Simien Mountains trek: Gelada baboons & escarpments

Three days trekking above 3,600 meters, camping in the mountains between Gondar drives

A 3-day guided trek through Simien Mountains National Park in northern Ethiopia, starting and ending in Gondar, with two nights camping at high altitude. You walk from Sankabar to Geech via Jinbar waterfall on day two, then trek to the Imet Gogo promontory on day three before returning to Gondar by car. The park permit, scout and English-speaking guide are included. The trek demands high physical fitness and takes place above 3,600 meters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Gondar to Sankobar trek

• Drive from Gondar to Debark
• Obtain permit and collect scout
• Drive to Sankabar campsite
• Trek from Buytras to Sankabar
• See Gelada baboons

Day 2: Trek from Sankabar to Geech

• Walk to Jinbar waterfall
• Descend to Jinbar Wenz
• Ascend to Geech village
• Reach Geech campsite
• View giant lobelia plants
• Watch sunset at Kedadit summit

Day 3: Geech to Ambaras and Gondar

• Trek to Imet Gogo promontory
• See Lammergeier vultures
• Trek back to Ambaras village
• Drive from Ambaras to Gondar

The experience

The trek begins with a 2–3 hour drive from Gondar to Debark, where you collect your park permit and obligatory scout before continuing to Sankabar at 3,250 meters. The first walk, starting near Simien Lodge at Buytras, takes 3–4 hours to reach the campsite. Gelada baboons are common along this stretch, and the landscape opens into highland ridges covered with grasses, isolated trees and the distinctive Giant Lobelia plants that grow only at this altitude.

Day two is the longest walk: 5–7 hours from Sankabar to Geech, descending to the Jinbar Wenz riverbed and the waterfall before climbing back up to the village and campsite at 3,600 meters. The Geech campsite sits among giant lobelia and has views across the mountains. The nearby Kedadit summit is the place to watch the sunset. On the final morning, you trek to the Imet Gogo promontory (one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the range), where Lammergeier vultures are often visible. The walk from Geech to Imet Gogo and back down to the road near Ambaras takes 4–5 hours, then the car returns you to Gondar.

You camp both nights at designated sites with views of the escarpments that drop 1,000–2,000 meters below the plateau. An English-speaking guide leads the trek throughout, and a scout is mandatory. The high altitude, uneven terrain and daily walking distances mean this trek requires a high level of physical fitness. It is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Park permit and obligatory scout.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• pickup from Gondar on day one and return drive from Ambaras on day three.
• camping accommodation at Sankabar and Geech.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

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 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ethio Target Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared trek with a guide and scout, so you walk with other trekkers and follow a set itinerary and pace. Choose it if you want the mountains led and the logistics arranged, and if you can commit to three full days of high-altitude walking with nights in a tent.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I see on the Simien Mountains trek?

Gelada baboons are common on the first day's walk from Buytras to Sankabar. Lammergeier vultures, the massive cliff-dwelling eagles, are frequently spotted around the Imet Gogo promontory on day three. The high plateau and escarpments are their habitat, and the open terrain makes sightings likely.

How much walking happens each day?

Day one involves 3–4 hours of trekking from Buytras to Sankabar. Day two is the longest at 5–7 hours, descending to Jinbar waterfall and climbing to Geech. Day three takes 4–5 hours from Geech to Imet Gogo and down to the road at Ambaras, where the car meets you for the return to Gondar.

What altitude will I be at, and how does that affect the trek?

The trek stays above 3,600 meters throughout, with Sankabar at 3,250 meters and Geech at 3,600 meters. The high altitude and steep terrain demand high physical fitness. The air is thin and the landscape is open moorland with few trees, so there is little shelter from weather.

Where do I sleep on this trek?

You camp at two sites: Sankabar on night one and Geech on night two. Both are designated campsites in the park with views of the mountains and escarpments. The Geech campsite is surrounded by giant lobelia plants and sits at 3,600 meters.

What is included in the trek cost?

The park permit, obligatory scout, English-speaking guide and parking fees are included. Pickup from Gondar is included on day one. The return drive from Ambaras to Gondar is on day three. Camping accommodation, meals and transport between Gondar and the trailhead are part of the package.

Is this trek suitable for first-time trekkers?

The Simien Mountains trek requires a high level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy. The altitude, daily walking distances and uneven terrain make it demanding. First-time trekkers should have solid hiking experience and be accustomed to walking 4–7 hours per day at high altitude.