9 Days Simien Mountains Extended Trek

Trek Sankaber - Gich camping site through amazing scenery. From Sankaber camp the path to Gich Camp will stretch for approximately 10kms taking 5 to 6 hrs (3,600m elevation). The initial stage of this path leads through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpment. One of the best views is of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the abyss. After descending down to the Jinbar falls and River a short ascent remains to Gich village.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Explore Gich surroundings and mountain summits. Walk from Gich to Emmet-gogo, Saha, and Kedatit. These three places are perhaps the most spectacular places in the Simien Mountains. The time taken to complete this hike is about 5 to 6 hours and then back to Gich Camp and overnight here.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

The trek from Gich to Chenek covers approximately 12kms (6 to 7hrs), following a path along the escarpment edge. Just before arriving into Chenek you will encounter the Kurbet Metaya viewpoint at 4070mts. This viewpoint is actually a gap in the precipitous cliff which reveals impressive views of the steep mountain faces to the west and the lowland areas to the left. The tightly clustered houses (tukuls) that form the village of Dihwara, tucked below a cliff, are also visible from this viewpoint. Chenek campsite is spectacularly located in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Bwahit Peak. Strategically placed benches allow for the opportunity to take in the expansive views back toward Emmet gogo, especially beautiful in both the dawn and dusk light. A large troop of Gelada Baboons are common here and Walia Ibex is also often seen on the rocky escarpment edges.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Trek to Ambiquo campsite (3,200m) approximately 9 hours via Mt. Buhit (4,430m); cross the Mesheha River before reaching Ambiquo.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Trek Ambiquo - Ras Dashen - Ambiquo; early morning departure to the summit of Ras Dashen, at 4,543 meters, Africa’s fourth highest peak. Trek up the Valley from your campsite to the small village of Mizma. From here, a steep climb brings you to an impressive amphitheater made up of three major buttresses of expanded rock. It is then an easy scramble to the summit. To reach the Summit can take up to 6 hrs. Return to Ambiquo camp for overnight.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Trek Ambiquo - Chenek; return to Chenek, bypassing Mt. Buhit on the return.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Hike around Chenek a Strategically placed benches allow for the opportunity to take in the expansive views back toward Emmet gogo, especially beautiful in both the dawn and dusk light. A large troop of Gelada Baboons are common here and Walia Ibex is also often seen on the rocky escarpment edges. Then back to Gonder, Ethiopian medieval capital.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Gonder is the medieval capital of Ethiopia with its large royal enclosure containing grand castles, palaces, houses and outbuildings. You will visit King Fasiladas's Palace, the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. Beside the castle are various ruined buildings including the remains of a bathing pool, a chancellery and a library of Fasiladas's son Yohannes I. You will also visit Debre Birhan Selassie, one of the country's most famous churches that lies 2km to the north east of Gonder. Fly from Gondar to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, home of the 3.18 million year old skeleton "Lucy."

*Optional shopping in the evening you will attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Then according to your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the airport.

(B, L, D)