• 1km from Bole airport, Addis Ababa
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Zagwe Ethiopia tour

Semien Mountains Trekking — 6 days

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  • Trip Code

    ZET 016

  • Duration

    6 days / 5 night
    Any date departure

  • Group Size

    1- 20 Participants

  • Transportation

    Air

  • Discount

    10% OFF

Trek through Ethiopia’s Dramatic Semien Mountains

Trek through Ethiopia’s Dramatic Semien Mountains -6 days

The classic three days Simien Mountain trek, tracing the dramatic ridge trail and culminating in the ascent of Buahit at 4,430m.

Forget Kilimanjaro, the Simien Mountains have greater claim to be the roof of Africa. Whether trekking with rare Gelada Baboons, Walia Ibex and Ethiopian wolves, or getting your thrills from terrifying vertical views, the Simien Mountains have it all up their sleeves. The Simiens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so. Set amidst a vast mountain range that resembles a landscape you might expect to see in the Grand Canyon, the Simien National Park sits haughtily above at 3,500m+ offering a dramatic ridge with incredible views every step of the way.

You’d be hard pressed to find another trek with more views per km anywhere in the world. The trail follows the course of the ridge offering breathtaking view after breathtaking view. Highlights include the terrifying 700m drop of the Genbar Falls, the raised promontory of Imet Gogo with 360 degree views and summiting Buahit at 4,430m. Its hard to take your eyes off the drop, but the wildlife makes its best effort to divert you. Large troops of colourful gelada baboon roam the park, whilst the rare Wallia Ibex with its incredibly long curved horns .

All treks and tailor-made itineraries are organized on demand for groups of two or more people.

DAY 1: Fly to Gondar — Debark — Sankaber Camp (3,200m) - (2- 3 hrs driving, 7km 2/3 hours walking )

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. 2 ½ hr drive to Debark in a 4×4. The road is rough and very dusty, but if you haven’t left the built up areas in Ethiopia yet, it is a real eye opener into the life of the rural majority. At Debark you will sign in at the park headquarters, pick up your guide and scout and head up into the mountains (by 4×4). The road continues all the way to the first camp at Sankaber, but yoQoll be dropped off on the way for a leisurely three hour acclimatisation hike. The stunning views hit you as soon as you get out of the vehicle as you walk along the ridge. There will be time to stop for a picnic lunch and after a short but demanding climb (at this altitude) to Sankaber you’ll be met as every day on this trek with a tray of fresh coffee, tea and snacks.

Meals B/L/D

Overnight: Camping

DAY 2: Sankaber (3,200m) — Geech Camp (3,600m) - (Walking 7-8hrs / 15km )

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off trekking along the ridge with stunning views over the foothills 800m below. For the first two hours the trail passes through low bush of Giant Heather, soda apple, Abyssinian rose, St John’s Wort and Globe thistle. The highlight of the trek from Sankaber to Geech is Genbar Falls, an incredible 500m sheer drop. From the viewpoint opposite, you can watch the falcons, augur buzzard and lammergeier bearded vulture soar on the thermals below. From the Genbar falls, the trail passes drier dustier land, broken by lunch at a somewhat less intimidating and more peaceful waterffall. Klipspringer and bush buck may be seen in the steep rocky and wooded slopes, whilst troops of Gelada Baboons roam the dusty fields for roots. Just before you reach Geech camp site, there is a wonderful opportunity to visit one of the traditional village houses for home roasted coffee and injurra. Geech Camp itself is set on a grassy plateau with stunning sunset views.

Meals B/L/D

Overnight: Camping

DAY 3: Geech (3,600m) — Imet Gogo (3,926m) — Siha Gorge — Kedar Dit — Geech (3,600m) Walking 5-6 hrs / 13km

After breakfast you’ll trek for 2 hours along the grass plateau past countless bizarre outsized Giant Lobelia plants. The destination is Imet Gogo, an incredible rocky promontory that grants 360 degree views over the Simien Range. At an altitude of 3,926m you can see West back along the ridge towards Sankaber and Geech and South East across a deep gully towards the tomorrow’s ridge walk to Inatye and Cheneck Camp. The views here are arguably the best in the Simien Mountains and the drop is terrifying. From Imet Gogo, you’ll return to camp via the Siha Gorge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure before heading out for a short optional sunset trek to KedaDit (3760m).

Meals B/L/D

Overnight :Camping

DAY 4: Geech (3600m) — Innatye (4070m) - Chennek (3,600m) Walking 7 hours / 15km

Today is the longest and arguably most spectacular passing close to the ridge most of its length. After breakfast you will head back on the path towards Imet Gogo before detouring towards Inatye. The path drops into a forest of Giant Hazel before following the ridge on open grassland. The climb to Inatye (4,070m) rewards with stunning views. Inatye roughly translates as “mamma mia” and the terrifying vertical drop here justly warrants the name! After a picnic lunch the path follows mostly downhill through open grassland and gian lobelia towards Chenek with a number of stunning viewpoints along the way. Chenek camp is superb for wildlife with both Gelada Baboons and Wallia Ibex common here.

Meals B/L/D

Overnight: Camping

DAY 5: Return to Gondar :Walking 5 hours / 830m elevation gain and descent / 10km distance covered

After an early breakfast, you will head South East E out of Chennek to climb Buahit Peak at 4430m. The path follows a small stream for an hour or two up to Buahit Pass. At the pass the views open up to the North East towards Lori and Sona Villages. This is a fantastic place to spot the Wallia Ibex. From here it is another hour or two’s scramble up a rocky slope to Buahit Peak. It is hard work at the altitude but the views from the top and the wildlife on the way are more than worth it. After a quick lunch in Chennek, you’ll be driven back to Gonder .

Meals B/L/D

Overnight :Hotel

DAY 6: Fly back to Addis Ababa

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.

Meals B/L/D

End of the tour and Departure.

 

  • Please note: This tour may precede or follow any other Ethiopian tours offered by Zagwe Ethiopia Tour.
  • This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement.

Date and Availability = All the year This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted according to your time, budget and interest. Price: , if you want quotation or any other tour information about this trip we are very happy to help. Request a quote

suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted

Trip Notes:

January and September departures are scheduled to take advantage of local festivals, Timkat , Gena ,and Meskel respectively

Equipped with the best vehicles and driver Guide / upon request you will be escorted by expert guides /you are immersed in the ancient history, cultures, natural habitats and spiritually of this captivating country and its people. This itinerary can easily be modified as a custom trip and if your travel dates are  flexible we recommend visiting Ethiopia in conjunction with the colorful Timkat( epiphany ) and Gena( x-mass) festivals January 19 and 7 respectively .

Essential information

 Plan your trip

Getting around Ethiopia :-Because of the state of the roads, the distances involved and the quality of the alternative (flying) most short term visitors use internal flights in Ethiopia. There are reliable daily flights between most of the stops on the Northern Circuit (Addis, Gondar, Lalibella, Axum, Bahir Dar).

If you have more time, or delight in the joys of overland travel, we can provide you vehicles (4WD, minibus and coaster bus )

When is best: The Ethiopian Tourist Board proudly promotes their slogan “13 months of sunshine” to anyone who will listen, but they are not far off the mark. The rainy season in the North is in July and August, but whilst that might stop you attempting a multi day trek in the Simien Mountains, it won’t really affect you if you are planning on touring the Northern Historical route. The best time to visit the North is in Autumn, after the rains when the mountains are full of lush green and the views are in impeded by haze.

When to go —September — June

 Accommodation :On trek you’ll be camping in the offical park camp sites at Sankaber, Geech and Chenek. The sites are in beautiful spots and have been built sympathetically with seated drop toilets set well away from the camping area. The facilities are cleaned and tidied every day. You will be sleeping in 2 men tents (you can share or have a tent to yourself) and the crew will erect and take down your tent each day (as well as carrying your gear to the next camp-site). Overnight temperatures are cold at altitudes over 3,000m, so bring a 4 season sleeping bag.

Food-wise you will have a private cook for your trek who will provide breakfast, packed lunch, tea and dinner each day. The food is great, and given most Westerners aversion to the Ethiopian staple Injurra, mostly of the Western variety. Expect bread and pancakes / eggs for breakfast, filling sandwiches for lunch, herbal teas, fantastic coffee and popcorn at the end of a long days trekking and then a massive meal to end the day with soup starter and a hearty main with plenty of veg to finish.

Transport to and from the Simien Mountains is 4wd vehicle or minivan when conditions are good. The drive to the mountains from Gonder is not comfortable .

You’ll be accompanied by an English speaking guide, chef and scout. Scout’s are compulsory and carry rifles. It is worth noting that the guns are not really there for protection but are a cultural remnant of the role the scouts once played in protecting the area from bandits.

Price includes

Transport to and from Gonder

Camping equipment including tents, and mattresses (excluding sleeping bags)

Guide and all meals on trek

Park entrance fees

Flight from Addis to Gondar ( round-trip )

Sleeping bags are not included – you need to bring your own 4 season sleeping bag

International flights, personal expenses and tips are not included.

 Private groups: The adventures featured in our itinerary are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organize custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. For group traveller pledge considerable discount.

Customized tours: On request, this tour can be customized for small groups.

Proceeding / additional days: It’s no problem to add days before or after the expedition and we’ll book these for you. If you bring more time, you could do day trips from Addis or take an extension tour

Group booking discount: If at least 5 people together book this trip, 6% discount is given.

Please remember that all Zagwe Ethiopia tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO local payments.

Customized tours: On request, this tour can be customized for small groups.

Proceeding / additional days: It’s no problem to add days before or after the expedition and we’ll book these for you. If you bring more time, you could do day trips from Addis or take an extension tour

Group booking discount: If at least 5 people together book this trip, 6% discount is given.

Please remember that all Zagwe Ethiopia tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO local payments.

Preparing for your trip

Climate :- Ethiopia is generally pleasant and warm, but varies with altitude. The long rains usually arrive mid- June to early September. After the rains, the highlands of northern Ethiopia are usually green and thus particularly scenic. The temperature all year round rarely falls below 18°C. Night-time temperatures in the mountains can be cold and can drop below freezing at higher altitude. There is a strong risk of sunburn at high altitude in Ethiopia.

Maximum Altitude on Trek (m) :- 4620

Trekking Details :- Trek for 10 days for an average of 7 to 9 hours walking each day, mostly above 3000m. Maximum altitude is the summit of Ras Dashen, 4620 m. Mules carry all food, luggage and equipment. We have graded this trek as challenging.

Altitude Description:- In the Simien Mountains trekking is strenuous with 6-8 hrs a day walking on average, at altitudes of 3,000- 4,500m, though there are some longer days (including the ascent of Ras Dashen, 4,620m). There is very little flat walking involved. Your Guide will ensure that during your stay in the mountains you acclimatise enough before an ascent of Ras Dashen. At altitude you will find yourself moving slower than usual, but this gives an excellent opportunity to admire the spectacular views.

Please note this trip goes to an altitude where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity – as well as the height at which AMS develops can vary greatly between individuals; being physically fit affords no special protection. If symptoms occur while on tour you must let your Guide know immediately.

Equipment:

Sleeping Bag As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 4-season (temperature -8°C to -5°C). A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean.

Sleeping Mat Regular sleeping mats will be provided but if you would prefer an inflatable thermarest style you will need to bring your own.

Walking poles are recommended.

Water Bottlem, water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Take at least a 2 liters personal water bottle, preferably insulated.

Energy snacks, including chocolate and sweets, are also recommended whilst on trek.

Sunglasses/Snow Goggles A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb A small torch is essential for finding things at night. Often a head torch is useful for the early ascent to the summit. Remember to bring some spare batteries.

Toiletries Keep heavy cosmetics to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap (preferably biodegradable), small towel. Wet wipes are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those.

Footwear

Walking Boots

Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, or shoes of a similar ilk simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops which are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on — they give little support and will probably not last the trek. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable.

Trainers or Trekking sandals

Useful around the villages and when travelling.

Clothing

Socks

It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.

Jacket

After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A very warm jacket is the most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops.

Waterproofs

Breathable waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They breathe and avoid condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs.

Long Trousers

For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Thick jumper/fleece jacket

A thick jumper or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.

Track suit

Comfortable around the villages and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.

Shorts

Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold. Follow your tour leaders advice on local sensitivities to wearing shorts during the trek.

Gloves

Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Also bring a scarf to cover your face from the dust during the day and a warm hat/balaclava.

Swimwear

There will be swimming opportunities during the trek

Luggage: On Tour

A kitbag/barrel bag carried by mules on trek, a stuff-sack to store surplus belongings while on trek and a daysac. Pack mules are used to carry equipment, food and most personal gear. Pack heavy/dense items into your kitbag.

Trek Kit Bag

Before leaving Gondar there is plenty of time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Gondar. Think about what you are taking on trek (remember your sleeping bag) and then think how big your kit bag needs to be. A nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is also suitable. Whatever you choose, it must be strong, as porters are not very gentle with baggage. Soft luggage is preferable! Framed rucksacks are unsuitable. The weight limit for the bag and its contents is 15kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. Please note there are occasional opportunities to hand wash clothing whilst on the trek.

Small Rucksack/Daysac

During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage that is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 2litre), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Other optional items in a daysac might be binoculars, a diary or a book to read at lunch time. It is usually more comfortable to carry a slightly larger pack that is not full than to carry a small pack that is overfull or with ‘bits’ tied on the outside. Something between 20 and 25 litres capacity is probably the most suitable. A shoulder bag is not a practical alternative.

Plastic Bags

Luggage:- 15Kg

Fitness – You don’t need to be especially fit to join the trips , but there will be stairs to climb, hills to walk and sites to explore, so you’ll enjoy it more if you have a reasonable level of fitness. The walk up Erta Ale takes around 4-5 hours and your luggage will be transported by camels.

Adventure Rating
Comfort Grade
Fitness Level

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