Trekking in Ethiopia’s Semien Mountains (8 Days)

The Simien Mountains are part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They are a World Heritage Site and include the Simien Mountains, National Park. The mountains consist of plateaus separated by valleys and rising to pinnacles. The highest Ethiopian mountain is Ras Dejen at 4,550 m with the second highest peak of Kidis Yared at 4,453m.

Day 1 ADDIS ABEBA

The itinerary intends for those who don’t have time for Ras Dashen, to take advantage of the second peak of the park. This trip doesn`t mean that everyone can do it but as mentioned above, it needs a good level of physical fitness to accomplish or to get into the Bwahit Ras 4440m asl ( second peak of the park). Agent of Omo Valley OriginTours welcomes you on your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, city tour of Addis Ababa. Overnight in a sapphire hotel.

Day 2 GONDER -SANKABER

After breakfast transfer to the airport to fly to Gondar, established by king Fasiladas in 1636. The town was the capital of Ethiopia 17thc. Upon arrival at Gondar Airport, departure for Debark town (100 Kms from Gondar), where the headquarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to Sankabar (31 Kms) the first campsite of the National Park. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. O/n Camping at Sankabar. – (3200 m).

Day 3 SANKABERS-GEECH-CAMPSITE

This day is the day that we arrange all the trekking staff including mules and Muleteers for packing and transporting camping gear and all foodstuffs for the trek. It is this day that we start trekking in the national park. We walk from Sankaber to Geech, which will take between 5 – 6 hours. After about 1 and half hours walk we see the Jinnbar River and falls, we will cross the river later in the day. After crossing the river, we ascend for about two hours to Geech, which is full of Giant Lobelias. The scenery is wonderful, and heard of the endemic Gelada Baboon can be seen on our way. O/n Camping at Geech Campsite (3600m).

Day 4 GEECH-IMETGOGO

This day we will be waking to the best viewpoints in the National park. First, we walk to Imetgogo, the view here enables one to look 360 in all directions this is one of the best views in the national park. After a short stay here continues to walk to Seha, the other terrific viewpoint in the National park. We will have our picnic lunch and we continue to the last viewpoint, Quedadit. After some stay, we walk back to the Geech campsite. The walk this day is not hard; it takes about 4 – 5 hours. It is the day that we will be walking in the best part of the national park. If we are lucky we might have the chance to see mammals like the Simien wolf, Walia Ibex, and Klipspringers. O/n Camping at Geech Campsite – (3600m).

Day 5 CHENEK

We trek to Chenek, we will be walking through the Giant lobelia trees and under these trees, and African field Rats are common. After picnic lunch we walk on the edge of Elate escarpments (4000m. above sea level), which is another breathtaking view in the national park; finally, we descend to Chenek. Chenek is the best place to see the endemic Walia Ibex and more Gelada Baboon. It takes a 6-7 hours’ walk. O/n Camping at Chenek. – (3600m).

Day 6 CHENEK

This morning after breakfast we start trek to the second peak in the national Park called Bwahit Ras, It takes about a two-hour ascent to the top of the pass at 4200 meters, where we enjoy views that open up to the east over Mesheha Valley to the Dashen mountain range. Looking back we find ourselves under the cover of the impressive rock formations of Imet Gogo. From Bwahit Ras the path leads steeply down and across the Mesheha Valley.

Day 7 CHENEK

The vehicle can reach the campsite of Chenek, so they will drive directly from Chenek campsite via Debark to Gondar. Drive from Chenek to Gonder with stops in some picturesque points. Overnight Goha Hotel.

Day 8 GONDER-ADDIS ABEBA

In the morning after breakfast fly from Gondar to Addis Ababa then check in to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel of your choice.