Trek the Simien Mountains Ethiopia

Another great option for visitors looking for adventures in Ethiopia is the Simien Mountains, which are on UNESCO’s danger list due to environmental peril.

The Greek poet Homer referred to them as “chess pieces of the gods”. Imagine an eye-popping array of deep ravines and gorges, bordered by mighty pinnacles and rock spires. The alpine plants and superb wildlife make the Simien Mountains an unmissed feature of Ethiopia.

A rugged, mountain range composed of insanely vertiginous cliffs and several peaks above 4000 meters, hiking in the Simien Mountains is, for many travelers, one of the highlights of any trip to Ethiopia.

At 4500 meters above sea level, Ras Dashen is the highest peak, the highest mountain in Ethiopia, and the 5th in all Africa and, along with some real jaw-dropping scenery and a large variety of wildlife – especially Gelada monkeys, which you are likely to see in hundreds – it is no wonder that Simien Mountains National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

This is one of the top trekking destinations in Africa, an adventure you don’t want to miss.

Best trekking trail in the Simien Mountains

Day 1: Start of the trek to Sankabar Simien Mountains

You will start this trek by viewing the monkeys if you find them after the monkeys have gone into the forest and the fun is usually over, you will start your hiking to Sankabar base camp and, for a few hours, you will walk over a dizzying, yet absolutely jaw-dropping, the cliff from where you get unbelievable views of the Simien Plateau.

Sankabar is a campsite and where you will finish your day of hiking.

Day 2: Hike from Sankabar to Chennek via Enatye Pass (4070m)

From a landscape point of view, this is one of the best views on the hike.

In the morning, you will follow the same path that goes over the cliff until we reached Jin Bahir Falls depending on the season sometimes the falls are dry.

Usually and later you will join the ending trail and meet the vehicle at Chennek and transfer to the lodge.

Best time to for hiking in the Simien mountains

Trekking in the Simien Mountains is possible at any time of year, however, some times are better than others. If you can choose, always opt for September to November. After the summer rains, the landscape is vivid green, the paths are less dusty and the far-reaching views undisturbed by haze.