5-Day Simien Mountains Safari/Trek Northern Ethiopia

A 5-Day Simien Mountains Safari/Trek in northern Ethiopia offers a profound mix of wildlife and dramatic alpine landscapes. The classic route typically begins in Gondar, heads into Simien Mountains National Park, and gives you the chance to spot rare, endemic species like gelada monkeys and Ethiopian wolves.

The Simien Mountains are among the most beautiful places in Ethiopia. Its unique diversity is reflected in the vast array of plants and wildlife, the magnificent views and extraordinary topography, and may be appreciated by rugged hikers and afternoon strollers alike. Add a couple of nights at the lovely Limalimo Lodge at either end and this 3-day Simien Mountains Safari becomes a wonderful 5-day experience.

5-Day Simien Mountains Safari Highlights

  • Discover Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia’s most important wilderness destination.
  • Camp in the mountains and observe some of the more isolated (and beautiful) vistas in the park.
  • See some of Ethiopia’s most charismatic native animals such as the Gelada Monkeys, the Ethiopian Wolf and Walia Ibex.
  • We can provide all camping equipment but recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag and extra garments for the cold mountain nights.
  • For those with a bit time to spare we recommend adding an amazing night or two at Limalimo Lodge.

A Detailed 5-Day Simien Mountains Safari/Trek

Day 1 – Addis to Gondar

On arrival in Addis Ababa you will connect with a domestic flight to Gondar where your guide will greet you at the airport. Enjoy a day of discovery in this historic town.

First visit is Debre Berhan Selassie Church, whose hefty, unpretentious stone façade conceals the vivid frescoes inside. Next you will visit the well preserved Fasil Gebbi in Gondar, which has been called the ‘Camelot of Africa’. The area, currently called the Royal Enclosure, was established in 1636 by Emperor Fasilides to be his palace. Subsequent emperors and monarchs continued to expand the area. Now the buildings cover an area of more than 70,000 square metres, and include of palaces, libraries, two lion homes, royal baths and a women’s vocational school erected by Mentewab, the Empress of Ethiopia.

Within the enclosure, several architectural styles and influences compete for space. The influences include Portuguese, Indian, Moorish and Aksumite.

Overnight: Goha Hotel or similar

Day 2 – Introducing, the Simien Mountains National Park

Drive from Gondar to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park. Time for serious hiking begins with breakfast before you set off on the trek along the ridge. There’s a great viewpoint with amazing views over the foothills ~800m below. The mountains are world famous for their biodiversity and your guide will point out all point out plants and fauna of significance. On the trek Gelada Monkeys, Klipspringer and Walia Ibex are common sights and birds soar on the thermals below as you gaze out at the scenery.

The centrepiece of today’s journey is Genbar Falls, a waterfall that tumbles over a frightening 500m steep cliff. They tumble into the Geech Abyss, a great canyon carved in the main rock of the escarpment. After a lunch break, you’ll continue towards Geech, an isolated rural village with thatched roofs. Geech camp is an excellent place to watch the sun go down over the range and you may often see battalions of Gelada Monkeys scaling down the precipitous slopes to their resting quarters in caves in the cliffs below.

Route: Debark to Geech (3,600m)
Overnight: camping at Geech

Day 3 – Imet Gogo (3,925m)

Today you will travel to Imet Gogo, a headland on the edge of the ridge standing close to 4000 metres altitude with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. Looking west you can see Sankaber and Geech. To the south-east is a great valley down which lies tomorrow’s objective at Inyate. Walk through Giant Erica forests to the moorland top at Inatye, the second highest peak in the west of the park. Drop down to the Chenek camp via a route with some great views of the plains below. Overnight Chenek camp, the ideal place to watch Ethiopian Wolves and Walia Ibex.

Length of hike: 5-6 hours/13km
Overnight: Chennek Camp

Day 4 – Mount Buahit and Limalimo Lodge

Mount Buahit is the third highest peak in Ethiopia, reaching a remarkable 4430 metre. Your way to Mount Buahit is via trails off the road by a brook that trickles down the slope. It is quite a steep walk but you may take regular stops at fantastic observation locations on the way. This is your best shot to view Walia Ibex.

A night at the beautiful Limalimo Lodge is a must on any visit to the Simien Mountains.

Overnight: Limalimo Lodge

Day 5 – Gondar to Addis

Spend the morning lazing around the lodge and enjoying the last of the amazing views. Early lunch and transfer to Gondar airport for flight return to Addis. On the other side your guide will greet you and take you for a farewell meal, before transferring you back to Addis airport for your international journey home.

End of the 5-Day Simien Mountains Safari/Trek Northern Ethiopia