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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4 Days Gondar and Simien Mountains Tour
Royal castles and Africa's most dramatic mountain views
About The Tour
4 Days Gondar and Simien Mountains Tour: Castles, Geladas and Cliffs
Royal castles and Africa’s most dramatic mountain views
Overview
The Simien Mountains are one of the great landscapes of Africa: a high plateau that ends in cliffs more than a kilometre tall, with herds of gelada monkeys grazing on the edge. This 4 day tour combines two days of easy to moderate walking in the national park with a day in Gondar, the old royal capital.
The tour starts and ends at Gondar airport, about an hour by air from Addis Ababa. You can stay in a comfortable lodge every night, or camp for a more traditional trekking experience.
Duration
4 Days (3 Nights)
Suggested Accommodations
- Gondar: Goha Hotel or Haile Resort Gondar
- Simien Mountains: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Lodge, or camping at Geech
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Gondar, City Tour
Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar. Visit the Royal Enclosure of Fasil Ghebbi, the bath of King Fasilides and Debre Birhan Selassie church. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 2: Drive into the Simien Mountains
Drive to Debark (about 2.5 hours) to collect your park scout, then enter the national park. Walk from Buyit Ras to Sankaber along the edge of the escarpment, with your first geladas and views of the lowlands. Overnight in the park.
Day 3: Geech and Imet Gogo
Walk from Geech to Imet Gogo, one of the finest viewpoints in Africa, at about 3,926 metres. Look out for walia ibex, found only here, and the lammergeier vulture. Optional visit to Jinbar waterfall. Overnight in the park.
Day 4: Chenek and Return to Gondar
Morning drive to Chenek, the best area for walia ibex and geladas at close range, then drive back to Gondar for your flight to Addis Ababa or the next stop on your trip.
Travel Advice
Current travel advice (October 2026): the UK and US governments currently advise against all travel to the Amhara region, which includes Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and the Simien Mountains. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change.
Price and Booking
Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.
Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.
What Is Included
- Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
- English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
- Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
- All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Simien Mountains park entrance, scout and park guide
- Camping equipment if you choose to camp, with cook and mules
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Flights between Addis Ababa and Gondar
- Lunch and dinner outside the park
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Best Time to Go
September to November is green with clear skies and wildflowers. December to March is dry with cold nights. The park is open all year, but July and August have heavy rain and cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the walking?
Most walks are 3 to 5 hours at 3,000 to 4,000 metres altitude, on good paths. If you are fit enough for a day hike at home, you will be fine. Go slowly at altitude.
Do we need a scout?
Yes. A park scout is required for every group in the Simien Mountains. We arrange this for you.
Can I climb Ras Dashen?
Yes, Ethiopia’s highest peak needs about 6 to 8 days. Ask us for a custom trek.
Tour Languages
Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.
Booking Form
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