Simien Mountain Trek

12 days - from $2075

Trek through Ethiopia's local villages and incredible mountain landscapes

This adventurous trek takes you into the very heart of the highlands of Ethiopia. The Simien Mountains dominate and divide the country into distinctly contrasting highland and lowland regions. With over 20 peaks towering to heights above 4000 metres, this massif can rightfully lay claim to be the 'Roof Of Africa', even though at 4543 metres its highest point, Ras Dashen, is only the fourth highest peak on the African continent. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site and is characterised by gentle highland ridges that end abruptly with 1000 to 2000 metre drops down the ravine from the top of the escarpment. The precipitous cliffs and deep canyons provide a feast for the eyes and the natural lookout points enable us to enjoy views as far away as 100 kilometres over the lowland valleys.

Our trekking experience on this trip is unusual in many ways. We are fully supported by a team that includes guides, scouts, camp assistants and a cook, whilst mules and their handlers work as porters. Our trek takes place in a national park that provides a habitat for some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife. Whilst trekking it is not unusual to walk among troops of gelada baboons, see wyala ibexes on the rocky cliff face and hear or observe some of the country's many endemic birds. If we are very fortunate, we may even come across the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf. Combined with this is the chance of interacting with rural villages and gaining an insight into the daily lives of the villagers, as they struggle to survive in a harsh environment with few natural resources. As we follow the paths trodden on over the ages by the highland people we are often joined by young herdboys, as they tend to their cattle and sheep.

The trek requires a good level of fitness as it involves traversing mountainous paths that climb to peaks before dropping again down to river valleys. The up and down nature of our walk commonly results in gains and losses of hundreds of metres in altitude each day. However, this is a trekking adventure that leaves us with incredible memories of the outstanding beauty of Ethiopia and warmth of its people.

Highlights

• Addis Ababa's Art Deco architecture
• Ethiopia's old capital Gondar
• Trek in the Simien Mountains
• Summit Ras Dashen (4,543 metres)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Addis Ababa2: Gondar3: Sankaber4: Geech5: Geech - Imet Gogo Viewpoint6: Chenek7: Bwahit Pass - Ambiko8: Ras Dashen Summit - Ambiko9: Arkwasiye10: Chenek11: Gondar12: Addis Ababa
Included:

An experienced English-speaking local leader, services of a mule porterage team, cooks and camp staff, arrival transfer, transport, accommodation, meals and entrance fees.

International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

This trip spends 9 days in Simien Mountains National Park.