Western Ethiopia Tour

Adventure Tour to the Semien Mountains

Overview


Day 1: Addis Ababa Arrival and City Tour
  • Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Addis Ababa
  • Learn about the city's founding in 1886 by Menelik II
  • Enjoy Addis Ababa's pleasant climate and average temperature of 25°C
  • Visit the National Museum, home to historic treasures and the famous fossil 'Lucy'
  • Explore the Ethnographic Museum and the Holy Trinity Church, the main cathedral of Ethiopia
Day 2: Fly to Gondar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Fly to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia
  • Discover Gondar's impressive Royal Enclosure with well-preserved 17th-century castles
  • Visit King Fasilidas' castle and the Pavilion of Delight bathhouse
  • Explore the Debre Birhan Selassie church with its stunning angelic ceiling and mural
Day 3: Drive to Simien Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Drive from Gondar to Debark to begin a 10-day trek in the Simien Mountains National Park
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch on the escarpment with breathtaking views
  • Trek to the Sankaber Campsite, admiring the beauty of the mountains and wildlife
  • Stay overnight at Sankaber Camp
Day 4: Trek to Geech
  • Pack up and meet muleteers before trekking to Geech
  • Cross the Jinnbar River, witness the Geech Abyss, and encounter Gelada Baboons
  • Camp overnight at Geech Campsite (3600m)
Day 5: Trek to Imetgogo
  • Walk to Imetgogo (3926m) and enjoy outstanding views of the gorge and mountain range
  • Visit the Seha viewpoint and continue to the Quedadit viewpoint
  • Spot wildlife such as Gelada Baboons, Klipspringers, and grey duikers
  • Return to the Geech campsite and rest for the afternoon
Day 6: Trek to Chennek
  • Continue trekking along the escarpment to Chennek
  • Marvel at the Enatye escarpments' breathtaking views (4000m)
  • Camp at Chennek, known for endemic Waliya Ibex and Gelada Baboons
  • Observe cliff-nesting birds of prey, including the Lammergeyer
Day 7: Trek to Ambiquo
  • Trek to Ambiquo and climb Buhit Mountain, the second highest peak in the Semien range
  • Enjoy excellent views over the area and experience a challenging day of trekking
  • Descend towards Chero Laba, cross the Mesheha River, and rest at Ambiquo Campsite
Day 8: Summit of Ras Dashen
  • Start early in the morning to trek to the summit of Ras Dashen, the fourth highest peak in Africa
  • Take in impressive views before descending to the Ambiko campsite
  • Camp overnight at Ambiko (10496ft/3200m)
Day 9: Trek to Sona
  • Trek from Ambiquo to Sona through magnificent landscapes
  • Interact with locals and learn about their lifestyles
  • Camp overnight in Sona (3600m)
Day 10: Descend to Mekarebya
  • Descend into the Ansiya valley, enjoying bird sightings and views of the Simien Mountains
  • Camp near the village of Mekarebya and reflect on the trek
  • Look back at the journey taken over the past five days
Day 11: Trek to Mulit Camp
  • Interact with locals and learn about their lifestyles
  • Ascend to the final campsite at Mulit with fantastic views all around
Day 12: Return to Gondar
  • Trek to Adi Arkay and then drive with a private vehicle to Gondar via Debark
  • Check-in at the hotel in Gondar and relax
Day 13: Fly back to Addis Ababa and Departure
  • Fly back to Addis Ababa and enjoy free time for shopping and exploring the city
  • Farewell dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant with traditional dinner and live stage dances
  • Transfer to the airport for departure to your next destination

Location