Rondreis North Ethiopia - Simien Mountains Trek

Covid-19 safety measures during this trip

This trip is recommended by Yared Tour as a covid-19 safe travel experience in Ethiopia. This means that different aspects of the trip have been carefully considered in terms of physical distancing and hygiene standards. Ethiopia is a vast country and the rural areas in particular are sparsely populated.



During this trip you can expect:

• Face masks provided for travellers

• Careful selection of accommodation providers with high hygiene standards

• Thorough cleaning of camping materials and tents

• Driver/guide trained in health and safety, first aid and covid-19 protocols

• Vehicles regularly sanitized

• Social distancing encouraged throughout the trip

• Hand sanitiser provided for travellers and driver/guides

• Temperature checks for travellers upon start of tour

Day 1 - Gondar to Sankaber

You will depart early morning from Gondar to Debark. In Debark you will arrange your visit with the park office and receive a scout and guide then drive into the park to arrive at Sankaber.



You can either drive all the way in to Sankaber or have the car drop you off near Buyit Ras for a short hike. If you choose to hike in you will take in beautiful views of the landscape and the endless mountain ridges, and you likely see some Gelada Baboons. When you arrive in Sankaber you will be met with your supplies. Sankaber will be the first campsite on your trip.



Walking time: 2 hours

Difficulty rating: intermediate

Day 2 - Sankaber to Geech Camp

From Sankaber you will begin hiking following the ridge and look out over the foothills 800m down. From the ridge you will descend down into the valley and be able to view the Jinbar River plunging into the Geech Abyss. After some time at the waterfall you will continue on to Geech village where you will find your second campsite.



Walking time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty rating: intermediate

Day 3 - Geech to Chennek

After breakfast you will start off on a 7 - 8 hour hike of the best views you will see in the Simien Mountains. En route you will pass through Imet Gogo. Here you will have reached an altitude of 3,926m and be able to look out at the amazing landscape from 360 degrees. At this height and view point you can see the canyon below, distant ridges, and view the seemingly never ending valleys. After Imet Gogo you will hike to the view point at Innateye valley at an altitude of 4,070m.



Lunch will be here and then you will descend to Chennek (3,600m) for your third campsite.



Walking time: 7-8hours

Difficulty rating: intermediate

Day 4 - Chennek to Ambiko

After breakfast you will hike for 2 hours and summit the Buwahit pass (4,200m). From here you can look out towards your hike for tomorrow, Ras Dashen. You will follow the path down towards Meseha valley and cross a river and back up again towards Ambiko where you will camp for the night.



Walking time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty rating: intermediate

Day 5 - Ras Dashen

The big trek to the peak of Ras Dashen will begin with an early morning walk through the main valley before sunrise. Then you will start ascending the mountain with a steep climb amidst the Giant Lobelia plants. The last part of the hike will likely be very challenging, but very rewarding when you are able to reach the highest point in Ethiopia.



At 4,543m you will have amazing views of the immense landscape. After approximately 8-9 hours of hiking for the day you will arrive at Ambiko campsite for the night.



Walking time: 8-9 hours

Difficulty rating: intermediate

Day 6 - Ambiko to Chennek

Walking 7 - 8 hours. Another long day that takes you back from Ambiko down to the Meseha River at 2,750m, before ascending again to the small village of Chiroloba , where we will have lunch, then we start clamping up the Buwahit pass (4430) and then walk an hour down to Chennek camp site stay overnight inChennek / drive back to Gondar for overnight .



Walking time: 7-8 hours

Difficulty rating: intermediate

Day 7 - Drive from Chennek to Gonder via Debark

Today you walk down from Chennek to the main road. The drive back to Gondar is about 5 hours. Once arrived in Gondar, you can relax in your hotel and enjoy a good shower.