Our years of experience and extensive network of local partners can help you build your dream trip from the endless possibilities of Ethiopia. We’ll talk through your ideas, give you some suggestions, set it all up and advise on travel, kit and preparation, so that you get the Ethiopian adventure you’ve always wanted.
Simien Mountains National Park & Gondar
Transportation
Flight and Drive
Duration
3 Days and 2 Night
Accommodation
Hotels, Lodge
- Embark on a mesmerizing journey into Ethiopia’s heart, where rugged mountain landscapes meet ancient history. This 4-day adventure takes you to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife. You’ll also explore Gondar, an ancient city rich in royal history and culture. From spotting rare wildlife like the Walia Ibex and Gelada Baboons to stepping back in time at Gondar’s Royal Enclosure, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Ethiopia’s wild landscapes and regal past.
Tour Highlights:
Simien Mountains National Park: Wander through one of Africa’s most dramatic and beautiful landscapes, with towering peaks, deep valleys, and lush highlands.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot endemic species like the Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboons, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive Ethiopian Wolf.
Gondar’s Royal Enclosure: Step into Ethiopia’s royal past with a visit to the ancient Royal Enclosure and Fasilidas’ Palace, a testament to the grandeur of Ethiopia’s historical legacy.
Breathtaking Vistas: Enjoy panoramic views of the Simien Mountains, where every turn reveals a new, awe-inspiring landscape.
Detail Itinerary
Morning: Fly to Gondar
Begin your adventure with a scenic flight to Gondar, a city often dubbed the “Camelot of Africa” due to its medieval architecture and royal legacy. Upon arrival, your expert guide will greet you and transfer you to the Simien Mountains National Park.
Afternoon: Explore the Simien Mountains
After checking in at your lodge, take your first steps into the wilderness of the Simien Mountains, one of Africa’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes. The park’s jagged peaks, deep valleys, and panoramic vistas offer a photographer’s dream.
You’ll also get a chance to spot the Gelada Baboons, unique primates with striking red chest patches that make for excellent photo opportunities. The dramatic cliffs and rolling green hills of the highlands make this part of the world feel like a remote paradise.
Overnight: Stay at either Simien Lodge or Limalimo Lodge, both offering comfort and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Morning: Scenic Drive to Chenek & Wildlife Spotting
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Chenek, one of the best wildlife-viewing spots in the park. Along the way, marvel at the rugged, craggy terrain and sweeping mountain views.
At Chenek, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the Walia Ibex, a rare wild goat with impressive curved horns that thrives in these rocky cliffs. The sight of these elusive creatures against the dramatic backdrop is a highlight of the day.
Afternoon: Wildlife, Vistas & Gelada Baboons
As we continue to explore, encounter troops of Gelada Baboons. These fascinating primates are often seen perched on the cliffs or grazing on the grasses of the highlands. Their social behavior, along with their striking appearance, is a captivating sight. For the more fortunate, there’s even the possibility of spotting the Ethiopian Wolf, one of the rarest wolf species in the world, prowling the high-altitude plains.
After a day of exploration, return to your lodge for a peaceful evening surrounded by the beauty of the Simien Mountains.
Overnight: Stay at Simien Lodge or Limalimo Lodge.
Morning: Drive Back to Gondar & Royal Enclosure Visit
After breakfast, journey back to Gondar, the historic city that once served as the capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the ancient palace of Emperor Fasilidas. This fortress complex, with its towering walls and impressive stone structures, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Ethiopia’s 17th-century imperial past.
Wander through the royal grounds and enjoy the views over the city and surrounding mountains—it’s like stepping back in time to an era of royalty and power.
Afternoon: Lunch & Fly Back to Addis Ababa
After a leisurely lunch in Gondar, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa, reflecting on the memories made during your time in the heart of Ethiopia.
Late Afternoon: Flight to Addis Ababa.
This 3-day adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and historical exploration, making it an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ethiopia. Whether trekking through the Simien Mountains, spotting rare wildlife, or uncovering the stories of Gondar’s royal past, each moment promises to leave you inspired. Ready to explore Ethiopia’s wild heart? Your adventure awaits!