Simien Mountains Trek: Climb Mt. Buahit & Spot Wolves

Three days trekking from Sankaber to Chenek to the park's second-highest peak

A 3-day trek through Simien Mountains National Park based from two mountain camps, with treks to Jinbar waterfall, climbs to Mt. Inatye and Mt. Buahit, and chances to spot Ethiopian wolves and Walia ibex. The trek starts with a 100 km drive from Gondar to Debark, then a 4-hour hike to Sankaber camp at 3250m. Day two reaches Chenek camp at 3620m after climbing Mt. Inatye. Day three summits Mt. Buahit at 4430m before the drive back to Gondar. A live guide leads in English, French or German, and mule handlers carry the luggage.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and trek to Sankaber camp

• Pick up from Gondar Airport or Hotel
• Drive 2 hours to Debark
• Obtain park entry permission and tea break
• Explore local market if time allows
• Drive to park gate and trek starting point
• Trek 4 hours to Sankaber camp
• Wildlife and scenic viewing during trek
• Overnight camping at Sankaber

Day 2: Trek to Chenek camp via Jinbar waterfall

• Breakfast at Sankaber camp
• Trek 2 hours to Jinbar waterfall
• Drive 20 minutes to Aynameda
• Climb 2 hours to Mt. Inatye summit
• Trek 2 hours along escarpment to Chenek camp
• Spot Ethiopian wolf and Walia ibex
• Overnight camping at Chenek camp

Day 3: Climb Mt. Buahit and return to Gondar

• Breakfast at Chenek camp
• Climb 3 hours to Mt. Buahit peak
• Enjoy panoramic views and wildlife spotting
• Descend back to Chenek camp
• Have packed lunch at camp
• Drive 4 hours back to Gondar
• Transfer to hotel or airport

The experience

How do you reach the high peaks of Simien Mountains without carrying your own gear across three days? The answer is mules and mule handlers who move your bags between camps while you trek lighter. You start with a morning pickup from your Gondar hotel or airport, then drive 100 km to Debark, the park headquarters, where you stop for park permits and tea or coffee. The local market here runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays if you want to explore it. From Debark, the drive continues 16 km to the park gate and another 6 km to the trek's starting point, which can be adjusted based on your interests and time.

Day one is a 4-hour trek through the escarpment with views of the park's cliffs and plant life. Gelada baboons, clipspringers and bushbucks move through the landscape as you climb to Sankaber camp at 3250m, where you sleep in a waterproof tent with a warm sleeping bag and mattress. Day two starts after breakfast and heads toward Jinbar waterfall, a 2-hour walk to see it up close. Then you drive 20 minutes to Aynameda and climb Mt. Inatye (4070m) over 2 hours, watching for the endemic Ethiopian wolf around the peak. A 2-hour trek along the escarpment brings you to Chenek camp at 3620m for the second night. Day three is the summit push: an 800-meter, 3-hour climb from Chenek to Mt. Buahit at 4430m, the park's second-highest peak. From the top you see Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolves, gelada monkeys and birds across the Afroalpine zone, and on clear days you can spot Mt. Rasdejen in the distance. After descent and a packed lunch, a 4-hour drive returns you to Gondar, with drop-off at your hotel or airport.

The trek includes a live guide who speaks English, French or German; all camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, mattresses); mules and handlers for your luggage; organic, healthy meals and water throughout; a 4-wheel-drive vehicle for the drives; a trekking chef; and all cooking equipment and gas. Children from age 5 are welcome. The operator notes the trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy, and you should have at least moderate physical fitness.

What’s included

• Mule handlers and mules for luggage.
• organic and healthy meals and water.
• waterproof tents, warm sleeping bags and mattresses.
• 4-wheel-drive transport for drives to and from Debark and back to Gondar.
• a live guide in English, French or German.
• trekking chef and all cooking equipment and gas.
• hotel or airport pickup in Gondar.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 03:00 and 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ethio Wildlife Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to trek with a group following set camps and routes. Pick the private version if you prefer setting your own pace without a group schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What wildlife can I actually see on the Simien Mountains trek?

The endemic Ethiopian wolf is the rarest sighting and appears around Mt. Inatye or Chenek camp on day two. Walia ibex (another endemic species) shows up as you trek downhill and around Mt. Buahit on day three. Gelada baboons, clipspringers and bushbucks appear throughout the trek, and the Afroalpine zone on day three hosts a variety of birds.

How much of each day is actually spent trekking versus driving?

Day one includes a 2-hour scenic drive to Debark, a stop for permits and tea, then 16 km to the park gate and 6 km to the trailhead before a 4-hour trek to camp. Day two is a 2-hour walk to Jinbar waterfall, a 20-minute drive, a 2-hour climb to Mt. Inatye, and a 2-hour trek to Chenek camp. Day three is a 3-hour climb to Mt. Buahit's summit, descent, lunch, and a 4-hour drive back to Gondar.

What happens to my luggage during the trek?

Mules and mule handlers carry your bags between camps each day, so you trek with only a daypack. The handlers manage the animals and set up camp while you walk.

Do I need to bring my own tent and sleeping bag?

No. Waterproof tents, warm sleeping bags, mattresses and all other camping gear are provided by the operator.

What meals are included, and how are they prepared at camp?

Organic, healthy meals and water are provided throughout the trek. A trekking chef travels with the group and cooks at each camp using provided cooking equipment and gas.