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​4 Day/3 night Simien Mountain Hiking Itinerary
The Simien Mountain Range area was designated a national park in 1966, and the entire range a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978. On this hike you will explore one of Africas most extensive mountain ranges. The park showcases a dozen peaks over the 4,000m mark including Ras Dejen, the highest point in Ethiopia, and the 4th highest peak in Africa.
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THE HIKE
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Stunning scenery, amazing wildlife and unique fauna make hiking the Simien Mountains an exciting and rewarding experience.
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Day 1: Gondar-Sankaber (3250 m), 3-4 hours
Today you will be transferred from Gondar Airport or your Gondar hotel, to the park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey will take around two hours on a good paved road. At the headquarters your permits will be arranged and our scout will join the trip. From Debark we drive for another hour to reach the starting point for the first days hike. Today is a relatively easy hike along the northern edge of the escarpment. You will have stunning viewpoints over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. Most likely you will encounter Gelada monkeys along the way. Overnight at Sankaber Camp.
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Day 2: Sankaber – Gich (3600 m), 5-6 hrs
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Today's hike will continue to follow the northern escarpment before descending a little into the Kaba Valley. After that we climb to reach Gich Abyss and then continue over a narrow ridge to a cliff for spectacular views of the abyss towards the Simien foothills. you can also see a dynamic waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges 500 m into the abyss. From this point we proceed for approximately two hours to reach the idyllic Jinbar River, the prefect place for lunch. After lunch we continue to hike until scenic village of Gich. Here you can enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in one of the huts or take a beer and admire the view. From Gich village it is a short walk to Gich camp which is a good area to look for Lammergeyer (bearde vulture) and thick billed raven. After some relaxation time, take a short hike up to Kedadit to enjoy sunset with gorgeous hues highlighting the mountain and cliff landscape. Return to the camp for dinner and a camp fire
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Day 3: Gich – Chennek (3600 m), 7-8 hrs
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From Gich camp begin the morning strolling through endless fields of Giant Lobelia before reach the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926 m). Spend some time here to absorb the stunning views of the mountain peaks, valleys and oddly shaped buttes in the distance. Then descend into the Jinbahir River Valley and see a very different perspective of Imet-Gogo and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The trail then follows the edge of the escarpment including a completely vertical section for several hundred meters. Climb to a summit of 4070 m and enjoy lunch with amazing views. After lunch descend towards Chennek for about two hours along a steep trail. Once you arrive at Chennek camp relax and enjoy the 360 degree views. Near the camp Walia Ibex are often sited. Dinner and camp fire are provided at the camp
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Day 4: Chenek – Buwahit, 5-6 hrs
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This morning climb the second highest peak in the Simien mountains Buwahit (4430m). There is a good chance of seeing Walia Ibex. On a clear day you have the chance to see the highest mountain peak in Ethiopia Ras-Dejen (4543m). Return back to Chenek camp where your tranfer will be waiting to take you back to Gondar - approximately 4 hrs.
Services included:
♦ Transportation from Gondar, Axum or Debark to starting and finsihing point. t
♦ Three meals per day And bottled water
♦ Chef (preparing fresh food every day)
♦ English speaking guide
♦ Park ranger (compulsory)
♦ Park entrance fees
♦ Camping equipment such as Tent, Mattress and Sleeping bags.
♦ Mule and muleteers for loading/ unloading provisions, equipment and luggage from one camp to another.
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