Gondar , Ethiopia

Day trek to Simien Mountains

Active

(2 reviews)

6h - 8h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The chasmic valleys and towering peaks of Simien Mountains National Park are a beacon of wildlife conservation, sheltering rare species such as the Walia ibex and Simien fox. Though UNESCO-listed in 1978, the park remains off the beaten track, providing active sightseers an authentic glimpse of Ethiopia’s natural heritage.

Available options

Day trek to Simien Mountains

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Professional Guide

Scout fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will meet you in the morning at Gondar Airport or your hotel in Gondar. Drive from Gondar to Debark, which is the headquarter town for the national park. We will stop here to get a permission to enter to the park and meet the scout. We will have tea and coffee break and visit the local market if we have time. The local market is open every day, and every Wednesday and Saturday is the big market day. From Debark town, we will drive to the park gate, which is about 16km from the town. Then, we are heading about 10km to Sankaber camp, which is the first camping site in the national park. From Sankaber camp, we will trek for about 3 hours. You will trek along the edge with stunning views over the foothills 800m below. The trail passes most vegetated area in the park through a low bush of Giant Heather, Abyssinian Rose, Oliveria, and Globe Thistle. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons and see them up-close. You may also see Klipspringer, bushbuck, rock hyrax in the steep rocky and wooded slopes. Leopards live around here and you may have a chance to spot a leopard. The highlight of the trek is Jinba waterfalls, an incredible 500m sheer drop, the longest fall in Ethiopia. From the viewpoint opposite, you will see the different voltures such as Griffen Volture, Hooded Volture, Whitebacked Volture, Lappet-faced vulture and Lammergeyer along the cliff. Lammergeyer is one of the biggest bird prey in the world and feeds bone marrow. This area is the best place for lammergeyer to break the bone. This area is also good to see different small birds such as one of the Ethiopian endemic bird- Abyssinian Catbird. After the sightseeing, we get back to the main road (the place called Kavamesk) where the car stops to drive us to Gondar or Axum.

What's not included

Services which are not listed on the inclusion

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Gondar

Gondar, known as the 'Camelot of Africa,' is a historic city in Ethiopia renowned for its medieval castles and palaces. It served as the capital of the Ethiopian Empire in the 17th and 18th centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Fasiledes Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fasiledes Castle is a complex of buildings that served as the royal palace during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is known for its unique architectural style and historical significance.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (Entry fee around 250 ETB)

Debre Berhan Selassie Church

This beautifully painted church is famous for its intricate ceiling murals depicting angels and biblical scenes. It is one of the most iconic religious sites in Ethiopia.

Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (Entry fee around 100 ETB)

Qwara Mountains

The Qwara Mountains offer stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. The area is known for its unique rock formations and scenic views.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free to moderate (Guided tours available)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and garlic, typically served with injera.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and spicy ingredients.

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a plate and utensil in Ethiopian cuisine.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Vegan and gluten-free options available.

Tibs

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

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and may include spicy ingredients.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Qwara Mountains Trekking in Simien Mountains Boat tours on Lake Tana Visiting local spas Attending traditional coffee ceremonies Exploring historic sites Participating in the Timket festival Visiting the ancient monasteries on Lake Tana