Simien Mountains – Ethiopia

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Ethiopia, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Gondar Airport. It’s well connected to the country’s capital, Addis Ababa, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. We will start our journey to the mountains mid-afternoon so we ask you to arrive before then. If you arrive earlier you can store your luggage in the town centre and use the time to explore Gondar. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey. 

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Debark, not far from the entrance to the Simien National Park. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map :  12 km  5–6 h  ~500 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

This classic day hike from Sankaber is one of the best introductions to the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains, combining sweeping escarpment views, deep gorges, and the famous Jinbar Waterfall.

Starting from Sankaber Camp, the trail follows the edge of the escarpment with vast panoramas opening toward the lowlands below. Troops of gelada monkeys are often seen grazing on the grassy slopes, their calls echoing through the cliffs. The route continues to the Jinbar River, where a short detour leads to the viewpoint over the waterfall plunging hundreds of metres into the gorge.

From here, the path drops into the Metego Gorge, passing small streams and patches of forest before looping back toward Sankaber. The return climb offers fresh perspectives of the cliffs and valleys, with light and shadow constantly shifting across the landscape. It’s a varied, scenic hike that captures the wild beauty and grandeur of the Simien Mountains in a single day.

Click for Route Map :  15 km  6–7 h  ~700 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

The hike from near Geech Camp to Imet Gogo is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the Simien Mountains. The trail climbs gradually across the open Geech Plateau, with endless views of high grasslands dotted with giant lobelias.

Reaching the cliffs of Imet Gogo, the panorama is extraordinary: a jagged skyline of volcanic spires, sheer escarpments dropping a thousand metres, and distant views stretching across the Ethiopian highlands. This is one of the finest viewpoints in all of Africa.

The route continues along the rim, passing dramatic rock formations at viewpoints such as Innatye and Siha Gorge, before looping back to Geech Camp. With its mix of high plateau, sheer cliffs, and sweeping vistas, the Imet Gogo trail is a highlight of trekking in the Simien Mountains.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  5 h  ~900 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

Starting from Chennek Camp, the trail climbs steadily on rocky paths toward the high ridges of Ras Bwahit (4,437 m), Ethiopia’s third-highest peak. The ascent offers constant views of the dramatic Simien escarpments, with deep valleys dropping away to the lowlands far below.

Wildlife is a frequent companion on this hike — gelada monkeys graze on the slopes, while lammergeiers and other birds of prey soar on thermals above the cliffs. As the route gains height, the volcanic skyline of the Simien range unfolds in all directions.

The viewpoint near the summit provides one of the most spectacular outlooks in Ethiopia, with Ras Dashen rising directly across the gorge. The descent returns to Chennek Camp along the same route, completing a rewarding half-day hike in the high mountains.

A free day in Debark is a chance to slow down and get a feel for life in Ethiopia’s highlands. You might start by wandering through the town’s busy market, where farmers and herders bring in grain, vegetables, and livestock from surrounding villages, creating a colourful scene of trade and chatter. Spend time in one of the small cafés sampling traditional Ethiopian coffee, roasted and brewed to order, or try injera with local stews in a family-run restaurant. Outside town, short drives lead to rural villages where you can see terraced fields, traditional tukul houses, and meet friendly locals going about their daily work. For a cultural insight, visits can be arranged to community projects or schools, while those wanting to simply rest can enjoy the slower pace of town life and watch the highland light change over the surrounding escarpments. stunning destinations. Another option is to visit Gondar and it’s stunning fortress.

Click for Route Map :  13 km  5–6 h  ~700 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate 

One of the most rewarding sections of the Simien Mountains trekking route, the trail from Sankaber to Geech Camp offers dramatic escarpment views, highland villages, and the famous Jinbar Waterfall along the way.

From Sankaber, the path follows the escarpment edge, with sweeping vistas over the rugged valleys below. It descends to the Jinbar River, where you can detour to a viewpoint overlooking the waterfall cascading into the gorge. After crossing the river, the trail climbs steeply through terraced fields and open grassland, passing shepherd huts and small hamlets that offer glimpses of local life in the highlands.

As you gain altitude, the scenery opens to vast plateaus dotted with giant lobelias, with gelada monkeys often grazing nearby. The final stretch to Geech Camp is gentler, leading across rolling meadows with wide views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a beautiful, full day of hiking that captures both the natural drama and quiet rhythms of life in the Simiens.

Click for Route Map  10 km  4–5 h  ~400 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The trail to Arkwasiye offers a blend of dramatic scenery and cultural encounters in the Simien Mountains. Starting from Sankaber, the path follows rolling escarpments with wide views over cliffs and valleys before turning toward the highland farmlands.

As the route approaches Arkwasiye, the landscape shifts from wild grasslands to terraced fields where barley and potatoes are grown. The village itself is a cluster of traditional stone and thatch houses set against the backdrop of the mountains. Encounters with local shepherds and children along the way add a glimpse of daily life at altitude.

The return follows the same route back to Sankaber, with changing perspectives of the escarpment and valleys. This hike combines the natural drama of the Simiens with the chance to experience village life in one of Ethiopia’s most remote highland communities.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of the Simean Mountains, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you to Gondar airport. It’s recommended not to book a flight before 2pm on the final day to give us time to get you back to the airport.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Debark behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable adventures in one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!