts of the city and the Guide Asmir was wonderful and very helpful. I only wish I had more time to stay there because they offer so many more experiences I would love to try. Maybe next time
Great tour
We have two amazing trips with Asmir. He is an excellent tour guide.
We visited Debre Libanos and Awash national park. I would recommend these trips to anyone visiting Ethiopia
Glance in to a new world
I did several tours with this company. We visited Debre Libanos, Debre Zeyt with the Crater Lakes, and the Awash National Park. We had great tour guides by our side. Especially Joshua and Asmir! They did everything to make our time better. Not only during the tour but also with hotels, flight -tickets, and even a hospital visit on their day off. I am really grateful for them.
The things we experienced on our tours were simply amazing. As a Swiss going to Ethiopia for the first time, I couldn’t be more entertained than I was. We didn’t only visit the sightseeing spots, we also got a deeper look into the county outside the spotlight, and we could see how people were actually living their lives. On our trip to Debre Libanos, we even get the chance to spontaneously visit a wedding, which will forever be a core memory of my life!
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first
”After having some initial trouble with booking my first Ethiopian Tour the day before I was very happy to speak to Amir and with the arrangements to make sure I was picked up nearby where I was staying. This is without going on the tour – I really love my wildlife and history and seeing the wild Baboons and learning about the Debre Libanos Monastery was such an Incredible day out for me.”
Book Your Simien Mountains Adventure
Abyssinia Explorer Tours
Explore Ethiopia, One Trail at a Time.
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Price: $3,850 USD per person
Starting point: Addis Ababa
Gondar starting option: Available upon request
Group discounts available upon request
Experience dramatic escarpments, highland wildlife, remote mountain landscapes, traditional communities, and the unforgettable atmosphere of the Simien Mountains.
Stand on Ras Dashen, the highest mountain in Ethiopia.
Walk through landscapes that few travelers experience on foot.
Sleep beneath the highland skies.
Discover the mountains with a local Ethiopian team.
Your adventure begins in Addis Ababa. The Simien Mountains are waiting.
Abyssinia Explorer Tours
Explore Ethiopia, One Trail at a Time.
📩 Email: abyssiniaexplorer@gmail.com
💬 WhatsApp: +251 94 646 1622 / +44 7719 426276
📸 Instagram: @abyssiniaexplorertours
Come and see the Simien Mountains through our trekkers’ eyes.