8 Days Simien Mountains Trekking Tours

Day 1: Gondar – Debark – Sankaber Camp

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Gondar around 8 am for the 1.5-hour drive to Debark. Upon arrival in Debark, you’ll sign in at the park headquarters, collect your guide and scout, and then head into the mountains by 4×4. The road continues all the way to the first camp at Sankaber, but you’ll be dropped off along the way for a leisurely 3-hour acclimatization hike. As soon as you step out of the vehicle, the stunning views will greet you as you walk along the ridge. You’ll have time to stop for a picnic lunch, and after a short but challenging climb (due to the altitude), you’ll reach Sankaber, where you’ll be welcomed with a tray of fresh coffee, tea, and snacks—just as every day on this trek.

Day 2: Sankaber – Geech Camp

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your trek along the ridge, with breathtaking views over the foothills 800 meters below. For the first two hours, the trail winds through low bush, including Giant Heather, soda apple, Abyssinian rose, St John’s Wort, and Globe thistle. A major highlight of the trek from Sankaber to Geech is the magnificent Genbar Falls, where a 500-meter sheer drop creates an awe-inspiring sight. From the viewpoint across the falls, you can watch falcons, augur buzzards, and Lammergeier vultures soaring on the thermals below. Beyond the falls, the trail continues through drier, dustier terrain, with a peaceful lunch stop near a more tranquil waterfall. As you pass through the rocky, wooded slopes, you may spot Klipspringers and bush bucks, while troops of Gelada Baboons roam the fields in search of roots. Just before reaching Geech campsite, take the opportunity to visit a traditional village house for a warm cup of home-roasted coffee and injera. Geech Camp itself is situated on a grassy plateau, offering spectacular views of the sunset.

Day 3: Geech – Imet Gogo  – Siha Gorge – Kedar Dit – Geech

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a 2-hour trek across the grass plateau, passing countless striking, oversized Giant Lobelia plants. Your destination is Imet Gogo, a dramatic rocky promontory offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Simien Range. At an altitude of 3,926 meters, you’ll have a spectacular vista to the west, back along the ridge towards Sankaber and Geech, and southeast across a deep gully, with views of tomorrow’s ridge walk to Inatye and Cheneck Camp. The scenery here is arguably the best in the Simien Mountains, and the sheer drop is both awe-inspiring and intimidating. After soaking in the views, you’ll return to camp via the Siha Gorge for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax, with the option to take a short trek to Kedadit (3760m) for a stunning sunset experience.
Overnight: at Geech Camp again.

Day 4: Geech – Innatye – Chennek

Today is the longest and arguably most spectacular day, as you trek close to the ridge for most of the route. After breakfast, you’ll retrace your steps towards Imet Gogo before veering southeast towards Inatye. The trail descends into a forest of Giant Hazel before emerging onto the ridge, where you’ll traverse open grassland. The climb to Inatye (4,070m) is rewarded with breathtaking views. Inatye, which roughly translates to “Mamma Mia,” is aptly named due to the dramatic vertical drop that truly justifies the title! After a picnic lunch, the path continues mostly downhill through open grasslands and fields of Giant Lobelia, with several stunning viewpoints along the way. Chenek Camp, nestled in a prime wildlife area, is home to both Gelada Baboons and the rare Wallia Ibex, making it an excellent spot for wildlife watching

Day 5: Chennek – Sona

After breakfast, you’ll begin the day with a steady 2-hour climb up to Buahit Pass (4,200m), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views towards Ras Dashen. Following a brief half-hour descent, the trail levels out, leading you to Sonar. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch in the charming market village of Arkawyze. Sonar Camp, with its spectacular location, offers stunning views, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a memorable sunset.
Overnight: at Sona Camp. 7-8 hours walking.

Day 6: Sona –Mekarebiya

Setting out from Sonar, you’ll soon descend into the beautiful Incya Valley, where you’ll enjoy a 2-3 hour descent to the lowlands. Along the way, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch by the banks of the Incya River, where there’s a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. After lunch, you’ll continue your journey with a 2-hour walk along the riverbanks to mekarebiya, where you’ll camp in the village. The day involves 5-6 hours of walking, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery and relax.

Day 7: Mekarebiya – Mulit

Today’s walk takes you along the dry riverbed of the Incya River, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. Expect to spot a variety of species, including pin-tailed waders, village indigos, paradise monarchs, and tropical bobus. You’ll stop for lunch at Derkwenth Pool, a perfect spot to rest and take a refreshing swim. After lunch, you’ll embark on a 2-hour climb to Awazza Village, located at the base of the striking Awazza Table Mountain. You’ll have time for a quick refreshment stop in the village before completing the final hour-long trek to the last camp at Mulit.

Day 8: Mulit – Gonder

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour walk to Adi Arkaye, where you’ll be picked up for a scenic 4-hour drive back to Gondar.