---------------------------------
Address
Phone: +251 988 111 222
Need help or have a question?
Contact us at: info@driveethiopia.com
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3 Days Simien Mountains Trek
Walk the edge of the escarpment among herds of geladas
About The Tour
3 Days Simien Mountains Trek: Sankaber, Geech and Imet Gogo
Walk the edge of the escarpment among herds of geladas
Overview
The Simien Mountains are a high plateau that ends in cliffs more than a kilometre tall, home to geladas, walia ibex and lammergeier vultures. This 3 day trek follows the classic route along the escarpment from Sankaber to Geech and on to Imet Gogo, one of the finest viewpoints in Africa.
The trek starts and ends at Gondar airport, about an hour by air from Addis Ababa. You can camp in the park with a cook and mules carrying your gear, or sleep in a lodge and walk each day with a light pack. A park scout walks with every group.
Duration
3 Days (2 Nights)
Suggested Accommodations
- Camping: Sankaber and Geech campsites (tents, mattresses, cook and mules provided)
- Lodge option: Limalimo Lodge or Simien Lodge
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Gondar, Drive to Sankaber, Escarpment Walk
Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar. Drive to Debark (about 2.5 hours) to collect your park scout, then enter the national park. Afternoon walk from Buyit Ras to Sankaber along the escarpment edge, about 3 hours, with your first geladas and views over the lowlands. Overnight at Sankaber camp or your lodge.
Day 2: Sankaber to Geech via Jinbar Waterfall
Walk from Sankaber to Geech, about 5 to 6 hours, passing the Jinbar waterfall as it drops into a deep gorge. Climb gradually through farmland and giant lobelias to the Geech plateau at about 3,600 metres. Overnight at Geech camp or your lodge.
Day 3: Imet Gogo Sunrise, Return to Gondar
Early walk to Imet Gogo at about 3,926 metres for sunrise over the escarpment and the lowlands below, about 2 to 3 hours return. Drive back through the park and Debark to Gondar for the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.
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, cook and mules if you choose to camp
- All meals during the trek
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Flights between Addis Ababa and Gondar
- 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 trek?
Walks are 3 to 6 hours a day at 3,000 to 4,000 metres, on good paths. If you are fit enough for a day hike at home, you will be fine. Go slowly at altitude.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
We provide tents and mattresses. Nights are cold, below freezing from December to February, so bring a warm sleeping bag or ask us to hire one for you.
Can I add Gondar?
Yes. Our 4 day Gondar and Simien Mountains tour adds a day at the castles of Gondar.
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
Did you find it interesting? For getting quotes and additional information, please use the below form.