Trekking Adventure of Ethopia

Join us on a Simien Mountain trekking tour of Ethiopia!

12 Day, 11 Night

This Ethiopian trekking experience takes you to one of the most stunning locations in Africa, Simien Mountains National Park. This mountain range is a vast and unique landscape consisting of highland plateaus capped by a dramatic skyline of jagged volcanic peaks and split by deep gorges and ravines. The views are breathtaking, and many refer to the natural formations as the gods’ chess pieces. Your experience will take you trekking through the park for six days. It will also allow you to view some native wildlife, including Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, and gelada baboon.

Your time in Ethiopia would not be complete without visiting some of the many historical sites that make this country unique. Travel to Lalibela, known as the eighth wonder of the world with its impressive rock-hewn churches. Journey to the ‘Camelot of Africa’, Gondar, and view its magnificent medieval castles and palaces.

You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for this somewhat undiscovered country. We are happy to customize any of our trips to fit your needs. Journey with us to beautiful Ethiopia!

**Please note, due to the current conflict in Ethiopia, this itinerary might be subject to changes. Please reach out to us to learn more and discuss. Thank you!**

Day 1

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Off Season Adventures and taken to your hotel. If time allows, you may be able to participate in a city tour. Addis Ababa is a vibrant city with many things to see and do. Visit the National Museum and the oldest hominid fossil ‘Lucy” or head to the top of Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the city. Wherever your exploration takes you, it is bound to be an exciting day. Have dinner back at your hotel and contemplate the Ethiopian experience that awaits you!

Day 2

After breakfast, fly north to the city of Gondar. Once the capital of Ethiopia, it was founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasiladas. Tour the town and see its beautiful castles, the royal enclosure, and King Fasil’s bath. You will also stop at Debrebirhan Selassie Church, known exclusively for its traditional paintings, particularly the angels’ faces on the ceilings.

Day 3

Today you’ll begin your trekking experience. In the morning, drive to Debark, the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters. Once in the park, you will move to the first campsite, Sankaber. Here you will meet with the local community, visit their school, and participate in farming activities. Have dinner and spend the night at the camp.

Day 4

After enjoying breakfast at your campsite, head out on some scenic hiking. You will drive to Mecihbiy and make your way back to the Sankaber campsite. The trek will immerse you in the beautiful and dramatic landscapes that are characteristic of the park. The afternoon will allow you to rest and relax before another day of trekking.

Day 5

This morning depart on a 6-7 hour trek from Sankaber to Geech. You will stop at the lovely Jinbar waterfall along the way and will most likely see various native animals, including troops of gelada baboons and bearded vultures. Enjoy a calm evening and dinner at your camp.

Day 6

Today’s hike is one of the most scenic and will take you through grassy plateaus from Geech to Chenek. You’ll pass through the semi-dense vegetation made up of the Giant Lobelia plants. Stop at some of the park’s unique viewpoints, including Kedadit Gorge, Imet Gogo, and Enatiye. Marvel at the massive canyons, distant ridges, and seemingly never-ending valleys.

Day 7

On this day, you will hike approximately 5-6 hours from Chenek to Filki. On the way, pass by Bwahit, the second largest peak in the park at 4,437 meters high. This area provides the opportunity to see the Walia ibex and rare endemic Ethiopian wolf.

Day 8

After an early breakfast, make your way back to Chenek from Filki. The trek should take between 5 and 6 hours. Relax and enjoy dinner at Chenek.

Day 9

Today marks the end of your trekking excursion. After breakfast, you will drive back to Gondar. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the city or relax.

Day 10

This morning travel to the small town of Lalibela. This place is home to one of the world’s most astounding sacred sites, the eleven rock-hewn churches. Showcasing impressive skill and ingenuity, these churches are chiseled out of a single granite block and mostly constructed below ground. You will visit these structures, including the famous St. George Church and the tomb of Adam.

Day 11

After breakfast, take a short walk to Yemrehanna Kristos through the small village of Bilbala. This cave church predates Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and is one of the most beautiful in the country. It is built from marble and wood and shows remarkable architectural skill. The other side of the cave houses many mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries ago. When you return to Lalibela, you will have the afternoon to spend at your leisure.

Day 12

Today you will fly back to Addis Ababa. You will have the afternoon to do some shopping or sightseeing. End your Ethiopian excursion with a farewell dinner and folk show before heading to the airport for your journey home.

What’s Included?

• Your local, experienced driver with many years of guiding tours in Ethiopia
• Lodging in Ethiopia on a full room and board basis
• Entrance fees for all National Parks and Conservation Areas
• All cultural activities and excursions on the itinerary
• Contribution to the 501(c)(3) organization Second Look Worldwide and World Resources Institute for sustainable urbanization, climate policy and analysis, forest restoration and access to information issues
• Beverages while in transit, excluding while in the airports
• Driver transfers to and from airports
• Wire Transfer and other banking fees

What’s Not Included?

• International flights to & from Ethiopia
• Tips for your drivers, tour guides, and lodges, highly encouraged
• Alcoholic beverages
• Traveler’s insurance, required
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Baggage weight overages, if applicable
• Any incidental expenses
• Anything from room service or the hotel minibar
• Any visas required for entry into Ethiopia
• Any Covid-19 tests required for entry into Ethiopia

Accommodations

Best Western Plus: 1 night, Bed & Breakfast Basis

Goha Hotel: 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis

Camping: 6 nights, Full Room & Board Basis

Mountain View Hotel: 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis

Next Steps

THIS 12 DAY, 11 NIGHT TOUR PACKAGE BEGINS AT ONLY $4268 PER PERSON, FULL ROOM AND BOARD AT DOUBLE CAPACITY.

50% of the total package cost must be paid 90 days before travel to retain your reservation, and the balance must be paid 60 days prior to the date of arrival.

Pricing, hotels, and itinerary are subject to change.