Simien Mountain Tours – 12 Days
Tour Overview:
This comprehensive 13-day tour combines exhilarating trekking in Ethiopia’s spectacular Simien Mountains National Park with cultural and historical explorations of Gondar, Axum, and Addis Ababa. Encounter stunning landscapes, endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and Walia ibex, and Ethiopia’s rich ancient heritage, including castles, churches, and archaeological wonders. The tour offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and culture for the passionate traveler.
Tour Highlights:
-
Trekking through the dramatic Simien Mountains with breathtaking views and wildlife spotting
-
Visiting Gondar’s 17th-century castles and churches
-
Exploring Axum’s ancient stelae fields, royal tombs, and the Church of St. Mary of Tsion
-
Discovering Addis Ababa’s cultural treasures including museums, historic churches, and Merkato market
-
Experiencing traditional Ethiopian hospitality with cultural dinners and live music
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by a Wisdom representative. Transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Fly to Gondar & City Tour
Fly to Gondar. Visit the 17th-century castles and churches, including the Royal Enclosure and Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Debark & Trekking Begins
Morning drive to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. Begin trekking through cultivated lands for about 3 to 4 hours. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Trek to Geech
Trek 6 to 7 hours through meadows, forests, and cultivated areas. Encounter your first troop of Gelada baboons near Sankaber and visit the escarpment edge to spot the rare Walia Ibex. Geech camp offers toilet facilities and a nearby waterfall for washing. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Trek to Chenek
Trek 5 to 6 hours passing Kibran Metia viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the lowlands and escarpments. Chenek camp is known as the best spot in the park for wildlife observation, including Lammergeyer vultures. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Trek to Ambikwa
A long 9 to 10 hour trek southeast of Chenek leads to Ambikwa camp with excellent viewpoints on the eastern escarpment. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Trek to Ras Dashen & Return to Maje
Trek 9 to 10 hours from Ambikwa to Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak, then descend to Maje camp. A nearby stream provides fresh water. Overnight camping.
Day 8 & 9: Trek from Arkwasiye to Ansiya Riverside via Sona
Spend two days trekking through spectacular terrain. Day 8: 7 to 8 hours trek to Sona, meeting with fellow trekkers, continuing to Ansiya Riverside on Day 9. Overnight camping both nights.
Day 10: Trek to Hawaza
Trek 7 to 8 hours to Hawaza camp, a scenic resting spot. Overnight camping.
Day 11: Trek to Adi Arkay & Drive to Axum
Trek 3 to 4 hours to Adi Arkay. After a break, drive to Axum, the ancient capital and cradle of Ethiopian civilization. Visit the famous Axumite stelae fields, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins, King Kaleb’s tomb, and the Church of St. Mary of Tsion, which houses the legendary Ark of the Covenant. Overnight at hotel in Axum.
Day 12: Fly Back to Addis Ababa & Cultural Dinner
Transfer to Axum airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner accompanied by live cultural music and dance. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Addis Ababa Sightseeing & Departure
Explore Addis Ababa: Visit Trinity Cathedral (baroque architecture), National Museum (home of Lucy fossil), Ethnological Museum (tribal culture and history), St. George Cathedral, and Mount Entoto panoramic viewpoint. Explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Evening transfer to Bole International Airport for your flight home.
Includes:
- Airport transfers and road transport by private car
- Full board, including mineral water.
- Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
- Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
