Wildlife · Trekking
9-Day Highlands & Wildlife
Walk the Simien escarpment among gelada troops, then track the Ethiopian wolf across the Sanetti Plateau.
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Season
- October to April
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
8 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Ethiopia’s two great mountain ecosystems in one journey, guided throughout by a specialist in endemic wildlife. Three days of rim walks in the Simien Mountains are followed by the Rift Valley lakes and three days in the Bale Mountains: the Sanetti Plateau at first light, mountain nyala at Dinsho and the Harenna cloud forest.
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
Arrive in Addis Ababa
Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, a briefing with your guide over a traditional dinner.
Days 2 to 4
Simien Mountains
Fly to Gondar and drive to the Simien Mountains National Park. Three days of escarpment walks of increasing length (Sankaber, Gich and Imet Gogo), with gelada troops at close quarters and walia ibex on the cliffs around Chenek.
Day 5
Gondar – Addis Ababa – Ziway
Return to Gondar and fly to Addis Ababa, then drive south into the Rift Valley with birding stops along Lake Ziway.
Days 6 to 8
Bale Mountains
Search for the Ethiopian wolf at first light on the Sanetti Plateau, look for mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck around Dinsho, and spend a day in the Harenna cloud forest.
Day 9
Return to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner and your transfer to Bole International Airport.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flight Addis Ababa to Gondar
- Private 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver
- English-speaking guide with endemic-wildlife expertise
- Park fees, scouts and local guides in Simien and Bale
- Hotels and lodges as listed, full board throughout
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
How long is this tour?
When is the best time to take this tour?
Is it private, and can the itinerary be changed?
How much does it cost, and how do I book?
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 9-Day Highlands & Wildlife 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 October to April · 1 to 12 guests · A quote made for your journey
Let’s Plan Your Ethiopian Adventure
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Questions before you enquire?
Altitude, road time, how hard the walking really is, whether the children will cope. Ask us anything. Our team will answer honestly.
Or call us directly on +251 912 039405