Gondar , Ethiopia

Day Trip Simien Mountains National Park

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About this experience

Begin your full-day Ethiopian trekking adventure from the old, once-capital city of Gondar. Get picked up from your hotel and drive two hours to Debark, the entrance of Simien Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, get all the formalities and permits figured and meet your guide and the national park scouts who will assist you throughout the day.

Then, drive 13 miles to the first area of the park and the starting point of your hike. Begin trekking on a three-hour trail all the way up to Michibi, where you will see the endemic gelada baboon and many varieties of plants and birds. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Simien Mountains from above. End the wonderful day with drop-off to your hotel in Gondar.

Available options

Day Trip Simien Mountains National Park

Pickup included

What's included

Government tax

Bottled water

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Scout/Park Ranger

Airport/Departure Tax

Guide

National Park 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. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons and see them up-close. Jinba waterfalls, an incredible 500m sheer drop, the longest fall in Ethiopia. we get back to the main road Kavamesk) where the car stops to drive us to Gondar

The 20-minute walk from the roadside to the lookout across the chasm to Jinbar Waterfall is well worth taking. The views are vertiginous and they're at their best in the rainy season when water cascades down a sheer cliff across the other side of the valley.
Sankaber is the first campsite on most Simien treks, and is a wonderful introduction to the park. The drive from Debark (the entrance town to the Simien Mountains) concludes at Buit Ras near the Simien Lodge. From here, you will begin the trek to Sankaber camp. The route from Buit Ras to Sankaber is relatively mild and works well as an acclimatization hike, although there are some steeper ascents as you are climbing to around 3200 metres.

Sankaber is surrounded by Giant Heath trees (Erica Arboreal) and escarpment edges. The camp is situated on the escarpment edge and has stunning views. Gelada Monkeys often play on the grounds here, and there are a few great viewpoints around the camp that you can explore as you get acclimatised.

What's not included

Personal interest

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

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

Meeting point

We will pick you up at central hotel ,central hotel is located in front of commercial bank and the opposite side of red cross pharmcy or meskel square
We will pick you up at Gondar airport at the gate of passenger exit and we will show your name on written paper.

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