Travelpack

Highlights: Simien Mountains - Gelada Baboons – Walya Ibex – Rock Hewn churches of Lalibela

Located in the Simien Mountains, the Simien Mountains National park occupies a surface area of 180 km sq. The park, situated between 4,430 and 1,900 meters (6,200 - 4,500 feet), boasts varied flora with three marked botanical areas. The highest parts have meadows with little vegetation, characteristic of afro alpine zones. Here we can find the endemic Lobelia rhynchopetalum, small groups of perpetual flowers, Helichrysum, and the striking Kniphofia foliosa.

In the park, we can find three of the most colorful endemic mammals in Ethiopia: the Walia Ibex (Capra ibex Walie) which lives wild at an altitude of more than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), the Gelada Baboon (Theropihecus gelada) which inhabits the Simien Plateaux, and the Simien Wolf (Canis Simiensis) which is also found in great numbers in the Bale Mountains.
This is a moderate trekking itinerary with medium level of difficulty. The best time to visit this park is the dry season, from mid-October to end of May. Travel is difficult during the rainy season between June and September, when several rivers may be flooded and difficult to cross, trails are slippery, and fog frequently obscures the view throughout the day.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Flight from London To Addis Ababa

Day 2: Arrival Addis Ababa
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your guide and drive about 15 minutes to your hotel.

Overnight at Jupiter International or other similar 4* Hotel

Day 3: Fly to Gondar and drive to Sanka Ber (3,200m)
Fly from Addis to Gondar and drive 136 km north to Sanka Ber via Debark, the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park. Around Sankaber, make short walks to visit the incredible Simien Mountains and one of the endemic mammals of Ethiopia.
Overnight: First class camping gear with private cook

Day 4: Sankaber – Geech (3,550m)
Trekking time: 5 – 6 hrs
Activities: Trek from Sanka Ber to Geech visiting the Jinbar Falls and with stops to visit the other views of the Simien Mountains.

Overnight: First class camping gear with private cook

Day 5: Geech - Imetgogo (3,986m) –Chenek (3,600m)
Trekking time: ~ 7 hrs
Activities: Trek from Geech to Chenek via Imetgogo to have one of the best views of in the Simien Mountains National Park.Today you will have a chance to visit the other endemic not only to the Simien Mountains but also to Ethiopia – the Walia Ibex.

Overnight: First class camping gear with private cook

Day 6: Chenek – Ambiqo
Trekking time: 6 – 8 hrs
Activities: Trek from Chenek to Ambiqo climbing Buhait Mountain the 2nd highest
Peak next to Ras Dashen in Simien Mountain ranges.

Overnight: First class camping gear with private cook

Day 7: Ambiqo – Ras Dashen (4,620m) - Ambiqo
Trekking time: 7 – 9 hrs
Activities: Trek from Ambiqo climbs to the Ras Dashen the highest peak in
Ethiopia (4620 m) and return to Ambiqo

Overnight: First class camping gear with private cook

Day 8: Ambiqo – Cheneck
Trekking time: 6 – 8 hrs
Activities: Trek back to Chenek. En route you may see some Simien Fox or the
Ethiopian Wolf.

Overnight: First class camping gear with private cook

Day 9: Chenek- Gondar
Driving time: 5 hours
Activities: Drive back to Gondar, and make sight seeing tour of Gondar

Overnight: Goha Hotel or Similar

Day 10: Gondar – Lalibela
After breakfast, transfer in to airport for your flight to Lalibela that is home to the 12th century hand carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181 - 1221) whom the town is named after.
After lunch in your hotel, visit the first group churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which are found northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’.

Overnight: Roha Hotel or similar

Day 11: Lalibela
In the morning, make a mule back ride to the hill top semi monolithic church of Asheten Mariam (13th Century AD). The peak of the hill offers a wonderful viewpoint to have bird eye view of the surrounding area including the town of Lalibela. In the afternoon, visit the second and the third group of churches of Lalibela.

Overnight: Roha Hotel or similar

Day 12: Fly Lalibela – Addis
Fly back to Addis and make sight seeing tour of Addis Ababa that includes visiting the National Archeological Museum, Merkato (the largest open air market in East Africa). We will also have time for shopping.

Offer Includes

Meal Plans