From the high mountain escarpments to the lowlands — eight days of trekking, wildlife, local culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Trek, Discover & Experience the Simien Mountains with Abyssinia Explorer Tours
Price per person: $3150 USD
Duration: 8 Days / 7 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
Experience the dramatic beauty of Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains on an eight-day trekking adventure through some of the country’s most spectacular highland landscapes.
This journey is designed for travellers 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 discovering the changing landscapes of the Simien Mountains.
Your adventure begins in Addis Ababa, with a domestic flight to Gondar, followed by a scenic drive through the northern Ethiopian highlands toward Simien Mountains National Park.
From there, the trail takes you through dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, open grasslands, mountain landscapes, remote villages, 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 rare and elusive Ethiopian wolf.
This mountain trek takes you through;
- Sankaber,
- Geech,
- Imet Gogo,
- Innatye,
- Chennek,
- Bwahit Pass,
- Sona,
- Mekareba, and Mulet,
before continuing to Adi Arkaye, where your vehicle will meet you for the journey back to Gondar.
This eight-day adventure combines spectacular scenery, challenging mountain trails, wildlife, camping, local communities, and the unforgettable experience of trekking from the high Simien escarpments into the warmer lowlands.
Your Simien Adventure — Eight Days In The Mountains
Eight days gives you enough time to experience the Simien Mountains at a slower and more rewarding pace.
Rather than simply visiting a viewpoint and returning to the city, you spend several nights camping in the mountains and walking through different landscapes, from high escarpments and open grasslands to deep valleys, rivers, and remote mountain communities.
The journey also gives you the opportunity to experience the remarkable changes in scenery and environment as you gradually descend from the highlands toward the lowlands.
We also offer shorter and longer Simien Mountains trekking itineraries, ranging from 4 Days / 3 Nights to 11 Days / 10 Nights. You can explore our other trekking options further down this page.
Meeting Us In Gondar — Optional Starting Option
The standard tour starts from Addis Ababa and includes the domestic flight to Gondar, transportation from Gondar to the Simien Mountains, and the return domestic flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa at the end of the journey, subject to the available flight schedule.
However, if you are already in Gondar or prefer to make your own way there, 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. The tour begins in Gondar and 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 8-Day Simien Trekking Itinerary
Over the next eight 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 each day.
Day 1 – Addis Ababa to Gondar to Sankaber
Our adventure begins in Addis Ababa with a domestic flight to Gondar.
Upon arrival here in Gondar, our team will meet you at the airport and begin the scenic drive towards Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park.
After completing the park formalities and meeting our mountain guide and scout, we continue into the park towards Sankaber, our first campsite.
Depending on the road and trail conditions, we may drive directly to Sankaber or begin walking from around Buyit Ras.
If we start hiking from Buyit Ras, the trail immediately offers beautiful views across the mountain landscape and endless ridges. This is also a good opportunity to see Gelada baboons, which are commonly found in this part of the park.
We continue towards Sankaber, where our supplies and campsite will be waiting.
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Day 2 – Sankaber to Geech Camp
After breakfast, we begin walking from Sankaber along the mountain ridge.
The trail gives us impressive views over the valleys and foothills far below before gradually descending towards the valley.
One of today’s highlights is the Jinbar River and Jinbar Waterfall, which plunges dramatically into the Geech Abyss.
We take time to enjoy the waterfall and surrounding landscape before continuing towards Geech village.
From the village, we make our way to the campsite, where we can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Overnight: Geech Campsite
Day 3 – Geech, Imet Gogo, Siha Gorge & Keda Dit
Today we explore some of the most spectacular scenery around Geech.
After breakfast, we hike across the highland grasslands, passing the impressive Giant Lobelia plants that grow throughout this area.
After approximately two hours, we reach Imet Gogo, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Simien Mountains.
At around 3,926 metres, the viewpoint offers an incredible panorama of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons, and distant ridges.
From Imet Gogo, we continue towards Siha Gorge, where we stop for lunch before making our way back towards Geech.
Once back at camp, there is time to rest after the day’s hike. If conditions are good, you can also take an optional short walk towards Keda Dit before sunset.
Overnight: Geech Campsite
Day 4 – Geech to Innatye to Chennek
After breakfast, we begin our approximately seven-hour trek towards Chennek.
The trail takes us towards Innatye, passing through highland grasslands and sections of forest with Giant Hazel trees.
As we approach Innatye, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. From the ridge, you can look down into the enormous valleys below and appreciate the scale of the Simien escarpment.
After lunch, we continue towards Chennek.
After lunch, we continue towards Chennek, following the trail through more spectacular highland scenery.
Chennek is one of the best-known wildlife areas in the Simien Mountains. Keep your eyes on the rocky slopes, where Gelada baboons and Walia ibex may sometimes be seen moving through the surrounding landscape.
By the end of the day’s trek, we arrive at Chennek and settle into camp surrounded by the dramatic mountain scenery.
Overnight: Chennek Campsite
Day 5 – Chennek to Sona
Today we leave the high escarpment and begin our descent towards the lowlands.
Our first challenge is Bwahit Pass, at approximately 4,200 metres. The climb from Chennek takes around an hour.
This is one of the best areas of the trek for wildlife. With luck, we may spot the Ethiopian wolf, while Gelada baboons and Walia ibex are often seen around the mountain slopes.
After crossing the pass, the trail gradually descends towards Arkwaisye village.
Here, we take a break and have the opportunity to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Watching the coffee being roasted, ground, and prepared is a wonderful way to experience local hospitality.
After the coffee ceremony, we continue our trek towards Sona, where we spend the night.
Overnight: Sona Campsite
Day 6 – Sona to Mekareba
From Sona, we continue towards the Incya Valley, gradually descending from the highlands into the lowland landscape.
We eventually reach the Incya River, where we stop for lunch.
If conditions are suitable, there is time to cool off with a swim before continuing our walk along the river.
The afternoon trail follows the riverbanks towards Mekareba, our campsite for the night.
The scenery is very different from the high Simien escarpments, making this part of the trek a great change of landscape.
Overnight: Mekareba Campsite.
Day 7 – Mekareba to Mulet
After breakfast, we continue along the riverbed of the Incya River towards Mulet.
This section of the trek is particularly interesting for bird lovers, with opportunities to see a variety of bird species along the river and surrounding vegetation.
We stop at Derkwenth Pool for lunch.
If conditions are suitable, you can take a swim and relax beside the water before continuing.
After lunch, we climb towards Awazza village, where we can see the impressive Awazza Table Mountain.
From Awazza, we continue towards Mulet, our final campsite.
Overnight – Mulet campsite.
Day 8 – Mulet to Adi Arkaye to Gondar
After breakfast at Mulet, we begin our final walk of the trek.
We hike for approximately three hours towards Adi Arkaye, enjoying the scenery along the way and reflecting on the incredible journey through the Simien Mountains.
At Adi Arkaye, our vehicle will meet us and we begin the drive back to Gondar.
For guests on the standard Addis Ababa package, we continue to Gondar Airport for the scheduled domestic flight back to Addis Ababa, subject to the available flight schedule.
If the flight schedule does not allow sufficient time for the transfer from Adi Arkaye to Gondar Airport, an alternative arrangement or additional overnight stay may be required.
For guests who selected the Gondar-start option, the tour ends in Gondar after the final transfer.
After eight days of trekking through the Simien Mountains — from the high escarpments and dramatic peaks to the valleys, rivers, villages, and lowlands — our adventure with Abyssinia Explorer Tours comes to an end.
Experience The Simien Mountains Differently
This eight-day trek gives you the opportunity to experience much more than the famous viewpoints of the Simien Mountains.
Rather than focusing on a single summit, this journey is about travelling through the changing landscapes of the region — beginning among the dramatic high escarpments before gradually descending through remote villages, valleys, rivers and warmer lowland scenery.
Along the way, you will have opportunities to encounter wildlife, meet local communities, experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, camp in remote locations and discover parts of the Simien Mountains that many visitors never reach.
It is a challenging journey, but for travellers who enjoy trekking, nature, wildlife, local culture and changing landscapes, it offers an unforgettable way to experience the Simien Mountains.
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.
Wildlife In The Simien Mountains You May See
The Simien Mountains are famous for their unique wildlife, and encounters with animals are one of the highlights of trekking here.
Depending on the season and local conditions, you may see:
- Gelada baboons
- Walia ibex
- Ethiopian wolf
- Rock hyrax
- Birds of prey and other highland bird species
Please Note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals move freely through their natural environment. However, our local guides know the mountains well and can help you identify and observe the species you encounter.
Local Guides & Trekking Support
Your journey is supported by an experienced local trekking team who know the Simien Mountains from years of working in the region.
Depending on the group and arrangements, the team may include your mountain guide, scout, cook, and support staff.
Our goal is not simply to take you from one campsite to another. We want you to understand the landscape, learn about local life, discover the history and culture of the region, and feel comfortable throughout the journey.
You will be traveling with a local team that understands the mountains and the communities that call this remarkable region home.
What’s Included
With Standard Addis Ababa Package
- Domestic flights Addis Ababa–Gondar–Addis Ababa
- Airport transfers in Gondar
- Private 4×4 transportation between Gondar and the Simien Mountains
- Simien Mountains National Park entrance and required park fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide
- Scout service as required by the park
- Trekking support team
- Camping equipment
- Tents and sleeping arrangements
- Meals during the trekking days
- Drinking water during the trek
- Cook and cooking equipment
- All scheduled trekking activities
- Transfers described in the itinerary
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
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, and support staff
- Personal trekking equipment
- Any services not specifically mentioned under “What’s Included”
- Additional accommodation or services resulting from personal itinerary changes
- Domestic flights for guests choosing the optional Gondar-start package
What To Bring
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm sleeping bag
- Small daypack
- Sun protection
- Hat and sunglasses
- Personal toiletries
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp
- Personal medication
- Camera or phone for photography
- Swimming shorts and towel for Derkwenth pool (if swimmming)
Temperatures can change quickly in the mountains, so warm and waterproof clothing is particularly important.
Important Information About The 8 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 8 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.
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 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
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- 10 Days / 9 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
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: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Price: $3,150 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.