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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
14 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING

  • UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
  • Trek in the Simien Mountains
  • Summit Ras Dashen (4,543 metres)
  • Ethiopia's old capital Gondar
  • Addis Ababa's Art Deco architecture

ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Hiking
Other: Religious and Spiritual Sites, Historical Sites, World Heritage Sites, national parks, Local Culture
$2075USD
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TRIP MAP
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Simien Mountain Trek

This adventurous trek takes you into the very heart of the highlands of Ethiopia, before travelling to Lalibela – one of the greatest historical religious sites in Christianity. The Simien Mountains dominate and divide the country into distinctly contrasting highland and lowland regions.
This adventurous trek takes you into the very heart of the highlands of Ethiopia, before traveling to Lalibela - one of the greatest historical religious sites in Christianity. The Simien Mountains dominate and divide the country into distinctly contrasting highland and lowland regions. With over 20 peaks towering to heights above 4000 metres, this massif can rightfully lay claim to be the 'Roof Of Africa', even though at 4620 metres its highest point, Ras Dashen, is only the fourth highest peak on the African continent. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and is characterised by gentle highland ridges that end abruptly with 1000 to 2000 metre drops down the ravine from the top of the escarpment. The precipitous cliffs and deep canyons provide a feast for the eyes and the natural lookout points enable us to enjoy views as far away as 100 kilometres over the lowland valleys. Our trekking experience on this trip is unusual in many ways. We are fully supported by a team that include guides, armed scouts, camp assistants and a cook, whilst mules and their handlers work as porters. Our trek takes place in a national park that provides a habitat for some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife. Whilst trekking it is not unusual to walk among troops of gelada baboons, see wyala ibexes on the rocky cliff face and hear or observe some of the country's many endemic birds. If we are very fortunate, we may even come across the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf. Combined with this is the chance of interacting with rural villages and gaining an insight into the daily lives of the villagers, as they struggle to survive in a harsh environment with few natural resources. As we follow the paths trodden on over the ages by the highland people we are often joined by young herdboys, as they tend to their cattle and sheep. Lalibela provides a fitting finale to our trip, as a place of both historical and archaeological significance along with a rich Christian heritage. Both within town and outside, there are numerous examples of ‘rock-hewn’ churches. Excavated out of rock from the inside out, they provide fascinating insights into the masonry skills of Ethiopians from a bygone era. The trek requires a good level of fitness as it involves traversing mountainous paths that climb to peaks before dropping again down to river valleys. The up and down nature of our walk commonly results in gains and losses of hundreds of metres in altitude each day. However this is a trekking adventure that leaves us with incredible memories of the outstanding beauty of Ethiopia and warmth of its people.

Important Information 

Ethiopia is a developing tourist destination and some facilities may not be up to certain expected standards. We are using the best hotels, but hot water, electricity and a wide choice of meals may not always be available. Please be aware that the roads can be very uneven, resulting in bumpy and dusty journeys. Please note that you are unaccompanied on the domestic flights, but will be accompanied by representatives to the airports and met by other representatives upon arrival at the other end. Please note there are no laundry services available whilst camping.

Safety Information for Ethiopia 

The safety and welfare of our customers is our top priority, and is always of paramount importance to us when we design and operate our trips. Preparation in advance of your trip, by both us and you, and some practical measures during the tour, helps ensure your adventure is memorable for all the right reasons. Below is how we work to make sure your adventure is a safe one, and some steps you can take as well. What we do Before travelling We monitor travel alerts provided by the Australian, UK, USA and Canadian governments to ensure we are always aware of the latest events in the countries we visit. Before a tour goes on sale we assess risks and decide how to reduce and manage these. If we determine a trip, a part of a trip or an activity is too risky we won’t do it. If we cannot address issues and improve conditions we may modify an itinerary, change accommodation or even decide not to travel to a certain location. Our overseas staff and tour leaders receive regular training to ensure they can address health and safety issues during trips. We provide you with emergency numbers before you travel. We provide you with comprehensive pre-departure information, including details about vaccinations you may need and other relevant health issues. We inform you about any special clothing or equipment you need to bring. We’re upfront about what to expect. We want you to be prepared to help ensure you make the right decision about which tour suits you best. Africa has ‘hot spots’: if there is anything relevant going on in the region you’re travelling to we post this information in our Travel Updates webpages or in our specific country information. During your trip Tour leaders are trained in first aid and always carry a first aid kit for emergencies. Our tour leaders are local, so if something does go wrong during the trip, they know the most efficient and effective way to get the necessary help. As well as our destination telephone number we provide you with, we also give you a 24-hour emergency number as a back-up. What you can do Read the information we send to you to help prepare before travelling and to ensure you pack all you need. We give you comprehensive information about what to expect, but we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have before or during your trip. Consult your local Foreign Office travel alerts. Rest assured we consult these daily and modify tours if necessary. Links are available here. Get some medical travel advice about the countries you are visiting, particularly about vaccinations and the type of travel first aid kit you should carry for your personal use. www.traveldoctor.com.au is a good place to start, with online factsheets and a list of clinic locations. Please tell us about medical conditions, special needs or dietary requirements so we can ensure the tour is suitable for you and can assist you appropriately during your trip. Have your vaccinations and take relevant medication in good time to ensure they take effect when travelling. Follow the directions given by our tour and trek leaders. They want to give you a memorable experience while ensuring your safety at the same time.

Visas and Permits 

Ethiopia 

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Ethiopia. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Tourist Visas may be granted for visits of up to one month, three months, or six months. The period of the visa begins on the date of issue, so please ensure the visa is valid from the date of issue until the final date of departure from Ethiopia. If you have visited Ethiopia in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
Day 1: Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note this is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. If you arrive early, an optional visit to the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum or Holy Trinity Church may be arranged. A brief pre-departure meeting is held at 6pm in the hotel.
Day 2: Gondar
This morning you are transferred to the airport for a flight to Gondar (it may go via Bahir Dar). On arrival in Gondar you are met and transferred to the Goha Hotel in Gondar, your hotel for tonight. Sensational views of Gondar can be seen from the outside terrace of your hotel. Here you will also receive your Trek Pack and you can leave any excess luggage for storage until after the trek. The Trek Pack includes a soft-sided kit bag for use for the duration of the trek and a high-quality down sleeping bag.Whilst in Gondar we will take an excursion to visit the Castles of Gondar and Fasilladas Bath. In 1632 Emporer Fasiladas made Gondar his capital and it remained Ethiopia’s capital for over 200 years. With its many castles and churches, Gondar is often referred to as Ethiopia's Camelot and has always been of major importance on the historical trading routes. We explore the Royal Enclosure – a 70,000 square metre compound containing palaces, banquet halls, a chancellery and library, stables, lion cages and even Turkish steam baths! The nearby Fasilada’s Bath is a large sunken pool that is still used for important religious festivals today such as Timkat, where priests bless the masses in a re-enactment of Christ's baptism in the River Jordan.
Meals included: 1 breakfast.
Day 3: Sankaber
Leaving Gondar we take a three-hour drive north to Debark, the base town for all excursions into the Simien Mountains. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park is an exotic place with unique wildlife and breathtaking views. This park combines endemic wildlife species, superb scenery and traditional village life. After registering into the park we drive the short distance to Buyit Ras and the official park gates. We enter the national park and begin our trek as we make aour way to our first campsite within the park - Sankaber. The path from Buyit Ras to the national park runs along the northern escarpment and covers approximately 6 kilometres (two to three hours). We will most certainly encounter troops of endemic gelada baboons in the mountains. These baboons, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the 'bleeding heart baboon' or the 'lion monkey'. Their shaggy coat gives them a lion-like appearance, whilst their chest has a marking similar to a red heart or patch. The gelada baboon does not have natural enemies and hence can be found in good numbers and are also quite easy to approach. The highly endangered Ethiopian wolf (currently numbering only about 40 members) is the baboon's only predator. Sankaber Camp is situated at an altitude of 3240 metres on an impressive spur between the northern escarpment and the Southern Wazla ravine.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 4: Geech
From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp stretches for approximately 10 kilometres (six to seven hours walking). The initial stages of this path lead through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. Along the way we enjoy impressive views of the escarpment with one of the best scenes being Jinbar Wenz Waterfall, which plummets down the Geech Abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River, a short ascent takes us up to Geech village. In this area cultivation is done in a two-year cycle, so one side of the valley is planted whilst the other lies fallow. There is noticeable extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of a combination of certain factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. Stopping in Geech village we are invited into one of the local houses for a coffee ceremony. Participating in this very important social tradition of Ethiopia gives us a good insight into one important social custom.Just above Geech village is a campsite which serves as our base for two nights. This site has great views of the mountains and is surrounded by giant lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 metres in height and may live for as long as 20 years, at which point they first flower before dying.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 5: Geech - Imet Gogo Viewpoint
Today is an acclimatisation day as we spend time at Geech campsite. We may join the guide on a morning walk from Geech to the viewpoint at Imet Gogo and the summits of Saha and Kedadit. On this walk we enjoy unforgettable views of the most impressive parts of the escarpment, as well as look out for various types of birds. The walia ibex can sometimes be seen on the slopes of the ravine, from vantage points near the peaks. The Imet Gogo summit (3926ms) is the best known observation point in the Simien Mountains, as it offers spectacular views in all directions. Kedadit summit (3760ms) and Saha summit (3785ms) also offer incredible views, with Saha offering a particularly good view of the deep gorge that leads down through the escarpment.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 6: Chenek
The trek from Geech to Chenek covers approximately 12 kilometres (six to seven hours), following a path along the escarpment edge. Just before arriving into Chenek we encounter the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4070 metres. This viewpoint is actually a gap in the precipitous cliff, which reveals impressive views of the steep mountain faces to the west and the lowlands areas on the left. The tightly clustered houses (tukuls) that form the village of Dihwara, tucked below a cliff, are also visible from this viewpoint. Chenek campsite is spectacularly located in a beautiful valley at the foot of Bwahit Peak. Strategically placed benches allows to rest and take in the expansive views back toward Imet Gogo, which is most striking at dawn and at dusk. A large troop of gelada baboons are commonly seen here and walia ibex are also often spotted on the rocky edges of the escarpment edges.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 7: Bwahit Pass - Ambiko
Today is the longest trekking day so far, taking up to about 10 hours. From Chenek at 3650 metres, the path to Ambiko campsite crosses over the Bwahit Pass. Leaving Chenek we are faced with a two-hour ascent to the top of the pass at 4200 metres, 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 Pass the path leads steeply down and across the Mesheha Valley. Here we notice an increase in temperature as we descend down to the Mesheha River at 2800 metres, before climbing slightly to reach Ambiko campsite at an altitude of 3100 metres.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 8: Ras Dashen Summit - Ambiko
Today is a summit day involving a trek of 16 kilometres (ten to eleven hours)! The path winds its way over eight kilometres and ascends up 1400 metres to Ras Dashen. It begins by climbing steeply through barley fields and fallow land before clearing the vegetation zone and reaching mountain steppe, at around 3700 metres. From there it flattens out, as it traverses ridges in the shadow of Ras Dashen. Just below Dashen Pass at around 4250 metres, an impressive moraine can be seen. A moraine consists of material transported by a glacier and before being deposited. This moraine was formed 20,000 to 14,000 years ago in the last Ice Age, when the Simien Mountain tops had small ice caps. The final stretch to the summit involves an exciting climb and scramble up and over large boulders, before reaching the summit. From the top of Ras Dashen at an altitude of 4543 metres, we are sure to be mesmerised by the far ranging views which spans more than 10,000 square kilometres. To the west the steep faces of peaks in the national park are visible, whilst the Tekeze Valley is visible to the north and the east. Returning from the summit we retrace our steps along the same path back to our camp at Ambiko. This campsite, situated on the banks of a stream and amidst a small village, is a project of the local church and donations for the facilities are gratefully accepted.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 9: Arkwasiye
From Ambiko the path takes us back down to the Mesheha River (2800 metres). Our destination tonight is Arkwasiye, which is situated at an altitude of 3600 metres and located on the northern reach of the Mesheha Wenz River. A great day to take in more incredible views of the Simien Mountains.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 10: Chenek
A final trekking day in the sensational Simien Mountains. From Arkwasiye we return back to Chenek camp to overnight. We complete a loop by following the path until we reach its junction with the earlier main path at Bwahit Pass. Here we descend down to Chenek or take a detour and enjoy a summit circuit of Bwahit (4430m). The trekkers who summit Bwahit will be rewarded with spectacular views. The area surrounding Chenek is one of the best to see the walia ibex, one of Ethiopia's endemic species. It is actually a mountain goat that lives on the steep slopes and grassy ledges of the escarpment. It is one of the most endangered mammals in the world.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Day 11: Gondar
This morning we drive along the dirt road that runs from Chenek to Sankaber, leave Simien Mountains National Park continue back to Debark (two to three hours). We stop at Debark to finalise all trekking formalities before continuing 120 kilometres back to Gondar, where we check into our hotel and enjoy a welcomed shower. The afternoon is at leisure to simply relax in the beautiful gardens of the hotel and absorb the view or head down into town for some optional sightseeing.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch.
Days 12-13: Lalibela
A 30 minute domestic flight takes us from Gondar to Lalibela, where we stay for two nights. Lalibela is one of the world's greatest historical and religious sites in the Christian world. Between 1137 and 1270, several astounding rock-hewn churches were constructed in Lalibela. Whilst these churches are definitely Ethiopia’s top attraction the town of Lalibela, which lies in the Lasta Mountains at a height of 2630 metres above sea level, is a very isolated place. Lalibela’s churches are astounding because most are not carved into the rocks, but actually freed entirely from them. Two afternoons are spent exploring the town churches. The Northern Group contains seven churches, a tomb, a chapel and a sunken chapel. At the centre of the group is Bet Medhane Alem, measuring 33.5 metres by 23.5 metres and said to be the largest rock-hewn church in the world. A tunnel connects three of the churches in a courtyard to the east, whilst another tunnel connects two other churches to the west of Bet Medhane Alem. However it is Bet Giyorgis, carved in the form of a Greek cross and lying slightly apart from the main northern cluster, that is the most famous and frequently photographed. This church is exceptionally well-preserved and is probably the most visually perfect. The Eastern group of five churches include the only hypogeous church, where only the roof remains attached to the overhead rock.On the morning of Day 13, we drive for 42 kilometres out of Lalibela to Yemrehanna Kristos - the most incredible church outside of Lalibela. According to local tradition the church was built by King Yemrehanna Kristos between 1087 and 1127, and it was built within a cave rather than excavated. It sits atop a foundation of olive wood panels and features whitewashed marble panel exteriors. It is one of the most incredible sights, but is rarely visited by tourists due to its remote location.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts.
Day 14: Addis Ababa
This morning is at leisure to walk through the cobbled streets of Lalibela. Alternatively an optional morning mule ride can take you to Ashetan Maryam Church, sitting atop a 3150 metre high mountain that overlooks Lalibela. An afternoon flight takes us back to Addis Ababa. Your tour ends on arrival at Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport in the afternoon. If departing from Ethiopia today, your flight out of Addis Ababa should not be booked to depart before 7.30pm. Additional post tour accommodation is also available in Addis Ababa (at additional cost).Meals included: 1 breakfast
TRIP INCLUDES
  • An experienced English-speaking local leader, services of a mule porterage team, cooks and camp staff, specialist Lalibela guide, arrival transfer, transport, accommodation, meals and entrance fees.
  • 13 breakfasts
  • 9 lunches
  • 8 dinners
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • International flights, 
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Meals unless specified in the itinerary
  • Insurance
  • Laundry
  • Any optional tours or activities during free time
  • Tips
  • Items of a personal nature.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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