The Simien Mountains are some of the largest mountains in Africa. Over a dozen mountains, with heights over 4,000 metres are lined up next to each other. The highest being Ras Dashen (4,533 metres), which is the highest mountain in Ethiopia and the fifth highest peak in Africa. The Simien Mountains has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1979 and was declared a National Park in 1969.
The start of the mountain begins approximately 100 kilometres from Gonder. From there, it extends far North in the direction of Axum. Multi-day hikes in the region are possible and parts of the park are accessible by vehicle, an advantage to those with less time or who find hiking a challenge.
Should you decide to explore the area by foot and/or by mule, you’ll find your way by following old paths travelling over the plateau from village to village. Lush green hills alternate between rugged cliffs and bizarre rock formations. Along escarpments of steep cliff faces you’ll reach mountain peaks where the view is stunning. In the distance you’ll see an endless range of mountains with wild rock formations rising from the ground. Herds of Gelada Baboons cross over the pathways and with some luck you may even spot a Walia ibex (Abyssinian ibex) or an Ethiopian wolf (Simien fox). All three animal species are endemic and can be found only in Ethiopia!
The starting point for tours in the National Park is at Debark. Visitors can choose between a number of different routes, depending on the time frame, destination options as well as how much and how long they would like to hike for. Short two-day trips are available, as well as extended 10-day treks. For a climb to the summit of Ras Dashen be sure to reserve a full 5 days or more. There is also the option to lay back and travel part of the route with an off-road vehicle: We will bring you to your desired starting point for your hike and pick you up at the end destination.
Due to the close proximity of the historic cities of Axum, Gonder and Lalibela, it would be easy to combine a cultural trip with a short hike. Some route suggestions can be found in: OUR TOURS, Culture | Hiking resp. Through The North Over Land.
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Accommodation: Available before and after the hike in Debark. Another option is the Simien Lodge located just behind the park entrance. Camping grounds can be found inside the park and are located about a days trip apart from each other. Camping gear is required and Awura Tours can provide this for you. Since it can get quite cold in the evenings, we recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag.
Meals: The Simien Lodge has a restaurant, but inside the park there are none. We can recommend our cook, who can take care of all your daily meal requirements. Do you want to cook yourself? No problem! Awura Tours can provide you with the cooking equipment required which is brought by pack animals to the camp.
Tour Guides, Scouts and Pack Animals: Our driver resp. guide will help with all arrangements, including the organisation of luggage and equipment (tents, sleeping bags, food, etc.) and needed pack animals. Should you like to ride for parts of the trek, this can be arranged. In addition, it is required by the park to have a guide and a scout with you. If you plan to climb to the summit of Ras Dashen, two scouts are required.
Difficulty: Hiking in the Simien Mountains is possible with good health and an overall good physical fitness level and stamina. Some may experience difficulty due to the altitude, however these problems are usually minimal. Somewhat more difficult is the climb up Ras Dashen, which requires in the last stretch at least some climbing experience and skill.
Wildlife: Walia ibex, gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolf are the three endemic large mammals resident in the Simien Mountains. Common non-endemic mammals and birds include klipspringer, common jackal, lammergeyer and bushbuck. About 180 bird species are recorded in the Simiens.
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