10 Days Simien Mountains Trek to Ras Dejen Summit
Tour Highlights
- Embark on an in-depth, long-distance trek in the Simien Mountains National Park.
- Visit the impressive seasonal Jinibar Waterfall.
- Trek the scenic circuit to Imet Gogo (3,926m) for remarkable canyon views.
- Walk through the Lobelia Valley, home to thousands of Giant Lobelia plants.
- Ascend Inateye Peak (4,070m), an outstanding spot for viewing raptors like the Lammergeyer.
- Search for the endemic Walia Ibex near the cliffs at Chennek campsite.
- Begin the challenging ascent to the top of Bwahit Pass (4,200m).
- Conquer Mount Ras Dejen (4,553m), Ethiopia’s highest peak and Africa’s fourth-highest.
- Trek through remote areas, passing local villages and seeing Euphorbium candelabrum trees.
- Explore diverse landscapes from Afroalpine meadows to lowland riverine forests.
- Opportunity to spot the iconic Ethiopian Wolf (though elusive).
Day 1: Trek from Sankaber (3,250m) to Gich (3,600m): 5–6 hours
Gentle stroll through Erica heather. Reach a viewpoint for the impressive Jinibar Waterfall. Climb to the Jinbar River (3,190m) for a picnic lunch. Ascend gradually to the village and camp of Gich.
Day 2: Imeg Gogo and the Two Peaks Circuit: 4–5 hours
Hike to the Imetgogo viewpoint (3,926m) for spectacular canyon views. Continue to the Lobelia Valley. Visit the second viewpoint, Saha (3,785m), and the final viewpoint, Kedadit (3,760m), before returning to Gich campsite.
Day 3: Trek from Gich to Chennek (3,600m): 7–8 hours
Ascend through Afroalpine meadows. Trek to the highest point of the day at Inateye (4,070m), a rewarding spot for viewing raptors. Descend to Chennek camp. Stop at Kurbetemetaya to look for the Walia Ibex.
Day 4: Trek from Chennek to Ambiko (3,600m): 8–9 hours
Begin with a tough 3-hour ascent to the top of the Bwhait Pass (4,200m), the second-highest point in the park. Descend steeply through the village of Chiro Leba. Continue down to the Mesha River and then ascend for 1.5 hours to the Ambiko campsite.
Day 5: Trek to the Ras Dejen Peak (4,553m) and continue to Mentaber (3,550m): 10–12 hours
Begin before sunrise for the challenging trek to Mount Ras Dejen (4,553m). The route involves a final scramble to reach the summit, the roof of Ethiopia. Descend 4–5 hours to the Mentaber campsite.
Day 6: Trek from Mentaber to Arekwazeye (3,600m): 7 hours
The trail is endowed with views of famous peaks like Kidus Yared and Silki. Walk across the hillside and ascend to a pass at 3,580m. Descend to the village and campsite of Arekwazeye, situated on the foothill of Mt. Beorch Whuha
Day 7: Trek from Arekwazeye to Sona (3,020m): 4–5 hours
Walk uphill toward Mt. Beorch Whuha peak (4,272m) for stunning views of the rocky peaks of Imet Gogo. Descend and stroll through small villages to the Sona campsite, located on the riverside.
Day 8: Trek from Sona to Mekarebya (1,900m): 5–6 hours
The day begins with a significant downhill walk (approx. 1,000m descent) to the Ansiya River (1,975m). Continue on flat ground, enjoying the riverine forest and enormous, lowland flora, including the Cordia africana tree. Arrive at the small village of Mekarebya and the campsite.
Day 9: Trek from Mekarebya to Mulit (2,050m): 5–6 hours
Descend to the river and walk along the riverbed. Begin a steep ascent on a rocky trail to Hawaza (Table Mountain in Amharic). Continue on a flat path to reach the vibrant village of Mulit.
Day 10: Trek from Mulit to Adi Arkay (1,665m): 2 hours
The shortest trek, a gentle downhill stroll to Adi Arkay. Enjoy the scenery of the lowland villages and valley. Here, you will meet your vehicle for transfer or take public transportation.
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