Simien Mountains trek: 2-day hike from Gondar

Summary

Simien Mountains trekking with local guide & camping

On this two-day Simien Mountains trek from Gondar, you’ll hike dramatic escarpments with a local guide, spot wild gelada baboons up close, camp under starry skies near Sankaber, and stand above Ethiopia’s roaring Jinbahir waterfall. With permits arranged and meals included, expect moments of challenge and wonder you’ll remember long after your boots are clean again.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll just say it — I almost missed the start because I couldn’t find my other sock. Not the most heroic beginning for a Simien Mountains trek, but there you go. The drive out from Gondar was quiet at first, just the hum of the road and that early-morning chill that makes you wish you’d packed another layer. Our guide, Tesfaye, greeted us in Debark with this big grin and a thermos of strong coffee (he called it “Ethiopian rocket fuel” — not wrong). Permits sorted, scout on board, we bumped along to the trailhead. There was this smell of eucalyptus everywhere, sharp and kind of sweet.

The first stretch along the escarpment felt easy enough — until I realized we were already at 3,250 meters. My lungs noticed before my legs did. We saw these gelada baboons sitting right by the edge, picking grass and ignoring us completely. Tesfaye told us they’re only found here; he tried teaching me their Amharic name but I mangled it so badly he just laughed and shook his head. The views over northern Ethiopia really do look like something out of a storybook — all those jagged cliffs and deep valleys fading into haze. Lunch was simple bread and spicy lentils eaten sitting on a rock; honestly, it tasted better than half the restaurant meals I’ve had.

That night camping near Sankaber was colder than I expected — my sleeping bag felt thin against the mountain air. Someone nearby played music on their phone (not great speakers), but it made me feel less alone under all those stars. In the morning we set off east along the rim again. There’s this moment when you hear Jinbahir waterfall before you see it — just this roar echoing up through the abyss. When we finally reached the cliff edge, I got dizzy looking down at all that space below; 500 meters straight drop is no joke. We took too many photos but none really captured how small you feel standing there.

The walk back wound through villages where kids waved at us (one tried to sell me a carved stick — I almost bought it just for his sales pitch). By then my legs were tired but I didn’t want it to end yet. On the drive back to Gondar, Tesfaye asked if we wanted to stop for one last short walk — part of me wishes we had. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that cold air and those cliffs stretching out forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Sankaber and Intro Walk

• Drive from Gondar to Debark park HQ
• Arrange permits and pick up scout
• Drive to Sankaber start point
• Easy introductory hike with views and gelada baboons

Day 2 — Hike Jinbahir Waterfall and Return

• Hike along northern escarpment to Jinbahir Waterfall
• Walk back to Sankaber via Wazla River valley
• Drive back to Gondar (optional extra walk stop)

Top questions

How long is the drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park?

The drive from Gondar to Debark (the park headquarters) takes about two to three hours by paved road.

Is camping equipment provided on this Simien Mountains trek?

The tour includes overnight camping arrangements; check with your operator for specific gear details.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, both breakfast and dinner are included during your Simien Mountains trekking experience.

Will I see wildlife like gelada baboons?

Yes, gelada baboons are commonly seen along the hiking route in Simien Mountains National Park.

Is hotel pickup in Gondar included?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Gondar to Debark and back.

Do I need a permit for Simien Mountains National Park?

Your guide will arrange all necessary permits at park headquarters before starting the trek.

What’s included

Your trip includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Gondar, all required park permits arranged by your guide and scout team, overnight camping accommodations near Sankaber with dinner and breakfast provided, bottled mineral water throughout the hike, plus mules and handlers for carrying gear as needed before returning to town.