8-Day Thrilling Simien Mountains Hiking Tour

8 Days

Experience one of Africa’s most breathtaking highland adventures on this 8-Day Thrilling Simien Mountains Hiking Tour in Ethiopia—a journey that blends dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters. Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Addis Ababa to the historic city of Gondar, often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa,” before heading into the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park.

As you trek through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, prepare to be captivated by jagged peaks, deep valleys, and sweeping escarpments that define the Simien landscape. The journey takes you to the stunning Jin Bahir Falls, offering refreshing views and a perfect introduction to the region’s natural beauty. You’ll continue onward to Chenek Camp and Ambiquo Camp, where encounters with endemic wildlife such as gelada baboons and Walia ibex enrich your trekking experience.

The highlight of your adventure is conquering Mount Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak, where breathtaking panoramic views reward your effort. After this exhilarating achievement, you’ll retrace your steps back to Chenek, soaking in the stunning scenery once more before returning to Gondar.

Your 8-Day Thrilling Simien Mountains Hiking Tour concludes with a return flight to Addis Ababa, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s majestic highlands, dramatic landscapes, and the unmatched thrill of trekking in one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges.

Cost per person:

Starting from: $4300 (Budget Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

 1 Person2 People3 People4 People5 People6 People
Jan-April$5100$4300$4100$4000$3900$3800
May- August$5300$4500$4300$4200$4100$4000
Sept- Dec$5200$4400$4200$4100$4000$3900

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age0-2 years old3-6 years old7-10 years old11-13 years old14+ years old
Discount Rate100%65%50%15%0%

 

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Budget Lodges
  • English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
  • Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
  • 1-100 people
  • 1-90 years old
  • January - December
  • Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
  • Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Why This Tour?

8-Day Thrilling Simien Mountains Hiking Tour

Get ready for an epic highland adventure in Ethiopia's breathtaking Simien Mountains! Our 8-Day Thrilling Simien Mountains Hiking Tour starts with a flight to Gondar, then heads into Simien Mountains National Park – a UNESCO site. You'll trek to stunning Jin Bahir Falls, through dramatic landscapes to Ambiquo, tackle Mount Ras Dashen (Ethiopia's highest peak), and explore Chenek's beauty. Experience the raw beauty of Ethiopia's mountains and unique wildlife like geladas in this thrilling trek. The tour ends with a flight back to Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia Tours

You will visit Simien Mountains National Park.

Embark on an unforgettable high-altitude adventure through the dramatic landscapes of Ethiopia on this 8-Day Thrilling Simien Mountains Hiking Tour, a journey designed for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers alike. This immersive experience seamlessly blends scenic flights, rugged trekking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and encounters with rare endemic wildlife.

Your journey begins in Addis Ababa, where you board a scenic domestic flight to the historic city of Gondar. Known for its medieval castles and rich imperial history, Gondar serves as the gateway to the majestic Simien Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer through rolling highland countryside to the park headquarters, where your trekking adventure officially begins.

The first leg of your trek introduces you to the park’s dramatic scenery as you hike toward the spectacular Jin Bahir Falls. Along the way, towering cliffs, deep valleys, and sweeping escarpments unfold before you, offering awe-inspiring views at every turn. This section of the trek is both scenic and invigorating, providing a gentle acclimatization to the altitude while showcasing the park’s raw natural beauty.

As you continue deeper into the mountains, you make your way to Chenek Camp, one of the most iconic trekking spots in the Simien range. Here, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, with jagged peaks and vast drop-offs. This area is also renowned for wildlife sightings—you may encounter troops of gelada baboons grazing peacefully and the rare Walia ibex skillfully navigating the cliffs.

The adventure intensifies as you trek onward to Ambiquo Camp, a remote and serene campsite nestled deep within the mountains. This stage offers a true sense of wilderness, with fewer trekkers and more intimate interactions with nature. The changing terrain—from grassy plateaus to rocky ascents—adds excitement and challenge to the journey.

The pinnacle of your trek is the ascent of Mount Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak and one of Africa’s most rewarding trekking summits. Rising above 4,500 meters, this challenging climb tests your endurance but rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views stretching across the Ethiopian highlands. Standing at the summit is a truly triumphant moment—one that captures the essence of adventure and achievement.

After conquering Ras Dashen, you begin your return journey, retracing your steps back to Chenek. This descent allows you to appreciate the landscapes from a new perspective, with more opportunities to absorb the beauty and tranquility of the Simien Mountains.

From Chenek, you transfer back to Gondar, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible trekking accomplishment. Finally, a return flight takes you back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of your remarkable 8-day expedition.

This 8-Day Thrilling Simien Mountains Hiking Tour offers more than just trekking—it is a journey through one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain ranges, filled with dramatic scenery, unique wildlife, and unforgettable moments. The Semien Mountains promise not only adventure but also a deep connection to nature and a lasting appreciation for Ethiopia’s extraordinary landscapes.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Birding
  • City Tour
  • Mountain Climbing

Tour Plan

  • Day
    01

    Arrive In Ethiopia | Transfer To Hotel | City Tour

    On arrival in Ethiopia in the morning hours, you will be welcomed and picked by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and be transferred to your hotel, check in and have your lunch.

    Later that evening you will do a city tour and visit the National Museum, Grand open market Merkato and also drive on the main tourist route of the city.

    15-Day Wonders Of Ethiopia Mid-Range Tour

    Meals and overnight at Avi Pension/ Mad Vervet Hostel/ Addis Amba Hotel addis.

  • Day
    02

    Transfer To The Airport | Fly To Gondar | Visit Churches | Travel To Simien Mountains National Park

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your flight to Gondar.

    On arrival, our guide will welcome and transfer you to the city center for a quick visit of Gondar that includes: Castles of Gondar- included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals.
    Sankaber(3200masl).

    What Is Ethiopia Best Known For, Ethiopia Safaris

    Drive to Debark town (104 Kms ), where the head quarter of Simien Mountains National Park is found. Then we continue driving to Sankaber (31 Kms) the first campsite of the National Park.

    On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. O/N Camping at Sankaber all meals included. - ( 3 to 4 hrs of walking).

    Meals and overnight at Sankaber Camp.

  • Day
    03

    Hike To Jin Bahir Falls

    After breakfast, you will walk/ trek to Jin Bahir Falls. This is The Most Arduous day’s Trek, taking you through cultivated areas and then into the Afro-Alpine Zone proper where Giant Lobelias trees stand like sentinels presiding over their unworldly landscape.

    You should encounter troops of the Endemic Gelada Baboon the males have shaggy, leonine Manes and Bleeding Heart patches on their chests. Rueppell’s Griffons, choughs and Lammergeyers are often seen.

    Meals and overnight at Geech Camp.

  • Day
    04

    Hike To Chenek

    After breakfast, we trek to Chenek via Imet go which is one of the most beautiful parts of the mountain, we will be walking through the Giant lobelia trees and under these trees African field Rats are common. After picnic lunch we walk on the edge of Enatye escarpments (4070m. above sea level), which is another breathtaking view in the national park.

    Finally we descend to Chenek. Chenek is the best place to see the endemic Waliya Ibex and more Gelada Baboon. It takes 6 - 7 hours walk.

    Meals and overnight at Chenek Camp.

  • Day
    05

    Hike To Ambiquo

    After breakfast, we will walk to Ambiquo climbing Buwhit (14530ft/4430m) Mountain the 2nd highest peak next to Ras Dashen in Semien Mountain ranges, giving excellent views over the whole area.

    After, refreshment at the summit, we will descend towards Chero Laba crossing the Mesheha River, we will reach to Ambiquo.

    Meals and overnight at Ambiquo Camp.

  • Day
    06

    Hike To Mount Ras Dashen | Hike Back To Ambiquo

    Very early morning after breakfast, start walking toward mount Ras Dashen. You will get up in the pre dawn and go for what will be the most challenging day of your trekking safari. Reach the summit can take up to 6 hrs.

    You will head to the valley to the small village of Mizma, from where you will climb steeply up wards, eventually reaching an impressive amphitheater made up of three major buttresses of expanded rock, one of which is your goal, Ras Dashen.

    It is then an easy scramble to the summit, Ras Dashen, which is the highest peak of the country (14901ft/4543m).

    After taking in the impressive views descend back to Ambiquo.

    Meals and overnight at Ambiquo Camp.

  • Day
    07

    Hike Back To Chenek

    After having your breakfast at the camp, you will walk back to Chenek passing through the side of the Bohit Mountain. Chenek is one of the top walks in Ethiopia and one of the world's best walk, treks, hikes and climbs.

    Meals and overnight at Chenek Camp.

  • Day
    08

    The Last Day With Us | Transfer To Gondar Airport | Fly To Addis Ababa | Fly Back Home

    After having a delightful breakfast, you can walk around Chenek Camp until the car comes to drive you back to Gondar Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

    Once you fly into Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will catch your scheduled flight back home.

    All good things must come to an end and this is the moment when your safari with us draws to a close.

Inclusions

  • Services of an expert guide
  • Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
  • Flight tickets from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Gondar and back to Addis Ababa
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Ground transportation (4×4 safari Land Cruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
  • Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Park fees and relevant government taxes.

Exclusions

  • Airfares
  • Visa fees
  • Personal insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
  • Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary

Accommodation

Throughout this exciting journey, you will be accommodated in a variety of accommodations.

The accommodation is appropriate and will be determined by your budget. Kubwa Five Safaris offers the best service at every level. Kubwa Five Safaris reserves the right to substitute comparable or superior accommodations. If an equivalent standard hotel is not available, Kubwa Five Safaris may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest a superior for an additional fee. Hotels and lodges provide free Wi-Fi.

Please see the list below for more information on the safari lodges in each national park/destination included in this tour package.

How to Get There

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Kubwa Five Safaris will cater for your Airport/Hotel transfers i.e pick-ups and drop-offs provided they are to happen within your safari days with us

After your thrilling vacation in Ethiopia, Kubwa Five Safaris will drop you off at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.

Visa Applications and Flight bookings

Please write to us for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is included in the safari package cost?

The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, park entrance fees, game drives, boat cruises, guide services, and ground transportation throughout the safari.

3. What should I pack for this 8-day safari?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.

4. Is this safari suitable for families with children?

Yes it is.

5. What type of accommodations are provided?

We use clean, safe, and comfortable lodges. All accommodations have private self-contained rooms; bathrooms are inside the rooms/tents.

6. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

7. How physically demanding is the safari?

The hiking/trekking requires moderate physical fitness due to the mountainous uneven terrain.

8. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

9. What is the group size?

Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.

10. Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Is Ethiopia safe to visit?

The parts of Ethiopia you will be visiting are famous for hosting tourists from all over the world. They are free from political issues and ethnic unrest.