Simien Trekking Adventure

🗓️ Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrival – Sightseeing Addis Ababa (The New Flower)
  Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin exploring Ethiopia’s capital city. Drive up to Mount Entoto for sweeping views over Addis Ababa, then descend to visit the National Museum, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy.” Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical landmark, before visiting the Ethnographic Museum, once Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace. End the day at Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
  Overnight Hotel
• Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana
  Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region and one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful cities, located on the shores of Lake Tana. Enjoy a boat trip to explore the island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mihret Church on the Zeghie Peninsula, known for its vivid religious paintings and ancient manuscripts. In the afternoon, visit Tississat Falls, meaning “Water that Smokes,” located 32 km south of the city. Though the hydroelectric plant has reduced its flow, the falls remain a spectacular sight.
  Overnight Hotel
• Day 3 Drive to Gondar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  fter breakfast, drive north to Gondar (approximately 3 hours / 185 km), the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. On arrival, visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a remarkable complex of well-preserved 17th-century castles, including the grand fortress of King Fasilidas. Continue to the Pavilion of Delight, where the vibrant Timkat (Epiphany) festival is celebrated annually. In the afternoon, visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its stunning ceiling adorned with cherubic angels—one of Ethiopia’s most iconic artworks.
  Overnight Hotel
• Day 4: Drive to Simien Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  After breakfast, drive from Gondar to Debark, where you’ll begin your trekking adventure in Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the escarpment with breathtaking views of Africa’s highest mountain range. Spot Lammergeyer vultures, Gelada Baboons, and bushbucks. After lunch, embark on a short trek to Sankaber Campsite, passing through the scenic Buyit Ras area.
  Overnight Camping
• Day 5: Trek to Geech
  After breakfast, meet your muleteers and begin the trek to Geech. The trail crosses the Jinnbar River and its impressive waterfalls, particularly stunning after the rainy season. Continue along the escarpment and descend into the Geech Abyss. Keep an eye out for herds of Gelada Baboons and other endemic wildlife along the way.
  Overnight Camping at geech (3600m).
• Day 6: Trek to Imet Gogo and Return to Gondar
  Today’s trek takes you to Imet Gogo promontory, offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Simien Mountains. This is an excellent opportunity to spot Lammergeyer vultures soaring above the cliffs. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, trek back to the village of Ambaras, where you’ll meet your vehicle and drive back to Gondar.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 7: Fly to Axum (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  Fly to Axum, once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Situated at the crossroads of trade routes linking the Mediterranean and India, Axum was a center of economic and technological advancement. It is the birthplace of Christianity in Ethiopia and is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the famous monolithic stelae, including one that stands over 21 meters tall, and explore the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace, where she is said to have given birth to Menelik I.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 8:Full Day Exploration of Axum
  In the morning, if it’s Saturday, visit the colorful Basket Market held under a massive sycamore tree—the only market of its kind in Axum. Continue to the main market, where locals trade goods from nearby villages. After lunch, trek to the Gobo Dura Lioness Statue, located about 7 km from town and requiring a short walk. This site is believed to be the quarry where the great Axumite obelisks were carved.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 9: Fly to Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  After a short flight, visit the first cluster of rock-hewn churches in Lalibela—extraordinary architectural wonders carved from solid volcanic rock over 800 years ago by King Lalibela. Among these, Bet Giorgis stands out with its cross-shaped design and exceptional preservation, often regarded as one of the world’s most remarkable religious monuments.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 10: Full Day in Lalibela
  Today, visit Yimrehane Kristos Church, a masterpiece of Axumite wood and stone architecture, renowned for its beautifully decorated wooden ceiling. In the afternoon, explore the second cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Gabriel, Rafael, Merkourios, Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Among these, Bete Emanuel is particularly notable for its intricate carvings and architectural detail reflecting Axumite influences.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 11: Fly Back to Addis Ababa and Departure
  Fly back to Addis Ababa and enjoy free time in the afternoon to relax or explore. In the evening, experience a farewell dinner at a traditional cultural restaurant, featuring Ethiopian music and dance performances from various ethnic groups. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your international departure.