8 Days Simien Mountains Trek & Ras Dejen Summit Tour

Detailed 8-Day Simien Mountains Itinerary

Day 1 – Gondar → Debark → Sankaber | First Simien Mountains Trek

Your 8-day Simien Mountains adventure begins in Gondar. We will meet you at your hotel or Gondar Airport and drive north towards the Simien Mountains, passing through the highland countryside to Debark, one of the principal gateways to Simien Mountains National Park.

After completing the necessary arrangements, we continue towards the mountains.

Rather than simply driving directly to camp, today’s itinerary includes an introductory trek of approximately two hours towards Sankaber. This is your first opportunity to experience the dramatic northern escarpment and the enormous lowland landscapes below.

The Sankaber area is also an excellent place to encounter geladas, one of Ethiopia’s best-known endemic mammals. Large troops can often be seen grazing across the highland grasslands.

Sankaber lies at approximately 3,200 metres above sea level and provides an excellent introduction to the landscapes that will dominate the coming days.

After arriving at camp, settle in for your first night in the Simien Mountains.

Approximate trekking: 2 hours
Overnight: Sankaber Camp
Main highlights: First Simien views, escarpment landscapes, geladas

Day 2 – Sankaber → Jinbar Waterfall → Geech

After breakfast at camp, begin one of the classic sections of the Simien Mountains trekking route.

The trail from Sankaber towards Geech passes through highland grasslands, heather vegetation and spectacular escarpment scenery.

One of today’s major highlights is the viewpoint overlooking Jinbar Waterfall, where the river plunges dramatically from the high plateau into the gorge below. The waterfall is especially impressive during periods of higher water flow, although the surrounding canyon scenery is rewarding throughout the trekking season.

The trail then descends towards the Jinbar River before climbing again towards Geech village.

Along the way, you will see cultivated highland landscapes and gain an insight into everyday life in communities living within this demanding mountain environment.

Depending on arrangements and local circumstances, there may be an opportunity to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony before continuing towards camp.

The Geech area is characterized by beautiful mountain scenery and distinctive high-altitude vegetation, including giant lobelias.

You will spend the night at Geech, preparing for tomorrow’s exceptional viewpoint trek.

Approximate trekking: 5–6 hours
Approximate distance: Around 10 km
Overnight: Geech Camp
Main highlights: Jinbar Waterfall, highland vegetation, village landscapes

Day 3 – Geech → Imet Gogo → Saha → Kedadit → Geech

Today is dedicated to exploring some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Simien Mountains.

After breakfast, trek from Geech towards Imet Gogo, one of the iconic viewpoints of the national park.

Standing high above a complex landscape of cliffs, valleys, pinnacles and distant peaks, Imet Gogo provides an extraordinary perspective over the mountains.

Continue towards Saha and Kedadit, enjoying different viewpoints across the escarpment.

This is also an excellent day for photography and wildlife watching. Geladas are commonly encountered in this part of the mountains, while a variety of highland birds may also be seen.

Unlike the previous day’s point-to-point trekking, today’s circular excursion allows you to explore the Geech highlands before returning to the same camp.

In suitable weather, the late-afternoon views from this area can be particularly impressive.

Approximate trekking: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Geech Camp
Main highlights: Imet Gogo, Saha, Kedadit, panoramic Simien scenery

Day 4 – Geech → Imet Gogo Area → Chenek

Leave Geech and continue deeper into the Simien Mountains towards Chenek, another of the great locations on the classic trekking route.

Today’s hike follows sections of the high escarpment, providing repeated views across mountain valleys and distant peaks.

During the journey, you pass the high viewpoint around Kurbet Metaya, where the dramatic drop from the plateau reveals impressive landscapes towards the lower country.

As you approach Chenek, the scenery changes again.

The campsite sits beneath the mountains around Bwahit and is surrounded by some of the best wildlife habitat encountered during the trek.

Chenek is particularly well known as an area where trekkers may have the opportunity to see Walia ibex, the endemic wild goat strongly associated with the Simien Mountains. Geladas are also regularly seen in the surrounding grasslands.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but Chenek is one of the locations where keeping binoculars and a camera readily available is worthwhile.

Tonight you camp surrounded by high mountains before tomorrow’s demanding crossing towards Ambiko.

Approximate trekking: 6–7 hours
Approximate distance: Around 12 km
Overnight: Chenek Camp
Main highlights: Escarpment trekking, Kurbet Metaya, Walia ibex habitat, Bwahit scenery

Day 5 – Chenek → Bwahit Pass → Mesheha Valley → Ambiko

Today is one of the longest and most challenging days of the trek.

Leaving Chenek, begin a sustained ascent towards Bwahit Pass, reaching elevations above 4,000 metres.

From the pass, weather permitting, there are extensive views towards the Ras Dejen mountain range — your objective for the following day.

The route then changes dramatically.

After spending several days high on the Simien plateau, you descend steeply towards the Mesheha Valley and Mesheha River. As altitude decreases, you will notice changes in vegetation and temperature.

After reaching the lower valley, the route climbs again towards Ambiko, the traditional base used by trekkers preparing to attempt Ras Dejen.

The substantial ascent and descent make this one of the most physically demanding stages of the itinerary.

Arrive at Ambiko, have dinner and prepare equipment for an early start the following morning.

Tomorrow is summit day.

Approximate trekking: 9–10 hours
Overnight: Ambiko Camp
Main highlights: Bwahit Pass, Mesheha Valley, first Ras Dejen views

Day 6 – Ras Dejen / Ras Dashen Summit Day

Today is the defining challenge of the 8-day Simien Mountains trek: the ascent of Ras Dejen, also widely known as Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest mountain.

An early start gives you sufficient time for the long ascent and return journey.

Beginning from Ambiko, the trail climbs through cultivated highland landscapes before continuing into increasingly open mountain terrain.

As elevation increases, vegetation becomes sparser and the landscape takes on a distinctly high-altitude character.

The route continues towards the Ras Dejen massif, with substantial elevation gain throughout the day.

The final approach involves steeper and rougher terrain, including sections where you may need to use your hands for balance while moving around large rocks and boulders.

Reaching the summit is a memorable achievement.

In clear conditions, expansive views stretch across the surrounding mountains, valleys and highlands of northern Ethiopia.

After celebrating at the summit and allowing time for photographs, begin the long descent back towards Ambiko.

Because of the altitude, distance and elevation gain, summit day is the most demanding section of the entire itinerary. Your guide will help manage the pace, conditions and timing throughout the day.

Remember that reaching the summit always depends on individual fitness, altitude response, weather and trail conditions. Safety takes priority over reaching the top.

Return to Ambiko for a well-earned dinner and overnight rest.

Approximate trekking: 10–11 hours
Approximate distance: Around 16 km
Highest point: Ras Dejen / Ras Dashen
Overnight: Ambiko Camp
Main highlight: Summit of Ethiopia’s highest mountain

Day 7 – Ambiko → Bwahit Pass → Chenek

After breakfast, begin your return trek towards Chenek.

Although you retrace part of the route travelled on Day 5, walking in the opposite direction provides a different perspective on the valleys, villages and high mountain landscapes.

Descend towards the Mesheha River before beginning the substantial climb back towards the Bwahit area.

After crossing the high terrain, continue towards Chenek Camp.

This is another demanding trekking day, particularly following the previous day’s summit attempt, so the pace can be adapted to the group.

Arriving back at Chenek marks the completion of the most challenging mountain section of your expedition.

Enjoy your final evening camping in the Simien Mountains.

Approximate trekking: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Chenek Camp
Main highlights: Mesheha Valley, Bwahit landscapes, final mountain camp

Day 8 – Chenek → Debark → Gondar

After breakfast and a final morning in the mountains, meet the vehicle at Chenek and begin the drive back towards Debark and Gondar.

The journey provides a final opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave the high mountains behind.

Arrive in Gondar, where your 8-day Simien Mountains and Ras Dejen trek comes to an end.

Depending on your wider Ethiopia itinerary, you can continue with sightseeing in Gondar, travel onwards to Lalibela or other northern destinations, or connect with your next flight.

Approximate driving: Around 4–5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops
Tour ends: Gondar

Including:

• 4WD transportation to and from Gonder
• guide
• scout
• cook & cooking materials
• mule(s) & mule handler
• tent
• sleeping bags & mattresses
• all park entrance fees
• plenty of food & bottled mineral water

Excluding:

• alcoholic drinks