4 Days Simien Mountain Trekking

Day 01: Gondar → Sankaber (3250 m) | 3–4 hrs

We will pick you up from Gondar Airport or your hotel and begin the drive along a well-paved road toward the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey takes about two hours. At the park office, we arrange entrance permits and meet your assigned scout.

Continue driving for about an hour to reach the trailhead where your introductory hike begins. This first walk is easy and follows the northern escarpment, offering impressive viewpoints over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. Gelada baboons are commonly seen along this stretch.

Arrive at Sankaber for dinner and overnight camping. Accommodation: Camping at Sankaber

Day 02: Sankaber → Gich (3600 m) | 5–6 hrs

Today’s trail follows the northern escarpment eastward before descending into the Kaba Valley. After a short climb, you reach the dramatic Gich Abyss and continue across a narrow ridge toward a cliff overlooking the vast Simien foothills. Nearby, you will witness the impressive Jinbar Waterfall plunging 500 m into the abyss—one of the most iconic sights of the Simiens.

Continue hiking for about two hours to reach the Jinbar River, where you will stop for lunch. Afterward, walk through barley fields toward the traditional highland village of Gich. Here you can enjoy a cultural coffee ceremony and learn about local farm life.

A short walk leads to Gich Camp, an excellent spot for observing lammergeiers and thick-billed ravens. Late in the afternoon, take a short hike to Kedadit for an unforgettable sunset over the escarpment before returning to camp for dinner. Accommodation: Camping at Gich

Day 03: Gich → Chennek (3600 m) | 7–8 hrs

Depart Gich Camp and walk through sweeping fields of Giant Lobelia before reaching the cliffs of Imet Gogo (3926 m). Spend time here soaking in the breathtaking 360° views deep valleys, rugged escarpments, and uniquely shaped volcanic domes.

Descend into the Jinbahir Valley for a completely different perspective of Imet Gogo and the dramatic volcanic landscape. The route then follows the sheer escarpment edge dropping vertically for hundreds of meters before climbing to a 4070 m viewpoint, where you stop for lunch.

After lunch, descend for about two hours along a steep trail to reach Chennek Camp. The area is known for exceptional wildlife viewing. In the late afternoon or early morning, you may spot the endemic Walia Ibex near the camp sometimes walking right up to the campsite. Accommodation: Camping at Chennek

Day 04: Chennek → Buwahit (4430 m) → Drive to Gondar | 5–6 hrs trek + 4 hrs drive

Begin a rewarding hike to the summit of Mount Buwahit (4430 m), the second-highest peak in the Simien Mountains. This area offers one of the best chances to encounter the Walia Ibex, Ethiopia’s iconic endemic mountain goat.

At the top, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including a clear glimpse of Mount Ras Dejen (4543 m), the highest peak in Ethiopia. After taking in the scenery, descend back to Chennek Camp where your vehicle will be waiting. From here, drive back to Gondar approximately 4 hours arriving in the late afternoon.