We have an early start this morning as we fly from Addis to Gondar, in northern Ethiopia. On arrival we will meet our driver and depart for the Simien Mountains. Every journey of this Ethiopia tour into this mountainous wilderness is a photogenic wonder! The spectacular highlands of the Simien Mountains National Park offer a haven for endemic and endangered species. here are without a doubt the magnificent Waalia Ibex and incredible Gelada Baboon. These verdant moorlands encompass the largest single area of Afro-alpine habitat in the world, forming “an island of mountains in a sea of lowlands”. Here, you’ll meet with your trek leader, who’ll talk you through all aspects of your upcoming adventure through the mountains. Your first destination is Sankaber camp. After driving into the park, the last 2-3 hours or so will be an acclimatization hike, but you’re more than welcome to hike the entire distance if you want to get stuck in. You’ll ascend over 3000 metres above sea level, surrounded by jagged peaks and Gelada Baboons. Once you arrive at Sankaber, you’ll be welcomed with drinks and a delicious dinner at the campsite.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Camoing at Sanqa ber,

Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included

The first day of hiking starts with a nourishing breakfast before you head out to the trail along the ridge. There’s a wonderful vantage point which offers some incredible views over the foothills some 800 metres below. The mountains are known worldwide for their biodiversity and your guide will point out all point out flora and fauna of note. Along the trail, Gelada Baboons, Klipspringer and Walia Ibex make regular appearances and birds soar on the thermals below. A highlight of today’s trek is Genbar Falls, a waterfall over a sobering 500m sheer drop, which you’ll see from the opposite side of the ridge. After a break for lunch, you’ll carry on towards Geech, a remote traditional village with thatched roofs. Geech camp is a great spot to watch the sun go down over the range and you’ll often see troops of Gelada baboons climbing down the precipitous slopes to their sleeping quarters in caves in cliffs below.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Camping at Gech,

Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included

Today you’ll head to Imet Gogo, a headland at the edge of a ridge that stands close to 4000 metres with unbelievable 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. You can see west, back towards Sankaber and Geech, and south east along a large Gorge towards tomorrow’s destination, Inyate. Next take the trail through Giant Erica woodlands before before emerging on the moorland at Inatye, the second highest peak in the western part of the park. Tonight you’ll spend the evening at Chenek camp which is often the best spot to see both Ethiopian wolves and Walia Ibex.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Camping,

Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included

Mount Buahit is Ethiopia’s third highest peak, standing at an impressive 4430 metre. Your route to Mount Buahit follows footpaths off the road alongside a stream that trickles down the hill. This is quite a steep walk, but you can take regular breaks at great view points en route. This is your best chance to see Walia Ibex. At the summit, you’re rewarded with phenomenal views across the entire Simiens range. Head back down the trail from Buahit which drops down out of the park and into farmland. Pass through the new settlement of Tiru Leba and stop here for a (well deserved) soft drink or beer. The trail continues down to a small stream at the bottom (which can become unsurpassable in the height of the rainy season), before heading up the rail on the eastern side of the village of Ambiko where a simple campsite awaits. (psst, the local committee sell beers for around $2 a pop, well worth a little splurge…)

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Camping,

Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included

Today is undoubtedly a highlight of the tour as you summit Ethiopia’s tallest mountain: Ras Dashen. Start early and take it slow, admiring the views along the way. By late morning, you’ll arrive at the moorland top where the dirt road disappears and gives way to remote villages as your trail turns north east and snakes up the final peak. In true explorer fashion, reaching the summit requires a couple of hand holds and maneuvers (nothing too challenging) as you scramble to the top. Now relax and enjoy the unbelievable view from 4533 meters up… When you can finally tear yourself away from the view, head north east and make for the village of Menteber, where a camp awaits.

Main Destination:

After a short excursion or a relaxed morning simply enjoying the views, we will return to Gondar. This, the “Camelot of Ethiopia”, is a city noted for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches. Between 1632 and 1855 Gondar served as Ethiopia’s capital city and it remains one of the country’s richest areas in terms of culture, history and natural beauty, with plenty of both Islamic and Christian influence in the cities’ architecture. Built at around 2,500 meters above sea level, Gondar commands spectacular views over surrounding farmlands and on a clear day, even to the gleaming waters of Lake Tana 35 kilo meters to the south. We will spend the first portion of the afternoon exploring the Castle Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage site) with its impressive buildings. The oldest and most impressive structure is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. Some of the other royal buildings visited on this tour include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa and the palace of this king’s wife. Thereafter, we take some time to view the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, an imposing structure with its harmony of brightly colored ceilings completely covered with intricately painted angels, before ending off at the tranquil royal bath (more of swimming pool really!) of King Fasilidas.

Main Destination: Gondar

Accommodation: Gondar Plaza Hotel,

Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included

After breakfast we will transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa, where this incredible journey in the land of Abyssinia unfortunately comes to an end. Depend on your arrival; you will have a short time shopping in a Grand Market called Merkato. After a fare well dinner party in a traditional restaurant & folklore house, you will be transferred to the Airport. End of the tour!!

Main Destination: Addis Ababa

Accommodation: -,

Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included