Simien Mountains: Day Trek with Gelada Monkeys & Pickup

Summary

Simien day trek from Gondar markets to wild escarpments

You’ll walk along high ridges in the Simien Mountains after starting out from Gondar’s lively market streets, spot gelada monkeys right up close, share laughs with your guide, and eat lunch overlooking endless valleys before heading back in comfort. It’s equal parts sweat and wonder — a day you’ll feel long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You step off the minibus at Debark and the air feels sharper — not cold exactly, just different. Our guide, Teshome, waved us over to a little shack for coffee (so strong it made my hands shake) before we sorted out permits. There was this hum of voices from the market nearby — women selling green peppers by the bucket, kids darting between donkeys. I tried to buy an orange but fumbled my birr coins and ended up laughing with the stall owner. She had gold teeth and told me the word for “orange” in Amharic but I immediately forgot it. Happens.

The drive from Debark to the Simien Mountains gate is all dust and switchbacks. You start seeing that wild drop-off as you get closer — like someone sliced the earth sideways. We met our scout there (he barely spoke English but smiled a lot), then started walking towards Buit Ras. The wind kept picking up bits of dry grass and tossing them around our boots. My legs felt heavy at first — altitude or nerves, not sure which.

Somewhere past a clump of yellow St. John’s wort trees, Teshome stopped short and whispered “geladas.” Suddenly they were everywhere: these shaggy baboons sitting so close you could hear them munching grass. One baby tried to grab my camera strap; I almost dropped it, which got a laugh from everyone including our scout. We watched them for ages — their faces are so human, you know? The silence except for their chewing stuck with me more than any view.

The last stretch to Chilkuwanit is rougher — loose stones underfoot, sun right in your eyes if you’re unlucky like me. But then you’re at this edge where everything falls away into haze and fields far below. We ate lunch on a flat rock (bread tasted like dust but maybe that’s just me) while vultures circled overhead. After that, our car picked us up and drove us back toward Gondar as clouds started rolling in. I still think about those monkeys sometimes when it’s quiet here at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek and wildlife viewing in Simien Mountains

• Meet at Gondar Airport or hotel
• Drive to Debark town
• Obtain park entry permission and meet scout
• Tea and coffee break
• Visit local market if time allows
• Drive 16km to park gate
• Drive 6km to Buit Ras area
• Trek 3-4 hours to Chilkuwanit viewpoint
• Observe gelada baboons and wildlife
• Car pickup at Chilkuwanit
• Drive back to Gondar

Top questions

How long does the Simien Mountains day trek take?

The trek itself is about 3–4 hours plus driving time between Gondar, Debark, and the park gate.

Are gelada monkeys easy to see on this tour?

Yes, you'll almost certainly encounter troops of gelada monkeys during the trek.

Is lunch included on the Simien day trek?

Yes, lunch is provided during the tour.

Where does pickup happen for this trek?

Pickup is available from Gondar Airport or hotels in Gondar.

Do I need to be very fit for this Simien Mountains trek?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to altitude and uneven terrain.

What animals might I see besides geladas?

You might spot common jackals, klipspringers, various birds like ravens or buzzards.

Is there time to visit Debark market?

If time allows, there may be a chance to visit Debark's local market before entering the park.

Are guides included on this Simien Mountains day trip?

Yes, a professional guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Gondar Airport, all necessary entry permissions handled by your guide, bottled water for the hike, security with an official scout joining your group in Simien Mountains, a packed lunch eaten at one of the best viewpoints along the ridge, and comfortable air-conditioned transport back to Gondar at day's end.