The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia and abroad with awe. Gentle highland ridges at altitudes above 3600 meters above sea level, covered with grasses, isolated trees (Erica & bored), and the bizarre Giant Lobelia (Lobelia Rhynchopetalum) are found on the high plateau that ends abruptly at 1000- to 2000-m deep escarpments. The margins of this high plateau consist of precipitous cliffs and deep, canyon-style gorges. In some places, the escarpment forms small elevations that offer splendid natal lookout points. The spectacular views from the observation points at Gidir Got and lmet Gogo in the center of the Park offers unparalleled panoramas along the high plateau and down to the lowland areas. Given the right meteorological conditions, views reaching up to a hundred kilometers over the valleys and the terraces of the Tekeze lowland basin are no exception. Geologically speaking, the entire highlands of the Simien Mountains consist of dark Trapp basalt and bright, soft turf. They alternate and constitute a massive complex that is more than 3000 m thick. This complex was formed by volcanic eruptions in the Tertiary Oligocene-Miocene Age some 20-30 million years ago; ever since it has been going through processes of uplifting and erosion.

The main attraction of the Simien Mountains National Park is its biosphere: the steep cliffs and the cool climate at the altitude of the Erica tree line (3600 to 4000 m ash) have created conditions that are appropriate for the survival of an ibex species (Capra ibex wee) endemic to the Simien Mountains. Despite the severe restriction of their habitat over the last centuries, several hundred animals have survived up to the present. Apart from the Walya ibex, many other animal species are found in the Park, for example, the endemic Simien fox or Ethiopian wolf (Canis .071817,51-3 simony’s), several birds of prey, the endemic Gelada baboon ( Theropithecusgelada), the Klipspringer (Oreotragus Omotragus), and the bush buck (liagelphus scriptus). The rareness of these species formed the backbone of the concept for conservation of the area, which led to the establishment of the Simien Mountains National Park in 1969, and its listing as a World Heritage Site in 1918.

The human population living in the area adds to the distinctiveness of this special natural environment. The traditional lifestyle of the rural population and their survival in a rather harsh climate and with scarce natural resources make for the most striking impressions a visitor will have when trekking in the Park and its surrounding rural area.

Size of Simien mountains national park

When first established in 1966, the Simien Mountains National Park encompassed an area of just 136km2 and 412km2. Re-demarcation of the park boundary was carried out in 2003 when the Amhara Government and communities agreed to exclude villages along the park boundary and some areas under cultivation. However, they also agreed to extend the boundary to include the Mesarerya and Lemalimo Wildlife Reserves. A further extension was agreed in 2007, and the park was extended to include the peaks of Silki, Kidus Yared, and also Ras Dejen, the highest mountain in Ethiopia (4,533m). Currently, the total park area is 412km2. The park ranges from 1,900 to 4,533m.

Location of Simien mountains national park

Simien Mountains National Park is in northern Ethiopia. Its rugged terrain includes escarpments, deep valleys, and a high plateau, home to rare Walia ibex and Gelada baboons. Tall peaks include the towering Ras Dashen Mountain. Trails wind through the park to camps at Sankaber, Geech, and Chenek. The central Gidir Got and Imet Gogo summit lookouts have panoramic views of sheer cliffs and the lowlands below.

How to get to Simien mountains national park

Getting to Simien mountains national park is quite easier and you can choose to drive or fly from Addis Ababa.

By Air

Ethiopian Airlines flies the historic circuit between Addis Ababa, Gonder, Lalibela, and Axum daily. Gonder airport is about 20km from the center of town. From the airport, you can either hire a taxi or make prior arrangements with a Gonder-based tour operator. Ticket prices purchased inside the country are heavily reduced from the prices marked on their website. There are ticket offices throughout Addis and all other cities where they fly.

By road

The newly paved road from Gonder to Debark is 95km and takes you through scenic highland landscapes. 38km from Debark is the Kossoye viewpoint where you should make sure to stop for sweeping views you will also pass through the small historic town of Amba Giorgis (Hill of St. George) where King Tewodros II defeated the local ruler. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Debark. From there, it is a further 1-hour drive via the Sawri Village to the park boundary. The road from Debark to the park boundary is in good condition but is steep in the last section.

Things to do in Simien mountains national park

Wildlife viewing

The combination of altitudinal variation and isolation of the Simien Mountains has given rise to a number of rare and endemic species and a high level of diversity. This high endemicity and diversity justify the inclusion of SMNP in Conservation International’s Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot. The remoteness and isolation of the area that determine this endemism has also rendered these isolated populations of species such as the Ethiopian wolf, Walia ibex, or gelada to be more vulnerable to local extirpation or extinction from many threats.

Trekking and hiking tours

Trekking is one of the most sought after activities to do in Simien Mountains National Park. The following are guidelines to help plan your trekking experience:

Tours start at Debark where the Simien Mountains National Park Headquarters is located (3,000m). Here you will need to register, pay your entrance fees, and meet your trekking guide from the Walia Local Guides Association.

Birding safaris

Over 863 species of birds have been registered in Ethiopia, representing approximately 9.5 percent of the world’s birds and 39 percent of the birds in Africa. Eighteen of these birds are endemic to Ethiopia, while a further 14 are endemic to Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea.

Cultural encounters

Walks to see the near communities neighboring the park and you can spend a day with them and experience the incredible community experience

Nature walks

With the montane rain forest, the park is one of the best places for nature walks and you can see rear wildlife and birds during the walk

When to visit Semien mountains national park

The best time to visit the Simien Mountains is between October and March, with the clearest skies and warmest weather.

December, January and February is the peak travel season. During these months, you have the best weather conditions, but the campsites could be busy and the lodges will be booked well in advance.

The rainy season in the Simien Mountains is between June and August, with rains often creeping into the first half of September. During these months, rainfall increases significantly, temperatures drop, and skies are more likely to be overcast. Whilst it is still possible to do treks, we recommend visiting at a different time of year if possible.

The shoulder season runs from April to the start of the rainy season in June. You won’t have any issues trekking in the Simien’s during these months but be prepared for cloudier skies and intermittent showers.

Where to stay in Semien mountains national park

There are two great places to stay and camping facilities available in the Simien Mountains for travelers to stay while exploring the unique national park for spectacular Ethiopia safaris.

Limalimo Lodge

Limalimo is not only the best accommodation available in the Simien Mountains, but it’s arguably the best lodge in the whole of Ethiopia. The lodge is situated just outside the park, and so exploring the Simien’s from here requires sorties into the park via 4x4s.

Overnights at Limalimo don’t come cheap, but it’s the perfect choice if you want to explore the mountains in comfort and style.

Simien lodge 

The lodge has an aura of luxury which begins with its minimalist design and extends to the exceptional service by the management team and local staff. Sitting at over 3200 meters, the Simien lodge is the highest altitude lodge anywhere in Africa. Sporting the traditional stone walls and thatched roofing, the Simien Lodge comprises a number of tukuls with many boasting great views of the Simien range.

The lodge offers a great alternative to camping and works out slightly cheaper than the more luxurious Limalimo Lodge. It is also more centrally located which means there are great viewpoints and self-treks around the lodge, and Gelada Monkeys are known to play on the lodge grounds.

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay

Overview

Size & Location

How to get there

Activities

Areas of interest

When to visit

Where to stay