7 Days Simien Mountains Trekking & Hiking Tour

Tour Overview

Experience a full week of Simien Mountains trekking and hiking on this 7-day adventure from Gondar.

The route combines the classic escarpment trail through Sankaber, Geech and Imet Gogo with Chenek and a high-altitude hike towards Mount Bwahit.

This itinerary does not include the Ras Dejen summit, making it an excellent alternative for travellers who want a substantial Simien Mountains walking holiday without committing to the longer and more demanding Ambiko and Ras Dejen section.

Expect dramatic cliffs, giant lobelias, mountain camps, gelada encounters and excellent opportunities to search for Walia ibex.

Tour Highlights

• Seven-day Simien Mountains trekking holiday
• Camp at Sankaber, Geech and Chenek
• See Jinbar Waterfall
• Explore Imet Gogo, Saha and Kedadit
• Trek along dramatic escarpment trails
• Search for geladas and Walia ibex
• Experience giant lobelia landscapes
• Hike into the high Bwahit area
• Reach elevations above 4,000 metres
• Spend two nights at wildlife-rich Chenek
• Experience one of Ethiopia’s finest hiking destinations

At a Glance

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Start/Finish: Gondar

Highest trekking area: Bwahit area, above 4,000 m

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Tour Style: Hiking, trekking, camping, nature and wildlife

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Gondar → Debark → Sankaber

Meet in Gondar and drive via Debark towards the Simien Mountains.

Begin with an introductory hike towards Sankaber, approximately 3,250 metres above sea level.

Enjoy your first escarpment views and look for troops of endemic geladas.

Trekking: Around 2 hours

Overnight: Sankaber

Day 2 – Sankaber → Jinbar Waterfall → Geech

Trek approximately 10 km through highland grassland and heather vegetation.

Enjoy views towards Jinbar Waterfall before descending to the river and climbing towards Geech.

The Geech area sits around 3,600 metres and is known for beautiful giant lobelia landscapes.

Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours

Overnight: Geech

Day 3 – Imet Gogo, Saha & Kedadit Circuit

Enjoy a full-day circular hike from Geech.

Reach Imet Gogo at approximately 3,926 metres and enjoy some of the finest panoramic views in the Simien Mountains.

Continue towards Saha and Kedadit before returning to Geech.

Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours

Overnight: Geech

Day 4 – Geech → Imet Gogo Area → Chenek

Leave Geech and trek deeper into the national park towards Chenek.

Follow high escarpment landscapes and look for raptors, geladas and possibly Ethiopian wolves.

Arrive at Chenek, one of the best areas of the park for possible Walia ibex sightings.

Trekking: Approximately 7–8 hours

Overnight: Chenek

Day 5 – Chenek → Bwahit Highlands → Chenek

Today tackle the highest hike of the tour.

Climb from Chenek towards the Bwahit massif, reaching terrain above 4,000 metres.

Enjoy outstanding views across the eastern Simien Mountains and, in clear conditions, towards the wider Ras Dejen region.

Return to Chenek for a second night.

Trekking: Approximately 5–7 hours depending on the turnaround point

Overnight: Chenek

Day 6 – Chenek → Sankaber

Begin the return trek westwards.

Follow mountain trails towards Sankaber while enjoying a different perspective on the highlands.

Pass remote settlements, cliffs and valleys before reaching camp.

Trekking: Approximately 5–7 hours

Overnight: Sankaber

Day 7 – Sankaber → Debark → Gondar

After breakfast, meet the vehicle and return to Gondar via Debark.

Tour ends in Gondar.

Includes

• Private transportation
• Trekking guide
• Required scout
• Cook
• Mules and mule handlers
• Camping equipment
• Park entrance and camping fees
• Meals during the trek
• Drinking water according to package
• Trekking logistics

Excludes

• Flights
• Visa
• Travel insurance
• Gondar hotel unless stated
• Personal hiking gear
• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Medical and evacuation costs

Additional Information

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging.

Day 5 reaches high elevations and requires good fitness, but the itinerary avoids the much longer Ras Dejen summit day.

Elevation

• Sankaber: approx. 3,250 m
• Geech: approx. 3,600 m
• Imet Gogo: approx. 3,926 m
• Chenek: approx. 3,600 m
• Bwahit trekking area: above 4,000 m

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This is an excellent option for hikers who want a longer Simien Mountains hiking holiday but do not necessarily want to summit Ras Dejen.