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9 Days 8 Nights
Daily Tour
16 people
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The Simien Mountains, spanning over 200 km², boast more than a dozen peaks above 4,000 meters, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and volcanic cones. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a hiker’s paradise, renowned for its unique alpine landscapes and endemic wildlife. Rare species like the Ethiopian wolf, gelada baboon, and Walia ibex call this region home. Additionally, the park hosts diverse birdlife and mammals such as leopards and bushbucks. Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,533 meters, offers breathtaking views on this unforgettable hiking adventure. Simien Mountains hiking tour
Upon your arrival at Bole International Airport, a Tour Hub Ethiopia agent will welcome you and accompany you to your reserved hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we offer a range of sightseeing options in Addis Ababa: - Experience the breathtaking views of the capital from Mount Entoto. - Discover the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, which features an extensive collection of artifacts that showcase the country’s history and culture. - Visit the National Museum, notable for housing Lucy’s 3.5-million-year-old bones, among other exhibits. - Explore Trinity Cathedral, the burial site for members of the imperial family and distinguished patriots; this cathedral is the most stunning of its kind in the country, adorned with sculptures, mosaics, and various artistic works. - Wander through Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Morning: We will be transferred to the airport in the morning to catch our flight to Gondar, a charming 17th-century Ethiopian royal city famous for its beautifully painted Debre Birhan Selassie Church and the imperial Castle Compound. Afternoon: After lunch, we will explore the attractions of Gondar, including Fasilades Bath, the royal enclosures of Fassil Ghibe, which house the castles of the Gondarian emperors, and the renowned Debre Berhan Selassie Church, adorned with murals and featuring angelic faces on its wooden ceiling—a true symbol of Ethiopian art and design.
Accommodation: Hotel, Gondar
After breakfast, we will depart from Gondar and head to Debark, home to the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park. Once we arrive, a local guide and scout will provide us with a tour before we drive into the park toward Sankaber. You can either drive all the way up to Sankaber or be dropped off to enjoy a short walk to Buyit Ras. This hike, which ascends to an elevation of 3,400 meters, not only helps acclimatize to the altitude but also rewards you with stunning vistas of the endless mountain ridges and valleys, along with a chance to spot your first groups of Gelada monkeys. In Sankaber, we will meet our trekking crew and gather supplies.
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
We will hike from Sankaber along a ridge that offers stunning views of the foothills approximately 800 meters below. From there, we will descend into the valley, where the Jinbar River cascades over the Geech Canyon. After enjoying some time at this spectacular waterfall, we will proceed to Geech village, where our second campsite is set up for us.
Overnight: Geech campsite
The Simien Mountains provide breathtaking views during a 7- to 8-hour hike that starts right after breakfast. As we trek through this stunning landscape, we will ascend to Imet Gogo at an elevation of 3,926 meters, where we can take in the expansive vistas of the distant slopes, valleys, and canyons that seem to stretch endlessly. From Imet Gogo, we will make our way to the next viewpoint, located at 4,070 meters in the Innateye Valley. After enjoying lunch there, we will proceed to our third campsite at Chennek, which is situated at 3,600 meters.
Overnight: Chennek campsite
After breakfast, we will spend two hours making our way to the summit of Buwahit Pass (4,200 m). From this vantage point, we can get a glimpse of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak, which we will tackle the following day. After crossing the Meseha River, we will descend into the Meseha Valley before hiking back up towards Ambiko, where we will set up camp for the night.
Overnight: Ambiko campsite
Today, we will ascend to the peak of Ras Dashen. Our hike begins before sunrise as we traverse the main valley. The path becomes increasingly steep as we approach the summit, winding through towering giant lobelia plants. Many hikers find the final stretch of the trail quite challenging, but reaching Ethiopia's highest point makes the effort worthwhile. At an elevation of 4,543 meters above sea level, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the remarkable landscape. We will hike for approximately 8 to 9 hours in total before returning to the Ambiko campground for the night.
Overnight: Ambiko Campsite
Today, we will be undertaking another 4 hours of walking. We will start by descending back into the valley from Ambiko and crossing the Meseha River again at an elevation of 2,750 meters. Following this, we will ascend to the small settlement of Chiroloba, where we will pause for lunch. Our vans will be waiting in Chiroloba to take us back to Gondar. Accommodation: Hotel, Gondar
You have the option to either continue your adventure from Gonder or take a flight back to Addis Ababa. If you choose to return, you will be driven from Addis Ababa Airport to your hotel (if you're departing in the late evening, you'll have access to a day room until 6 PM). In the evening, you are warmly invited to enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa's traditional restaurants, featuring authentic cuisine, drinks, music, and dance. After dinner, if you decide to stay longer in Ethiopia, you will be taken back to your hotel, or to Bole International Airport for your departure.
Accommodation: Hotel, Addis Ababa or departure.
It’s advisable to bring sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a day pack, water bottles, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes.
The hikes can be challenging, with steep ascents and descents. Previous trekking experience is beneficial, but the itinerary is designed to accommodate various fitness levels, with plenty of time for acclimatization.
During the trekking phase, you will camp in designated campsites like Sankaber, Geech, Chennek, and Ambiko, where basic amenities will be provided.
The trek to Ras Dashen takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, including the return journey to the Ambiko campsite.
Yes, you can extend your stay, and you'll have the option to relax at the hotel or explore further before your departure. If you have a late evening flight, you will have access to a day room until 6 PM.
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