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.

Distance – 14km, Elevation – 600m, Time – 6 Hours

This trail begins at Sankaber, about an hour’s drive from Debark, and offers a perfect introduction to the drama of the Simien Mountains. The path follows the edge of the escarpment, with constant panoramas over plunging cliffs and distant lowlands. A highlight is the detour to Jinbar Waterfall, where a roaring cascade drops nearly 500 metres into a shadowy gorge. Continuing on, the landscape softens into the high grasslands of the Geech Plateau, dotted with giant lobelia and alive with troops of gelada baboons. It is a steady, moderately challenging day, and the contrast between the cliffs, the waterfall, and the open plateau makes it one of the most diverse hikes in the park.

Distance – 12km, Elevation – 500m, Time – 5 Hours

From the Geech Plateau, a circular trail leads to the extraordinary viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3,926 m), often described as the most beautiful spot in the Simien Mountains. The hike winds across high grasslands and rocky ridges before reaching the dramatic outcrop of Imet Gogo, where cliffs plunge away on all sides and a maze of jagged peaks stretches into the horizon. Geladas graze on the grassy edges and lammergeiers soar overhead, adding to the wild atmosphere. Though not technically difficult, the high altitude and exposure make this feel like a true mountain adventure. It is a compact but unforgettable day, combining sweeping views with the best chance to appreciate the vast scale of the Simien escarpment.

Distance – 13km, Elevation – 700m, Time – 6 Hours

Starting from Chennek camp, about a 1.5-hour drive from Debark, this hike climbs toward the lofty ridges of Ras Bwahit (4,430 m), Ethiopia’s second-highest peak. The trail zigzags through alpine meadows and rocky outcrops where Walia ibex are sometimes seen perched on impossible cliffs. As you gain height, the landscape becomes increasingly stark and otherworldly, with immense drop-offs to the valleys far below. The final ridge walk to the Bwahit viewpoint is exhilarating, with endless vistas of the Simien highlands and, on clear days, glimpses of Ras Dashen, the country’s highest summit. It is a demanding but spectacular day, perfect for those seeking a true high-altitude challenge.

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.

Distance – 10km, Elevation – 400m, Time – 5 Hours

This shorter but striking hike begins at Sankaber and follows the escarpment southwards, offering one dramatic cliff-edge panorama after another. The highlight is reaching Metego Gorge, a vast chasm carved into the plateau, where vertical walls drop away into a labyrinth of shadow and light. Along the way, the grassy slopes attract large groups of gelada baboons, and birdlife is rich, with raptors circling on the thermals above the cliffs. The hike is less strenuous than the longer ascents to Geech or Bwahit, making it a good option for acclimatisation, but the scenery is every bit as impressive. It is an ideal choice if you want a half-day adventure that still captures the essence of the Simien Mountains.

Distance – 7.2km, Elevation – 196m, Time – 3,5 Hours

For those wanting a mix of wild highland landscapes and cultural encounters, this circuit from the Bwahit Plateau into Arkwasiye village is a rewarding choice. The trail begins high on the escarpment, with sweeping mountain views, before descending gradually into the cultivated terraces of the valley. Here you’ll pass stone houses, barley fields, and farmers working with traditional tools, offering a glimpse into daily life in the Ethiopian highlands. After a relaxed break in the village, the trail climbs back to the plateau, where the vast horizons of the Simien range unfold once again. It is a demanding but varied hike, blending natural drama with human presence in one of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes.

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!