Trekking
3-Day Simien Mountains Trek
Sankaber to Gich along the escarpment, with gelada troops and a night under canvas.
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Season
- September to June
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
2 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A short, classic trek along the Simien escarpment. Walk from Sankaber to Gich camp with the Jinbar waterfall and sheer cliffs beside you, camp in the highlands with a full support team, and celebrate on your return with a cultural farewell dinner in Addis Ababa.
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Fly to Gondar – Drive to Sankaber – Begin Your Simien Mountains Adventure
After breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your Ethiopian Airlines flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your driver and begin a scenic journey to Sankaber, the main gateway to the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you travel toward the park, enjoy breathtaking views of the Ethiopian Highlands, dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and rugged mountain landscapes. Sankaber is the starting point for many trekking routes and provides an excellent introduction to the park’s extraordinary natural beauty. Upon arrival, meet your local trekking team, including experienced guides, cooks, and mule handlers, who will accompany you throughout your adventure. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short introductory walk to admire the surrounding scenery and spot some of the park’s unique wildlife, including the famous Gelada baboons. Later, settle into your campsite and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains. As the sun sets over the dramatic landscape, savor a freshly prepared dinner before spending your first night camping under the stars in one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable natural environments. Overnight: Camping at Sankaber Camp.
Day 2
Trek from Sankaber to Gich Camp
After an early breakfast, begin a full-day trek from Sankaber to Gich Camp, one of the most scenic and rewarding sections of Simien Mountains National Park. This trek takes approximately 5 to 7 hours and offers breathtaking views of dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, Afro-alpine meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes. The trail passes through some of the park’s most spectacular scenery, providing excellent opportunities to observe the unique flora and fauna of the Ethiopian Highlands. One of the highlights of the day is a visit to the magnificent Jinnbar Waterfall, one of the most iconic natural attractions in the Simien Mountains. Cascading into a deep gorge below, the waterfall offers stunning photographic opportunities and unforgettable panoramic views. After crossing the Jinnbar River, continue your ascent through open grasslands and highland plateaus, where large troops of endemic Gelada baboons are often seen grazing peacefully. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird species and other wildlife that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem. As you approach Gich Camp, enjoy sweeping views across the mountains as the golden afternoon light illuminates the dramatic landscape. The combination of breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and tranquil surroundings makes this one of the most memorable trekking days in the Simien Mountains. Upon arrival at Gich Camp, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the highlands before dinner and an overnight stay under the stars. Overnight: Camping at Gich Camp.
Day 3
Return to Gondar – Fly to Addis Ababa – Cultural Farewell Dinner
After an early breakfast, enjoy your final moments in the breathtaking Simien Mountains before hiking out and driving back to Gondar. Along the way, take in the last views of the dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and spectacular escarpments that make the Simien Mountains one of Africa’s most remarkable trekking destinations. Upon arrival in Gondar, transfer to the airport for your Ethiopian Airlines flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax or explore the city before the evening program. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell cultural dinner at one of Addis Ababa’s renowned traditional restaurants. Savor a variety of authentic Ethiopian dishes while experiencing vibrant cultural performances featuring traditional music and dances from Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. The evening offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey. To conclude your adventure, participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an important symbol of Ethiopian hospitality and culture. After dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your international departure.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 2 nights of accommodation: Camping
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park fees, armed scout and local guides
- Camping equipment, cook and pack mules or porters
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 3-Day Simien Mountains Trek yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs September to June · 1 to 12 guests · A quote made for your journey
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