6 Days Simien Mountains Trekking Tours
Tour Highlights
- Start the trek from Debark, the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters.
- Encounter large troops of the endemic Gelada Baboons on the first day’s hike.
- Enjoy impressive views over the foothills and plains from the Sankaber campsite.
- Witness the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall plunging 500m into the abyss.
- Climb to Imet-Gogo (3,926m) for superb views over the deep mountain valleys and dramatic cliffs.
- Ascend Inatye Peak (4,070m), a spectacularly scenic spot ideal for raptor viewing.
- Search for the endemic Walia Ibex grazing close to the escarpment at Chennek.
- Cross the Buwahit Pass (4,200m) with fine views of the peak and the Menesha River Valley.
- Begin the ascent toward Ras Dejen, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain.
- Trek through Afro-alpine meadows and fields of Giant Lobelia.
Day 1: Sankaber (3,250m), 3–4 hours
Early start from Gondar to Debark to obtain permits and meet your guide/scout. Drive into the National Park before starting an easy, introductory walk along the escarpment edge. Encounter Gelada Baboons along the way. Arrive at Sankaber campsite.
Day 2: Gich (3,600m), 5–6 hours
Follow the northern escarpment, descending into the Kaba valley and climbing to the Gich Abyss. Continue over a ridge to a cliff overlooking the spectacular Jinbar River Waterfall (500m plunge). Break for lunch at the Jinbar River. Ascend to the idyllic village of Gich and continue to Gich camp. Take a short hike to Kedadit (3,760m) for a gorgeous sunset view.
Day 3: Chennek (3,600m), 7–8 hours
Pass through fields of Giant Lobelia to the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3,926m) for superb panoramic views. Descend into the Jinbar River Valley, then climb to the summit of Inatye (4,070m) for lunch. Descend to Chennek camp. Spot the Walia Ibex often seen grazing near the escarpment edge.
Day 4: Chennek to Ambiko (3,200m), 6–8 hours
Trek towards the distant Ras Dejen range. Ascend eastwards from Chennek to the Buwahit Pass (4,200m), offering fine views. Descend steeply into the Menesha River valley, passing through the village of Chiro-Leba. Ascend to the camp at Ambiko in preparation for the ascent of Ras Dejen.
Day 5: Ambiko to Ras Dejen (4,533m) and Return, 7–8 hours
Begin the pre-dawn climb to the peak of Ras Dejen (4,533m), Africa’s fifth-highest mountain. Follow a rocky trail and wide ridge before the final scramble to the summit, enjoying views in all directions. Return to Ambiko by the same route for lunch and a well-earned rest.
Day 6: Return to Gondar (3,600m), 3–5 hours
Return to Chiro-Leba by retracing the path from Day 4. The walk provides an excellent opportunity to contrast the Buwahit peak and the western escarpment with the Ras Dejen range. Drive back to Gondar.
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