Ethiopia Simien Mountains Trekking Expedition (± 10 Days)

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, make your own way to the group hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to explore the city's wide, tree-lined avenues. Addis Ababa offers numerous shops selling artisan crafts, textiles, and antiques. As one of Africa's fastest-growing cities and the fifth highest capital in the world, the altitude may affect you, so take it easy on your first day. Being close to the equator, Addis Ababa enjoys nearly twelve hours of daylight throughout the year.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

In the morning, drive approximately 2.5 hours (100 km) from Gondar to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park. Meet your trekking crew, including park scouts and muleteers, before continuing on a rough road to Sankabar Camp. Enjoy a short acclimatization walk (1.5–3 hours, 3–7.5 km) along the escarpment with stunning views of the Simien Mountains. If fortunate, spot Gelada baboons in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a circuit walk with an optional ascent to Imet Gogo (3926m). This acclimatization trek offers breathtaking views of the Simien lowlands and the mountain range. Continue to Saha viewpoint, an ideal spot for lunch, before returning to Geech Camp. Optionally, visit Set Derek for sunset views.
Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional: Begin a pre-dawn trek to the summit of Ras Dashen. The climb takes approximately 10–12 hours (26 km; ascent/descent 1355m) and offers spectacular views, possibly extending to Eritrea. Alternatively, relax at the campsite and enjoy village life.
Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Traverse the highlands, passing Meshehe River and local villages. Arrive at Sona Camp, located on a plateau with views of the gorge and cliffs of Imet Gogo.
Distance: Approx. 8–10 hours, 23 km; ascent 1136m/descent 1158m
Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a short morning trek (2–3 hours, 10 km; ascent 200m) to Arkwasiye village. Transfer to Gondar (approx. 3.5–4 hours, 190 km), with a stop for lunch en route. Check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevate your Ras Dashen & Gondar Trekking Adventure with our expertly designed extension options, offering a deeper exploration of Ethiopia’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures. Personalize your itinerary to craft a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Here are a few possible extension tours that could complement the Ras Dashen & Gondar Expedition and provide travelers with an even more comprehensive experience of Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and landscapes:

1. Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Extension
Duration: 2 Days

Overview: Extend your adventure with a visit to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These 12th-century monolithic churches, carved from solid rock, are an architectural marvel and a key pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Explore the fascinating history and intricate designs of these sacred structures, along with the surrounding monastic sites.
Highlights: Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, St. George's Church, historic monasteries, and ancient Christian heritage.

2. Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls Extension
Duration: 2 Days

Overview: Journey to the Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, which is the source of the Blue Nile River. Cruise on the lake to visit ancient island monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mehret, known for their beautiful frescoes and rich spiritual history. The Blue Nile Falls, often referred to as the "smoking water," offers an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Highlights: Boat trip on Lake Tana, visit to Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery, stunning views of Blue Nile Falls, and local culture.

3. Axum & the Stelae Fields Extension
Duration: 2 Days

Overview: Discover the ancient city of Axum, once the capital of the Aksumite Empire, a key center of early Christianity in Africa. Visit the impressive stelae fields, which contain towering obelisks, and explore the Church of St. Mary of Zion, said to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Highlights: Axum’s ancient ruins, stelae fields, Church of St. Mary of Zion, and the historic treasures of the Aksumite Empire.

4. Omo Valley Cultural Extension
Duration: 3-4 Days

Overview: For those wishing to immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s diverse tribal cultures, take an extension to the Omo Valley. Visit the indigenous tribes of the lower Omo River, including the Hamar, Mursi, and Karo peoples. Explore their unique customs, traditions, and lifestyles, and engage with the vibrant local communities.
Highlights: Cultural encounters with the Hamar, Mursi, and Karo tribes, visits to traditional villages, and exploration of the remote, untouched landscapes of southern Ethiopia.

5. Danakil Depression & Dallol Extension
Duration: 3-4 Days

Overview: Extend your adventure into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth, but also home to otherworldly landscapes, salt plains, and the vibrant Dallol volcano. The region's extreme environment is contrasted by the unique cultures of the Afar people.
Highlights: Salt caravans, Dallol sulfur springs, Erta Ale volcano, and the fascinating desert landscapes of the Danakil Depression.

These extensions can be tailored to match the interests of different travelers, whether they seek cultural immersion, nature, or adventure. They offer the opportunity to deepen the experience and explore more of Ethiopia's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.