For those looking for a more comprehensive tour of Ethiopia, a shorter version of this trek (excluding the Ras Dashen ascent) is featured in our 12 day Northern Historical route & Simien Mountains itinerary.

The trip is run by local guides, with food, tents and camp equipment, mules, porters and equipment, transport to and from the mountain, supplied by our local operator. You have the option of riding or hiking on this trip - the majority of people combine a bit of mule riding with walking.

Includes: Addis Ababa meet and greet service and airport assistance, domestic flights Addis Ababa-Gondar-Addis Ababa, all ground transportation, accommodation in hotels for 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, camping for 6 nights including cook and all meals, full camping equipment including good quality tents, mattresses and eating utensils, excursions to sites of interest as per itinerary, entrance fees for all sites, services of an English speaking guide, scout, park and camping fees in the Simien Mountains National Park, mules and mule handlers, porterage.

Excludes: International airfares to/from Addis Ababa and any associated airport taxes, airport tax on domestic flights, drinks, gratuities, travel insurance, health requirements, visas, all items of a personal nature and any service not specified.

Important Note:
All prices are subject to change due to airfare increases or any other unforeseen circumstance.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - (Daily departures) Arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, where you are met and assisted by our experienced, English speaking agents. Transfer to the Axum Hotel, or similar, for overnight on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 - Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar. In the afternoon a city tour of Gondar including a visit to the Royal Compound, where enchanting 17th century castles stand. Overnight at the Goha Hotel, or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 3 - Drive from Gondar to Sankaber where mules, mule handlers, permits and guides will join us. Trek to Geech Camp - 3 660 metres (5 hours). The trek passes through the last of the cultivated areas and then into the true Afro-alpine zone, where giant lobelias stand like sentinels presiding over the unworldly landscape. You should see troops of the Gelada baboon (endemic). Birds include Rueppell's griffons, choughs and lammergeiers. Organised camping overnight including all meals.

Day 4 - Acclimatisation walk/mule trek from Geech camp to Imet Gogo - 3 990 metres, with spectacular views down the escarpment. In the afternoon trek to the two peaks - Sah'a and Kedadit. Chance of spotting the rare Wahlia Ibex (endemic), plus many endemic birds. Return to Geech camp for overnight camping including all meals.

Day 5 - Walk/mule trekking from Geech camp to Chenek, one of the most beautiful sites in the mountains. A wonderful trekking day with excellent views. Overnight camping at Chenek camp including all meals.

Day 6 - Trek from Chenek to Ambiko camp. Overnight camping including all meals.

Day 7 - A dawn start for the summit of Ras Deshen (4 620 metres). Return to your camp at Ambiko for overnight including all meals.

Day 8 - Return trek from Ambiko to Chenek camp. Overnight including all meals.

Day 9 - A long walk back to Sankaber or Ambara, missing out Geech camp. Board vehicle for the drive to Gondar (4 hours). Overnight at the Goha Hotel, or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 10 - Transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day enjoy a city tour of Addis Ababa which includes a visit to the sprawling Merkato (market). Overnight at the Axum Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 11 - Transfer to Bole International Airport where your tour ends.