Day 1: Gondar – Jinbar Waterfall – Mount Enatye – Chennek Campsite
Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast before departing Gondar for the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive to the trailhead, where you'll embark on a 1-hour trek to the magnificent Jinbar Waterfall, which plunges an impressive 530 metres. Take your time soaking in the breathtaking views of cascading water.
Afterwards, drive for about 40 minutes to Aynameda, where the real trek begins. Ascend to Mount Enatye, standing tall at 4,070 metres, traversing vast grasslands that are home to unique wildlife. If you're fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of the rare Ethiopian wolf, an iconic inhabitant of these mountains.
Upon reaching the summit, enjoy a picnic lunch while marvelling at the expansive scenery, characterised by dramatic cliffs and panoramic views. Following your meal, descend for roughly two hours to the Chennek campsite, located at 3,620 metres. Here, surrounded by stunning canyons and cliffs, you'll set up camp for the night.
Day 2: Trek from Chenek to Ambiko (Base of Ras Dejen)
Today promises to be both demanding and rewarding as you embark on a full-day trek, taking approximately 9 hours. The trail leads you over the challenging Buahit Pass, standing at 4,200 metres, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the rugged Simien escarpments. As you descend, navigate through deep valleys and highland plateaus until you reach Ambiko Village, situated at the foot of Ras Dejen (3,300 metres).
Keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, including the endemic Walia Ibex and, with a stroke of luck, the elusive Ethiopian wolf. You’ll camp overnight at Ambiko, surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscape.
Day 3: Summit Ras Dejen (4,543 metres)
Rise before dawn for an exhilarating challenge—a 10-hour return trek to the peak of Ras Dejen, the highest point in Ethiopia at 4,543 metres. Enjoy the invigorating mountain air as you ascend through dramatic Afro-Alpine terrains. Aim to reach the summit in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise that paints the jagged peaks and deep valleys of the Simien Mountains in brilliant hues.
After taking in the stunning panoramic views and celebrating your accomplishment, carefully make your way back down to Ambiko Camp, where you can relax and unwind under a starlit sky, enjoying another night of camping in this incredible setting.
Day 4: Trek from Ambiko to Chenek – Drive to Gondar
On your final day, begin your trek back to Chenek, which should take about 6 hours. Upon reaching your destination, you'll transfer back to Gondar. From there, catch your evening flight to Addis Ababa, bringing your remarkable journey to a close.
