Simien Mountains Full Trek with Historic Route

Summit Ethiopia's tallest peak, Ras Dajen (4,543m), on this extended trek into the Simien Mountains

Simien Mountains Full Trek with Historic Route

Our full Simien Mountains trek takes you to remote parts of the Ethiopian Highlands, including Ras Dejen, Arkwasyie, Lamo and Mulet. This guided trekking tour also includes as standard some aspects of the Historic Route, and can be extended to include the Rift Valley Lakes, Omo Valley, or Bale Mountains.

Outline Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa

    Arrive Addis Ababa early morning, and transfer to the Saro Maria for dinner, bed & breakfast. Please contact us about the option to upgrade to a more up-market hotel, such as the Sheraton.

  2. Day 2: Fly to Gondar

    Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar, where you will be met on arrival by your guide and transferred to the Goha Hotel for one night. This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Gondar.

  3. Day 3: Drive to Debark, Trek to Sankaber (3,230m)

    After breakfast at your hotel, depart Gondar for the market town of Debark, in the Simien Mountains – a drive of approx. 3-4 hours through spectacular countryside.

  4. Day 4: Sankaber to Geech

    Today will see you trek from Sankaber to Geech Camp (3,630m). Start by descending to the escarpment near the head of the Wazla Wenz, from where there is a dramatic view of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall cascading down into the Geech Abyss. From here, it is a steep trek up to Geech Village, where you camp for the night.

  5. Day 5: Geech to Chenek (3,600m) via Imet Gogo (3,926m)

    Today will see you take the periphery route – with its majestic and awe-inspiring views from the escarpment – via Imet Gogo to Chenek.

  6. Day 6: Chenek to Ambiko (3,600m)

    A long but interesting walk from Chenek (3,600m) to Ambiko (3,100m), with optional climb to Bwahit summit.

  7. Day 7: Ras Dejen Summit (4,543m) and back to Ambiko

    The toughest day of your journey, today will see you ascend to the summit of Ras Dejen, the tallest peak in the Simiens. Waking early, you begin by trekking to the head of the Mesheha Valley and the village of Mizma, where you will get your first view of your imposing goal.

  8. Day 8: Ambiko to Arkwasyie

    Today begins with a steep descent to the valley floor, followed by a 2-3 hour ascent. After this, the terrain becomes easier, rounding several bends to finally see the village of Arkwasyie, where you camp tonight.

  9. Day 9: Arwasyie to Lamo

    Leaving the higher plateau and village of Arkwasiye (3,600m), you cross a long ridge, then climb 900m down the near-vertical Devil's staircase to the village of Lamo (2,000m) – one of the most beautiful locations in the Simiens.

  10. Day 10: Lamo to Mulet

    Today’s walk will involve a mix of ridge and valley treks through some spectacularly beautiful scenery en route to Mulet, where you camp at much the same altitude as Lamo.

  11. Day 11: Mulet to Adi Arkay; transfer to Axum

    Leaving Mulet this morning, you trek to Awaza, with wonderful views to Amba Ton and the high escarpments of the Simiens Plateau along the way. From Awaza, walk to Adi Arkay (1,600m). Trekking time approx 2/3 hours.

  12. Day 12: Axum

    Embark on a guided tour of Axum, to explore its amazing stellae and learn about the region’s pre-Christian culture.

  13. Day 13: Lalibela

    Morning flight to Lalibela. On arrival at Lalibela airport you will be met by your guide and transferred to the centre of town, where you stay at either the Mount View or Tukul Village Hotel. After check-in, embark on a tour of the ancient site, visiting the first of two groups of rock churches.

  14. Day 14: Lalibela

    Start the day with a visit to Asheton Mariam Monastery, a 2-3 hour walk from the main Lalibela complex. Noted for its stunning location, Asheton Mariam has been carved into the cliff face and stands out as one of the highest monasteries in Ethiopia. Return to Lalibela in time for lunch.

  15. Day 15: Fly to Addis Ababa

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city centre (the Saro Maria hotel).

  16. Day 16: Departure

    Check out after breakfast and transfer to Addis Ababa international airport.

Price guide

Price based on two travellers in shared twin/double accommodation and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing

16 days from £2970pp

Pricing

16 days from £2970pp

History, culture and festivals in Ethiopia

My very competent young guides were enthusiastic, forthcoming, resourceful, and patient with my many questions

Mr Daniell

Elephant in the Picture

We had a wonderful honeymoon. One of the best holidays we've done.

Janet