2 nights / 3 days
OPTION 1 – 2 nights in Simien Mountains
Day 1: Fly to Gondar and drive to Simien Mountains NP
Transfer to the airport. On arrival, meet your guide and fly to Gondor then transfer to Simien Mountains National Park. Spend the rest of the day exploring the pinnacles, valleys, vistas, and wildlife of this stunning region. The beauty of the ranges can be discovered by following century old footpaths, and don’t forget to look out for the Gelada Baboons that reside here amidst the local pasture lands.
Overnight Simien lodge or Limalimo lodge
Meals included (L, D)
Day 2: Simien Mountains
After breakfast, depart the lodge with picnic lunch for Chenek where it’s possible to spot another endemic mammal- the Walia Ibex. The landscape in the area is remarkably picturesque with panoramic vistas overlooking the deep gorges of the escarpment. We will also be able to spot troops of Gelada baboons. If lucky, we will also be able to spot the endemic Ethiopian Wolf.
Overnight Simien lodge or Limalimo lodge
Meals included (B, L, D)
Day 3: Drive to Gondar and fly to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Gondar and make short visit to the Royal enclosure. This fortress, which is surrounded by a 300-foot-long wall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest and most impressive structure in the compound is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones.
After late lunch, transfer to the airport and take late afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
Meals included (B, L)
OPTION 2 – Short Trek in Simien Mountains
Day 1: Fly to Gondar trek to Geech (3,200m)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar. On arrival in Gondar, meet your guide and drive 136 km north to Sanka Ber via Debark, the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park. Then trek from SankaBer to Geech visiting the Jinbar Falls, which drop about 500 meters to the bottom of the gorge. In this trek we will see troops of Gelada baboon and red-hot poker plants en-route. The gelada baboon is endemic to Ethiopia and has adapted to living on the nearly vertical cliff faces.
Overnight camping at Geech campsite
Meals included (L,D)
Day 2: GEECH-CHENEK (3,600m)
Trek from Geech to Chenek passing through Imetgogo to have one of the best views of in the Simien Mountains National Park. There are outstanding views of the gorge and mountain range and it is easy to understand why the striking formations have been described as ‘the chess pieces of the Gods’. This exciting walk traverses the Jinbar river and provides us with fantastic views. The dramatic views continue all the way down to our camp at Chenek, where we will have a chance to visit the other animal endemic not only to Ethiopia but also to the Simien Mountains – the Walia Ibex.
Overnight: Camping at Chenek Camp site
Meals included (B,L,D)
Day 3: Drive to Gondar and fly to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive back to Gondar. Then transfer to the airport and take late afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
Meals included (B, L)
