The Simien Mountain National Park

Overview

Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Ethiopia, is famed for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys and unique wildlife such as the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf. Often called “Africa’s Grand Canyon” it offers breathtaking landscapes and world class trekking experiences.
Day 1: Fly Addis Ababa – Gondar | Explore the Camelot of Africa

Early morning pick-up from your preferred location and transfer to the domestic terminal for a flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, meet SET staff and transfer to your hotel. After check-in and breakfast, begin exploring Gondar, the “Camelot of Africa,” the 17th–18th century capital of Ethiopia, founded by Emperor Fasiladas.

Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) with its impressive castles and palaces, including the two-storied palace of Emperor Fasiladas, the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, the historic Fasiladas Bath, and the Qusquam Palace of Empress Mentewab, once visited by Scottish explorer James Bruce. Overnight at the hotel in Gondar.

Day 2: Drive Gondar – Simien Mountains (UNESCO) | Trek to Sankaber

After breakfast, drive to Simien Mountains National Park (approx. 100 km). Upon arrival at Debark, the park headquarters, meet your local guide and scout. Continue driving to the trailhead and begin a 2–3 hour trek to Sankaber. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its dramatic escarpments and endemic wildlife, including the Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex, and Ethiopian Wolf.
Overnight camping at Sankaber.

Day 3: Trek Sankaber – Geech

After breakfast, trek from Sankaber to Geech (5–6 hours). Enjoy spectacular highland scenery and excellent opportunities to observe Gelada Baboons along the way. Overnight camping at Geech.

Day 4: Trek Geech – Imet Gogo & Saha – Return to Geech

After a relaxed breakfast, trek to the panoramic viewpoints of Imet Gogo and Saha (5–6 hours). From these peaks, admire some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park. Trek back to Geech. Overnight camping at Geech.

Day 5: Trek Geech – Chenek via Kedadit

Early morning after breakfast, begin a full-day trek from Geech to Chenek (8–9 hours) via Kedadit. En route, observe the endemic Walia Ibex and marvel at the park’s breathtaking rock formations and deep valleys.
Overnight camping at Chenek.

Day 6: Trek Chenek – Bwahit Peak (Ras) | Drive to Gondar

Early morning trek from Chenek to Bwahit Peak (4,430 m), the second-highest peak in the park, offering incredible panoramic views and further chances to spot Walia Ibex. Trek back to Chenek, meet your vehicle, and drive to Gondar. En route, visit a Felasha (Ethiopian Jewish) village. Late afternoon arrival in Gondar.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Fly Gondar – Addis Ababa | Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Afternoon arrival and free time. In the evening, enjoy a farewell cultural dinner at a traditional restaurant with live ethnic music and dance, followed by transfer to the airport for your international departure.