Simien Mountains

Simiens National Park, Ethiopia
The Simiens, which inlcude Ras Deshen (Ethiopia's highest mountain), are situated in the north-western corner of the country. The Simiens are volcanic mountains, in a rugged region where the harsh weather has formed steep precipices around most of the highland massif. Our trekking routes into the Simiens take you far from the regular tourist trails.

The surrounding mountain country is home to endemic flora and fauna, and scenery of such splendour that many travellers consider this the most beautiful mountain country in all of Africa.

Bird and animal life here includes the walia ibex, the gelada baboons, the bearded vultures, thick-billed ravens and eagles.

The Amhara people act as our mountain guides and mule drovers. They are welcoming, humorous and incredibly hardy. With the charity Community Projects Africa we have set up a regular medical aid programme to Arkwasyie Village and the surrounding areas. For more information go to CPA site and click Medical Support.

When to visit the Simiens
Avoid the rainy season (from May to September), when the weather can be especially poor in the mountain areas. Whenever you go, remember that the nights can be very cold, whereas the days are often warm with magnificent blue skies.

Simien Treking Itineraries
Ask our office to tailor-make an itinerary with mountain trekking and a Historic Route add-on; or simply choose one of our tried and tested standard Simiens Itineraries. Our superb trek to the aid project at Arwasyie and then on to Lamo via the Devil's Staircase is without doubt the best trek in the Simiens. In one exhilarating day you can top five peaks each over 4000ms, including Ras Deshen.