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Simien Mountains
(Ethiopia)
The Simien Mountains, which include Ras Deshen (Ethiopia's highest mountain), are located in the north-western corner of the country. Now a world heritage site, the Simiens boast some of Africa's most stunningly beautiful mountain scenery, and 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. Poverty in the area is great, however, and with the charity Community Projects Africa we have set up a regular medical aid programme to Arwasyie Village and the surrounds, from where we employ a number of locals.
Avoid the rainy season (from May to September), when weather in the mountain areas can be especially poor. Whenever you go, remember that the nights can be very cold, whereas the days are often warm with magnificent blue skies.
Things to do in and around Simien Mountains:
Trekking in the Simien Mountains is highly recommended. You will see some of Africa's most beautiful and impressive mountain scenery, meet the Amhar people, and get to remote places where few tourists ever visit.
We support Community Projects Africa (UK registered charity) with their Health and Community Projects in the Simiens. Ask for more details and consider visiting one of the projects as you trek in this beautiful land.
Other regions in Ethiopia
Axum is a city in northern Ethiopia named after the long lived Kingdom of Aksum, a naval and trading power that ruled from 400 BC into the 10th century - nearly 1,500 years.
Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
The Bale Mountains National Park, which protects over 2,400 square kilometres of pristine plains, woodlands and bush land, is home to a multitude of unique flora and fauna species, as well as several endemic species of mammal.
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northernmost of the African Rift Valley lakes.
Gondar, which used to be the royal capital city of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635.
Harar is considered a Muslim holy city, and within its walls are no less then 90 mosques.
Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities
The Omo River Valley in south western Ethiopia is home to a number of tribes, living life much like they have for centuries.
The Simiens, which includes Ras Deshen is Ethiopia's highest mountain, are in the north-western corner of the country.
Example itineraries in Simien Mountains
Simiens Mountains Trek with short Historic Route
A full Simien Mountains trek to remote parts of the Ethiopian Highlands. the tour also includes as standard some aspects of the Historic Route: Gondar, Lalibela and Addis. You may extend the trip to add more elements:- Axum, Rift Valley lakes, Omo Valley, Harar etc.
Omo Valley Lakes Simiens Historic Route Ethiopia
Omo Valley, Lakes, Simiens Historic Route Ethiopia. A typical programme. Please contact us for a price estimate.
Historic Route and short Simiens Mountains Extension
Historic Route and Simien Mountains, visiting Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, Simien Mountains. Prices from £1605 per person if there are two travelling. Price decreases as group size grows. Flights excluded - please ask for a fare quote.
