Simien Mountains Full Trek with Historic Route

Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis is located at 2,500 metres above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain, where it enjoys an excellent year-round climate, with an average temperature of 25°C. It’s a pleasant city, with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. If arriving this afternoon, we will arrange a short tour, taking in Ethiopia’s National Museum, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the central market.

Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian empire, founded in 1635 during the reign of Emperor Fasilides. Over the ensuing 250 years, successive emperors would add to the city, building new churches and places of worship, but its standout feature remains Fasilides’ Castle, built towards the end of his rule.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the castle, along with several other sights of interest, during your guided tour. Starting with the palaces, residences and baths of Fasilides, your tour will then continue to the church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity), which sits at the summit of a hill, surrounded by fortified walls, its interior decorated with beautiful frescoes.

A former trading post on the caravan route between Gondar and Axum, Debark (2,700m) serves as the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park. You’ll make a short stop here, enjoying an early lunch at a town hotel, before meeting with the muleteers who will accompany you on your trek. Once the provisions have been checked, and the mules loaded, you’ll be ready to depart on foot into the mountains.

Leaving town, you follow an undulating path up and down spurs, across the Lamma Wenz (river), and through welcoming villages. You then round Aman Amba while keeping close to the edge of the escarpment – from where you can look down onto Adarmaz Camp in the valley below – before reaching your camp for the first night, Sankaber, at an altitude of 3,230m.

Total trekking time today will be approx. 4 hours.

It’s likely that you will begin to feel the effects of altitude today, so keep to a steady pace and drink lots of water to ensure you stay hydrated.

Overall altitude gain 400m. Trek time 7/8 hours.

The day starts with an easy trek across the gently rising plateau to the famous viewpoint at Imet Gogo (3,926m). Here you may be lucky to see the rare Walia Ibex on the crags far below, so do approach Imet Gogo quietly. From Imet Gogo, continue south-east via Inatye to Chenek along mostly level terrain.

Today’s walk is a gentle hike with relatively little altitude gain. Trek time 7/8 hours.

Today’s walk will see you explore a region of the Simiens noted for its wildlife – with Walia Ibex and Gelada baboon both present in the area, along with several endemic birds. (Unfortunately, the Simien Wolf has disappeared from this area, and other species are continually being pushed away from their usual habitat). This is a sensitive area, and so vehicle support will be reserved for emergencies.

There will also be the option today of trekking to the summit of the Simiens’ second highest peak, Bwahit (4,430m), before descending steeply towards the village of Chiro Liba, where we usually lunch. From Chiro Liba, you continue the descent to the Mesheha River Valley (2,850m) and up the other side to Ambiko camp at 3,100m. Note that the Bwahit climb is optional, and so if you prefer to reserve your energy for tomorrow’s summit attempt, you can instead trek direct to Ambiko via Chiro Liba, taking today at a more leisurely pace.

Camp at Ambiko at low altitude of 3,100m. Trek time approx 9/10 hours.

To reach it you will contour round a number of steep gullies, ascending all the time, until you find yourself on a rocky plateau, which is dominated by the three peaks.

Scrambling up, you will notice that there are 2 distinct hog-back rock summits, the first being the highest. Once in sight, it is a relatively easy scramble to the top of one of Africa’s highest mountains. This is it! Ras Dejen, at 15,157ft/4,543m, is Africa’s fifth highest mountain and the highest in Ethiopia. After refreshments and rest at the top, you will retrace your steps to Ambiko camp.

A tough day, with an overall altitude gain of 1,343m from Ambiko to the summit of Ras Dejen. Trek time approx 11/12 hours – maybe even longer depending on weather conditions.

In Arkwasyie, there are two Gane and Marshall supported projects – the Medical Centre and the school – so you can expect to be made very welcome.

Altitude gain 500m. Trek time 7/8 hours.

Overnight in Lamo.

Overall height loss will be approx. 1,600m. Trek time up to 10 hours.

We recommend an early start this morning, to admire the stunning view at sunrise. From Lamo, you can look north-east across the valley to the circle of mountains around Amba Ton, and see the same view that is illustrated on Ethiopian Airlines tickets.

Trekking time approx. 8 hours. Altitude undulating approx 1900m.

After a celebratory drink in a cafe, say goodbye to the muleteers and camp staff, and meet the vehicles for the five hour drive to Axum. On arrival, check into the Yeha Hotel, where dinner, a warm room and shower will be waiting!

Axum dates back some 2,000 years to when it was the hub of the Axumite Empire. According to legend, the Queen of Sheba made it her capital 1,000 years before the birth of Christ. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was founded here in the fourth century, and Axum remains its holiest city.

Your tour will take in Axum’s amazing stellae – giant, towering monoliths that are thought to pre-date the arrival of Christianity to the country – as well as the Church of St Mary of Zion, which, according to Ethiopian tradition, houses the legendary Ark of the Covenant.

Lalibela is the one place in Ethiopia that no visitor should miss. Indeed, were it virtually anywhere but in Ethiopia, Lalibela would rightly be celebrated as one of the wonders of the world.

Situated at an altitude of 2,600m, among wild, craggy mountains, there is a stark grandeur to Lalibela. Formerly called Roha, before adopting the name of the 11th-Century King Lalibela of the Zagwe Dynasty, the town has a long and storied history, which you’ll learn more of during your tour.

Dinner and overnight at Mount View or Tukul Village.

The rest of the day will be spent exploring the second group of rock churches, including the famous Bet Giyorgis.

Overnight in Lalibela.

This evening, we can arrange for a meal at a central restaurant.

Depending on your flight time, you may have several hours in Addis, in which case there is an option to use the Hilton or Sheraton pool and gardens.