The phenomenal skyline of rugged peaks and jagged volcanic plugs which tower over the highland plateaus of the Simien Mountains, complete with wavy gorges and deep gullies, form what is, arguably, the most inspiring landscape in Africa. Simien Mountains National Park is one of the national parks of Ethiopia; located in the Simien (North) Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, its territory covers the Simien Mountains and includes Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia and fourth highest in Africa at 4543m.
As we trek through this distant mountain range we pass small hamlets where villagers eke out an existence from the limited arable land; come across large troops of Gelada baboons foraging on the edge of the escarpment; and, with a little luck, spot Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolves. Declared a World Heritage Site for its endemic flora and fauna, these mountains culminate at Ras Dashen. From here it's easy to see why the Simien Mountains have been called 'the chess pieces of the gods.' It is home to a number of endangered species, including the Ethiopian wolf and the walia ibex, a wild goat found nowhere else in the world. The gelada baboon and the caracal, a cat, also occur within the Simien Mountains. More than 50 species of birds inhabit the park, including the impressive bearded vulture, or lammergeyer, with its 10-foot (3m) wingspan. The park is crossed by an unpaved road which runs from Debarq, where the administrative headquarters of the park is located, east through a number of villages to the Buahit Pass, where the road turns south to end at Mekane Berhan, 10 kilometers beyond the park boundary.
As we trek through this distant mountain range we pass small hamlets where villagers eke out an existence from the limited arable land; come across large troops of Gelada baboons foraging on the edge of the escarpment; and, with a little luck, spot Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolves. Declared a World Heritage Site for its endemic flora and fauna, these mountains culminate at Ras Dashen. From here it's easy to see why the Simien Mountains have been called 'the chess pieces of the gods.' It is home to a number of endangered species, including the Ethiopian wolf and the walia ibex, a wild goat found nowhere else in the world. The gelada baboon and the caracal, a cat, also occur within the Simien Mountains. More than 50 species of birds inhabit the park, including the impressive bearded vulture, or lammergeyer, with its 10-foot (3m) wingspan. The park is crossed by an unpaved road which runs from Debarq, where the administrative headquarters of the park is located, east through a number of villages to the Buahit Pass, where the road turns south to end at Mekane Berhan, 10 kilometers beyond the park boundary.
ROUTE
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The trek to Ras Dashen can be a 4-7 day trek beginning either from the town of Buyit Ras (for a longer trek) or Chenek (for a shorter trek.) If beginning in Buyit Ras, on the first day you will have a 3-4 hour hike to Sankober, which passes close to the escarpment edge. Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. You will spend the night in Sankober. The following day, you will begin your trek into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) River runs. (This river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss. Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. After an early breakfast, you will depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m where you will have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metia, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is where the longer trek meets up with the shorter trek- in the town of Chenek, which is an excellent place to spot lammergaryers and the endemic walia ibex. From Chenek, you will continue up a valley to Bwahit Peak and continue on to a viewpoint offering vies of the Mesheha River Valley and your first glance of Ras Dashen. From here, the path descends, passes through the village of Chiro Leba, and finally leads to the Mesheha River. Across the river, you climb back up the valley to the village of Ambikwa, where you will spend the night camping. Starting early, you will continue up the valley to the village of Mizma, after which you will have a steep ascent to a ridge crest overlooking a large valley. The path then follows along the side of the valley, straight at Ras Dashen. You will eventually reach a point where you will see three distinct buttresses. The buttress on the left is the summit of Ras Dashen (4550m). A pile of rocks at the top of the buttress marks the summit. Afterwards, you will descend to Ambikwa for overnight and spend the following day descending to Chenek.
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What we include....
All of our expeditions include a full service crew, a personalised menu and private transfers
Professional Service CrewAll expeditions included a Camp Manager, professional guide, mountain chef, personal and general porters
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Personalised MenuGluten-free? Vegetarian? No problem- our chef will personalise the menu to ensure that you are energised!
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Private transfersNeed a safe ride to the gate? We offer safe and secure private transfers as required
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