Simien Mountain Trekking,4 days

Depart early in the morning from Gondar (7am at the latest), driving to Sankober. We wilgl stop along the way to handle park fees, etc. If you like, we can drop you in or around Buyit Ras for 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. In Sankober, you will be met with your supplies. Overnight camping in Sankober.

From Sankober, depart 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. Total trekking time: 4-5 hours

After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll 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 also a good place for spotting lammergeiers. Overnight camping in Chenek. Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours

From Chenek, continue east up a valley to Bwahit Peak, overlooking the camp from where you just came. After the visit, return to Gondar for overnight.

Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober, stopping in Debark to handle National Park fees, etc. You will start your trek around Buyit Ras for 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. In Sankober, you will be met with your supplies. Overnight camping in Sankober.

From Sankober, depart 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. Total trekking time: 4-5 hours

After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll 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 also a good place for spotting lammergeiers. Overnight camping in Chenek. Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours

From Chenek, continue east up a valley to Mt. Bwahit, overlooking the camp from where you just came. After crossing the Bwahit Pass, you come to a viewpoint offering wonderful views of the Mesheha River Valley as well your first glimpse 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. Overnight camping in Ambikwa. Total trekking time: 6-8 hours

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. A pile of rocks at the top of the buttress marks the summit. After your successful arrival at the highest point in Ethiopia, you return to Ambikwa for overnight. Total trekking time: 8-10 hours

Today you return back to Chenek for overnight camping. Total trekking time: 6-8 hours

You will be transported out of the park, returning to Gondar.

Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Air port
Meet and greet Inside Ethiopia Tours representative at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, and transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay in Hilton Hotel.

City tour in Addis Ababa
After having breakfast you exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. Then continue to visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. After lunch, you will take time in Holy Trinity Cathedral. And then you will visit Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa. Overnight stay in Hilton hotel

Flight to Gondar and City Tour in Gondar
Today an early morning short flight takes you to Gondar. Upon arrival you will visit Gondar’s most famous site, the Fasil Ghebbi or Royal Enclosure.Depending on the time we visit the Quskuam church and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity), which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescos. Overnight stay in Taye Belay/Goha hotel.

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober. You will stop along the way to get permission, handle park fees, local guides, scouts & etc. You will begin a short 3-4 hour hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober, which will allow you to acclimatize to the altitude. Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. In Sankaber, we will meet you with your supplies. Overnight stay camping at Sankaber.

Trek to Geech
In the morning, you will have breakfast and start trekking to Geech through the Wazla (or Koba) River. Overnight stay camping at Geech.

Trek to Chenek
Right after breakfast, an early morning trek will take you to the peak of Imet Gogo (3,926 meter above sea level). From here you descend into Chenek through an open, grassy valley filled with 3 and 4 meter tall Giant Lobelias. Overnight stay camping at Geech.

Trek to Ambikwa
After breakfast, you will trek to Ambikwa at the foot of Ras Dashen. Here you will get your first glimpse of Ras Dashen Mountain. Overnight stay camping at Ambikwa.

Day trip trek to the peak of Ras Dashen
Right after breakfast, an early morning trekking will take you to the summit of Ras Dashen (4,620 meter above sea level) through the valley to the village of Mizma, after which you will have a steep ascent to a ridge crest overlooking a large valley. Then after descent back to Ambikwa for overnight stay. Overnight stay camping at Ambikwa.

Trek back to Chenek
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will trek back to Chenek, where the vehicle waits you to drive back to Gondar the next day. Overnight stay camping at Chenek.

Drive back to Gondar.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Gondar. Overnight stay in Goha or Taye Belay hotel.

Flight back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast you flight back to Addis Ababa this morning. The afternoon is free for last minute shopping or resting before meeting with the group again for our farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurant with traditional dance.