Simien Mountains trek: Gelada baboons and escarpment views

Start your day with a scenic drive through Simien Mountains before a rewarding hike to Michibi viewpoint

A full-day guided trek in Simien Mountains National Park departing from Gondar, with hotel pickup, park permits, a scout and lunch included. You drive two hours to Debark, then trek for three hours from Sankaber camp along the escarpment edge, where gelada baboons graze and the foothills drop 800 meters below. The route ends with views of Jinba Waterfall, a 500-meter sheer drop, before return to Gondar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek Simien Mountains from Gondar

• Pick up from Gondar hotel or airport
• Drive two hours to Debark town
• Obtain park permits and meet scouts
• Tea and coffee break, visit local market
• Drive 16km to park gate
• Drive 10km to Sankaber camp
• Trek three hours along escarpment edge
• See gelada baboons and Jinbar Waterfall
• Return to main road for car pickup
• Drive back to Gondar hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Gondar hotel or airport, then a two-hour drive to Debark, the entrance town for Simien Mountains National Park. You'll stop to handle park permits and meet your guide and scout, with time for tea and a visit to the local market if the schedule allows. From Debark, the drive continues 16 kilometers to the park gate, then another 10 kilometers to Sankaber camp, the first campsite in the park and your trekking starting point.

The trek itself runs three hours along the escarpment edge, where you're almost certain to encounter troops of endemic gelada baboons at close range. The foothills stretch 800 meters below, and the route passes Jinba Waterfall, Ethiopia's longest waterfall at a sheer 500-meter drop: best seen in the rainy season when water cascades across the chasm. Sankaber sits on the escarpment surrounded by Giant Heath trees, with viewpoints to explore as you acclimatize to the altitude of around 3,200 meters. The trek is graded as a moderate hike with some steeper ascents, and the day ends with a drive back to Gondar.

Your guide speaks English throughout, and the scout assists with navigation and park knowledge. Lunch, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included, along with all government taxes and park fees. The full day runs about eight hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel or airport pickup in Gondar.
• air-conditioned vehicle for all driving.
• park entry permits and national park fee.
• English-speaking guide and park scout.
• three-hour guided trek.
• lunch and bottled water.
• government tax.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Simien Mountain Trekking and Tours

Is this one for you?This trek suits small groups or solo travelers who want a guided introduction to the Simien Mountains in a single day without overnight camping. The fixed itinerary and included scout mean you move at the park's pace rather than setting your own, which keeps the logistics simple and the three-hour hike manageable for moderate fitness levels.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What are gelada baboons and where will I see them on this trek?

Gelada baboons are endemic to the Ethiopian highlands and live in troops on the Simien escarpment. You'll encounter them grazing on the grassy edges during the three-hour trek from Sankaber camp, often at close range as they move across the terrain.

How high is Jinba Waterfall and can I walk to it during the trek?

Jinba Waterfall is a 500-meter sheer drop, the longest waterfall in Ethiopia. A 20-minute walk from the roadside leads to a lookout across the chasm with views of the waterfall. The views are most dramatic during the rainy season when water cascades down the cliff.

What is the altitude at Sankaber camp and will I have time to acclimatize?

Sankaber sits at around 3,200 meters elevation. The trek from Buit Ras to Sankaber is graded as a relatively mild acclimatization hike, though there are steeper ascents as you climb. The camp has viewpoints you can explore to adjust to the altitude before or after the main trek.

Is the Debark market visit guaranteed, or does it depend on the schedule?

The local market in Debark is open every day, with larger market days on Wednesday and Saturday. A visit is included if time allows during the permit and scout-meeting stop, but the schedule may not always permit it.

What should I bring for a three-hour trek at 3,200 meters elevation?

Bottled water is provided, and lunch is included. You'll want sturdy hiking boots, layers for temperature changes at altitude, sun protection and a camera. The trek involves some steeper ascents, so moderate physical fitness is needed. The operator does not recommend this trek for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.