2 Days Simien Mountains Trekking: Gelada Baboons & Jinbahir Falls

Walk the edge of a towering waterfall carved into the Simien escarpment

A two-day trekking tour of Simien Mountains National Park starting from Gondar, with an English-speaking guide, scout and mule handler included. Day one is an introductory walk along the northern escarpment at 3,250 meters where gelada baboons roam; day two follows the ridge eastward to the Jinbahir River waterfall, then descends through the Kaba Valley and Wazla River valley before returning to Gondar. Overnight camping, all meals, transport and park permits are arranged; mules carry gear on the second day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Sankaber and introductory hike

• Drive from Gondar to Debark park headquarters
• Arrange permits and pick up scout
• Drive one hour to Sankaber
• Easy hike along northern escarpment
• View gelada baboons and foothills
• Overnight camping at Sankaber

Day 2 — Hike Jinbahir and return to Gondar

• Follow northern escarpment eastward
• Descend into Kaba Valley
• Climb to Gich Abyss and cliff viewpoint
• See Jinbahir waterfall
• Walk back to Sankaber via Wazla River valley
• Drive back to Gondar

The Experience

The journey starts early from Gondar with a two to three hour drive along a paved road to Debark, where you'll arrange park permits and meet your scout at the headquarters. After another hour's drive, your first hike is an easy walk along the northern edge of the escarpment—introductory terrain that lets you settle into the altitude and the rhythm of the mountains. Gelada baboons move through the grassland here, and the view stretches across foothills and plains all the way toward Eritrea.

Day two is the climb. You follow the northern escarpment eastward before descending into the Kaba Valley, then climb again toward the Gich Abyss. The path narrows to a ridge with a cliff edge, and there—where the Jinbahir River plunges 500 meters straight down into the abyss—you stop to take in the scale of it. After time at the waterfall, you walk back to Sankaber by a different route, descending through the Wazla River valley and past villages on the southern slope. A mule and handler carry your gear on this second day, so you walk without the weight. The drive back to Gondar follows, with the option to stop along the way if you want another walk before the day ends.

Your guide speaks English and knows the terrain; a scout accompanies the trek for safety and local knowledge. Overnight camping at Sankaber sits at 3,250 meters, and the operator provides dinner, breakfast, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle for the drives. The physical demand is moderate—the first day is easy, the second involves climbing and descent but no technical scrambling. You need at least moderate fitness and should be comfortable at altitude; the trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide and scout.
• overnight camping at Sankaber.
• dinner and breakfast.
• mule and mule handler for day two.
• bottled mineral water.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the Gondar drive and return.
• Simien Mountains National Park permits.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Simien Tour and Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want an English-speaking guide leading a two-day trek from Gondar with mules carrying your gear, so you walk the escarpment without the weight.

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Top questions

What animals will I see on the Simien Mountains trek?

Gelada baboons are common along the northern escarpment, especially on the first day's walk. The operator mentions them as a regular encounter on this route.

Is the Jinbahir waterfall the main stop on day two?

The Jinbahir waterfall, where the river drops 500 meters into the abyss, is the centerpiece of day two. After time there to photograph and rest, you walk back to Sankaber by a different route through the Wazla River valley and villages before driving to Gondar.

Do I need to carry my own gear on both days?

On day one, you carry a day pack for the introductory walk. On day two, a mule and mule handler carry your camping gear and equipment, so you trek without that weight.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English throughout the trek.

Are meals and accommodation included in the price?

Yes—dinner and breakfast are provided, and you overnight in a camp at Sankaber. Bottled mineral water is also included. The operator arranges park permits and provides an air-conditioned vehicle for the drives from and to Gondar.