ETHIOPIA's ULTIMATE
Hiking adventure

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Ethiopia, where transport will be arranged to collect you from the 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 city 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.

📏 13 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~850 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate

The trail from Sankaber to Geech Plateau is a classic section of the Simien Mountains, known for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and wildlife. Beginning at Sankaber camp, the path traverses rolling grasslands before dropping into a gorge crossed by a small river.

After the climb out, the route continues along sheer escarpments with sweeping views of jagged peaks and plunging cliffs. Troops of gelada monkeys are often seen grazing on the grassy slopes, while birds of prey circle overhead.

The final ascent leads onto the open Geech Plateau, where vast highlands stretch toward distant peaks such as Ras Dashen. The hike ends at Geech camp, a perfect base for exploring more of the Simien range.

📏 15 km ⏱️ 6–7 h ⬆️ ~700 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate

The circuit from 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 Circuit is a highlight of trekking in the Simien Mountains.

📏 13 km ⏱️ 5 h ⬆️ ~700 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.

📏 12 km ⏱️ 5 h ⬆️ ~500 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate

The trail to Metego Gorge begins from Sankaber Camp and follows the escarpment edge with sweeping views across the deep valleys of the Simien Mountains. The path passes through rolling grasslands and scattered giant lobelias, with the chance to spot gelada monkeys foraging in large groups.

As the gorge comes into view, the cliffs grow steeper and the scenery more dramatic. Sheer rock walls plunge hundreds of metres, while narrow ridges offer some of the most impressive outlooks in the park. The sounds of distant waterfalls echo through the canyon, especially after rain.

The return retraces the same path to Sankaber, with constant panoramas of cliffs and peaks. Compact yet dramatic, the Metego Gorge hike is one of the finest introductions to the landscapes of the Simien range.

📏 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!