4 days semien mountain national park trekking,

Ethiopia , Ethiopia

4 days semien mountain national park trekking,

Active

(13 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

An unforgettable trek through the remote splendour of themagnificent Simien region.Often compared for its scenic beauty to the Grand Canyon, theSimien Mountains National Park is one of the major highlandsof Africa. Its peaks include Ras Dashen, which at 4533m is thehighest peak in Ethiopia.The Park is a World Heritage Site, and is rich with wildlifetotally unique to the region, including the scarlet-chestedGelada Baboon, the Alia Ibex and the Simien Fox. Themountains are also home to diverse plant-life and over fiftyspecies of bird

Available options

North Ethiopian Tour operator

What's included

Complete cooking materials

scout

4WD transportation to and from Gonder

English speaking guide,

professional cook

plenty of food & bottled mineralwater everyday

All Entrance fees

sleeping bags & mattresses

Tent

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Simien Mountains- 4 Days Trekking.

Day 01 - Gondar to Sankaber:

You will depart early morning from Gondar to Debark. In debark you will arrange your visit with the park office and receive a scout and guide then drive into the park to arrive at Sankaber. You can either drive all the way in to Sankaber or have the car drop you off near Buyit Ras for a short hike. If you choose to hike in you will take in beautiful views of the landscape and the endless mountain ridges, and you likely see some gelada baboons. When you arrive in Sankaber you will be met with your supplies. Sankaber will be the first campsite on your trip.

Day 02 - Sankaber to Geech Camp:

From Sankaber you will begin hiking following the ridge and look out over the foothills 800m down. From the ridge you will descend down into the valley and be able to view the Jinbar River plunging into the Geech Abyss. After some time at the waterfall you will continue on to Geech village where you will find your second campsite.

Day 03- Geech to Chennek:

After breakfast you will start off on a 7-8 hour hike of the best views you will see in the Simien Mountains. In route you will pass through Imet Gogo. Here you will have reached an altitude of 3,926m and be able to look out at the amazing landscape from 360 degrees. At this height and view point you can see the canyon below, distant ridges, and view the seemingly never ending valleys. After Imet Gogo you will hike to the view point at Innateye valley at an altitude of 4,070m. Lunch will be here and then you will descend to Chennek (3,600m) for your third campsite.

Day 04- Chennek to Gondar:

Breakfast at the campsite then a 2 hour hike up to the Buwahit peak. Here you will be standing on the second highest peak in the Simien Mountains (4,430m). Here is where many visitors are able to see the endemic animals like the Walia Ibex and Ethiopian Red Fox. After spending time at the peak you will hike back down to Chennek for lunch and transportation back to Debark/Gondar.

What's not included

Alcoholic

Personal insurance, Flights

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Ethiopia

Ethiopia, the oldest independent country in Africa, is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. From the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the Simien Mountains, and the vibrant capital of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia offers a unique blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

Top Attractions

Lalibela

Famous for its rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 12th century. A major pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Historical/Religious 2-3 days Moderate

Simien Mountains National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and trekking opportunities. Home to the Gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf.

Nature 3-5 days Moderate to Expensive

Axum

An ancient city with significant archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheba and the Axum Stelae.

Historical 1-2 days Moderate

Addis Ababa

The capital city offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including museums, markets, and vibrant cultural scenes.

Cultural/Urban 2-3 days Budget to Moderate

Danakil Depression

One of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth, known for its volcanic activity, salt lakes, and colorful landscapes.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 days (extreme conditions require preparation) Expensive (due to logistical challenges)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Injera with Wat

Injera is a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, served with various stews (wats) like doro wat (chicken stew) and misir wat (lentil stew).

Main Dish Vegetarian options available, gluten-free (teff is naturally gluten-free).

Tibs

Sautéed meat, usually beef or lamb, cooked with spices and vegetables. Often served with injera.

Main Dish Contains meat, can be spicy.

Shiro

A thick stew made from chickpea flour, often spiced with berbere (a spice mix).

Main Dish Vegetarian, can be vegan.

Kolo

Roasted barley or chickpeas, often served as a snack or appetizer.

Snack Vegetarian, gluten-free (if made from chickpeas).

Popular Activities

Trekking in Simien Mountains Volcano hiking in Danakil Depression Coffee ceremonies Spa treatments in Addis Ababa Attending a traditional coffee ceremony Visiting historical churches Boat rides on Lake Tana Swimming in hot springs at Bishoftu

Best Time to Visit

October to March

This period offers pleasant weather with mild temperatures and is ideal for trekking and sightseeing. The rainy season has ended, making travel conditions better.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Amharic
Widely spoken: Oromo, Tigrinya, English (widely understood in cities)
English: Moderately spoken in cities, limited in rural areas

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

EAT (UTC+3)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Ethiopia is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious of strangers offering help

Getting there

By air

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • 8 km from city center

By train

Addis Ababa Railway Station

By bus

Addis Ababa Bus Terminal, Other regional terminals

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable. Useful for getting around cities and to nearby towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ride

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza Bole Mercato

Day trips

Debre Berhan

130 km from Addis Ababa • Full day

Known for its well-preserved medieval church and the nearby Lake Beseka, a salt lake with flamingos.

Debre Zeit (Bishoftu)

50 km from Addis Ababa • Half day to Full day

A resort town with several lakes and hot springs, perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Melka Kunture

50 km from Addis Ababa • Full day

An important archaeological site with prehistoric tools and fossils, including early human remains.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27 Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) • September 11

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Amharic to enhance your interactions with locals
Carry small denominations of Ethiopian Birr for markets and rural areas
Hire a local guide for historical and cultural sites to gain deeper insights
Try traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies for an authentic cultural experience
Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May, September) to avoid peak tourist crowds and heavy rains