Wildlife · Trekking
4-Day Simien Mountains Trekking & Wildlife
Gich, Imet Gogo, Chenek and a summit of Buwahit, with walia ibex and gelada along the way.
- Duration
- 4 Days
- Season
- September to June
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
3 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A fully supported camping trek through the heart of the Simien Mountains. Walk through the Kaba valley to Gich village, take in the vast view from Imet Gogo, camp at Chenek where walia ibex graze below the cliffs, and climb Buwahit (4,430 m) before returning to Gondar and Addis Ababa.
Places
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Fly to Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park – First Trek
Your journey begins with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar, the historic city of castles and one of Ethiopia’s most important royal capitals. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and begin the scenic drive toward Debark, the gateway and headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park. At Debark, complete the necessary park registration and permits before meeting your local mountain scout, who will accompany you throughout your trekking adventure. Continue deeper into the park, where dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs, deep valleys, and rugged peaks begin to unfold. Begin your first trek along the spectacular Simien escarpment, enjoying breathtaking views over the vast plains below and the dramatic mountain scenery surrounding you. This introductory hike offers a perfect introduction to the unique environment of the park and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes open for large troops of Gelada baboons, an endemic species found only in the Ethiopian Highlands. These fascinating primates are often seen grazing on the grassy slopes and moving across the cliffs in their natural habitat. As the sun sets over the mountains, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Simien wilderness and settle into your first night surrounded by Ethiopia’s spectacular highland scenery. Overnight: Camping in Simien Mountains National Park.
Day 2
Trekking Through the Kaba Valley and Gich Village
After breakfast, continue your trek deeper into the spectacular landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park, following the dramatic northern escarpment toward the beautiful Kaba Valley. The trail takes you across rugged ridgelines, highland plateaus, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the deep valleys below. One of the day’s highlights is reaching the Gich Abyss, where the Jinbar River dramatically plunges more than 500 meters into a vast canyon surrounded by towering cliffs. Take time to admire this incredible natural landscape and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch beside the river, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Ethiopian highlands. Continue the trek through fertile mountain landscapes, passing fields of barley and traditional farming areas on your way to the remote village of Gich. Here, experience the warm hospitality of the local community and take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, learning about one of Ethiopia’s most treasured cultural traditions. In the late afternoon, enjoy a short hike to Kedadit viewpoint, where you can watch the sun set over the dramatic Simien escarpment. The golden evening light across the mountains creates an unforgettable panoramic scene. Throughout the day, keep watch for impressive birdlife soaring above the cliffs, including the majestic Lammergeyer, or bearded vulture, and the endemic thick-billed raven. The combination of spectacular scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences makes this one of the most memorable days of the trek. Overnight: Camping near Gich.
Day 3
Imet Gogo Viewpoint and Trek to Chenek Camp
Today’s trek is the most scenic and rewarding day of the journey, taking you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Simien Mountains National Park. Begin the morning walking through vast fields of giant lobelia, a unique Afro-alpine plant that thrives in the high-altitude environment of the Simien Mountains. Continue toward Imet Gogo, at 3,926 meters, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Ethiopia. From this dramatic rocky outcrop, enjoy unforgettable 360-degree panoramic views across the surrounding highland plateaus, deep valleys, and endless mountain ranges. The viewpoint offers one of the finest perspectives of the rugged beauty that makes the Simien Mountains famous. The trail then continues along spectacular cliff edges and descends toward the Jinbahir River Valley, revealing a different perspective of the park’s ancient volcanic landscapes, deep gorges, and dramatic escarpments. Continue your trek upward to a summit reaching approximately 4,070 meters, where you will stop for a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by incredible mountain views. After lunch, descend gradually toward Chenek Camp, one of the most beautiful campsites in the Simien Mountains. Located among dramatic cliffs and open grasslands, Chenek is also one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing. In the late afternoon, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains. Keep your camera ready for the possibility of spotting the Walia ibex, Ethiopia’s iconic endemic mountain goat, which can often be seen moving along the cliffs and slopes near the camp. As the sun sets over the Simien escarpment, enjoy the clear mountain skies and the unforgettable feeling of being surrounded by one of Africa’s greatest wilderness landscapes. Overnight: Chenek Camp.
Day 4
Summit Buwahit Peak – Return to Gondar and Addis Ababa
Begin your final day with an early morning ascent of Buwahit Peak, at 4,430 meters, one of the highest mountains in Ethiopia and one of the most rewarding highlights of the Simien Mountains trek. The climb is challenging, but the effort is well worth it as you make your way through spectacular high-altitude landscapes toward the summit. Along the trail, enjoy opportunities to observe some of the unique wildlife of the Simien Mountains, including the endemic Walia ibex, rock hyraxes, and soaring birds of prey. With some luck, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Ethiopian wolf, one of the world’s most endangered carnivores. From the summit of Buwahit Peak, take in breathtaking panoramic views across the dramatic Simien escarpments, deep valleys, and rugged mountain ranges stretching into the distance. This unforgettable viewpoint provides a perfect conclusion to your trekking adventure. After descending from the peak, return to Chenek Camp for lunch and a final opportunity to enjoy the incredible mountain scenery. Afterwards, begin the drive out of Simien Mountains National Park, passing through beautiful highland landscapes and traditional villages on the way back to Gondar. Upon arrival in Gondar, transfer to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Addis Ababa. Arrive in time for your evening international connection or transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 3 nights of accommodation: Fully Supported Camping
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park fees, armed scout and local guides
- Camping equipment, cook and pack mules or porters
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 4-Day Simien Mountains Trekking & Wildlife yours
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Runs September to June · 1 to 12 guests · A quote made for your journey
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