Northern
Simien Mountains
Discover Simien Mountains.
Northern Ethiopia
Simien Mountains
A high plateau of sheer escarpments, gelada baboons and long-distance trails.
Overview
About Simien Mountains
The Simien Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site of deep valleys and cliffs that drop away for hundreds of metres. Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak, lies within it.
It is one of the best places to see gelada baboons, which graze in large troops on the open grass, and the Walia ibex, found almost nowhere else. Walking is the way to see it, with a guide and an armed park scout.
- Region
- Northern
- Best time
- October to March
Highlights
What makes it worth the journey
Highlights
- Gelada baboon troops at close range
- The Imet Gogo viewpoint
- The Walia ibex on the cliff edges
- Jinbar Falls
Things to do
- Take a day walk from Debark
- Trek and camp for several days
- Watch gelada at dawn
- Photograph the escarpments in the evening light
Plan your visit
Before you go
Best time to visit
October to March, when skies are clearest; nights are cold all year
Getting there
Fly to Gondar, then drive about two hours to Debark, where park permits, guides and scouts are arranged.
Getting around
On foot, with mules carrying camping gear on longer treks. Some roads inside the park are open to vehicles for shorter visits.
Good to know
- You will be at over 3,000 metres: build in time to adjust and drink plenty of water.
- Bring warm layers and a rain jacket, even in the dry season.
- An armed scout accompanies every group; it is a park rule.
Gallery
A look at Simien Mountains
Photos: Unsplash
Let us plan your Simien Mountains trip
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.