Ethiopia Simien Mountains Hiking Tour
Trails & Traditions in the Cradle of Humanity
- Available: December, March, September, November
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
4-10 Guests
Min Age: 15
Highlights
- Trek lodge to lodge in astonishing Simien Mountains National Park, spotting endemic wildlife
- Take in the museum highlights of Addis Ababa, including "Lucy," the world-famous early human
- Explore the wondrous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Yemrehanna Kristos, hidden in a grotto
Itinerary
Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Day 1
Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, and meet your MT Sobek representative outside the terminal building of Bole International Airport, for transfers to the hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant and enjoy a captivating folklore dance performance.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Meals: Dinner
Explore Addis Ababa
Day 2
Today embark on an Addis Ababa city tour, taking in the highlights. Admire the nation's art and archeological treasures at the National Museum, including the famous "Lucy" skeleton, partial fossilized remains of an early hominid. See the Trinity Cathedral Church, built to commemorate Ethiopia's liberation from Italian occupation, and the Ethnological Museum, one of Africa's finest museums set within the former palace of Haile Selassie (the last Emperor of Ethiopia), surrounded by beautiful gardens. Wander through Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa, with its colorful stalls laden with coffee.
The September departure also includes the annual Meskel Festival.Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Gondar & Drive to the Simien Mountains
Day 3
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar and then continue overland into the Simien Mountains National Park. Ethiopia's most popular place for trekking, this spectacular landscape has jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and a dramatic escarpment with views over the rugged lowlands. Check in at the Simien Lodge, and head out for a short hike in search of the endemic gelada baboons. Return to the lodge for dinner and drinks.
Accommodation: Simien Lodge
Activity: Short acclimatizing hike
Transportation: 2-hour 10-minute flight transfer and 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spot Wildlife on a Scenic Escarpment Trek
Day 4
After breakfast, head back out to Simien Mountains National Park for a scenic trek along the escarpment. These mountains are a nature lover's dream, fantastically rich in wildlife, including the iconic red-chested gelada baboon that only exists in Ethiopia. Hiking with these cliff-dwelling monkeys that hang out in large groups is an absolute treat for wildlife lovers. Along the way, explore more of the park's unique flora, fauna and geology. Return to the cozy comforts of Simien Lodge for an evening atop the escarpment.
Accommodation: Simien Lodge
Activity: 3-7 hours/9-10 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodge-to-Lodge Trek in Simien Mountains National Park
Day 5
Today explore the Simien Mountains on an extraordinary lodge-to-lodge trek. With its altitude, varied terrain and weather, the full-day hiking adventure is challenging but the rewards make it worthwhile. Hike above plummeting gorges and in the shadows of towering pinnacles, following routes as old as time. Look out for lammergeier vultures, tawny eagles and thick-billed ravens; the park features over 180 species of bird. Arrive back at the Limalimo Lodge to enjoy dinner by a roaring fire.
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge
Activity: 7-8 hours/9-10 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Blend Hiking & Yoga in an Acacia Forest
Day 6
Kick off the day with yoga and a hearty breakfast, then set out to explore more of the Simiens with its myriad ecosystems. Dropping off from the escarpment, witness these ecosystems changing from high mountain desert into acacia forest. Enjoy a 2-hour hike through the forest, a prime habitat for birding. In the afternoon, opt for a 30-minute hike to the local community, to learn traditional beer brewing, cooking and coffee making. Or unwind at the lodge, with more yoga, a massage, or simply soaking in the views.
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge
Activity: 2-3 hours/2-3 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Castles & Churches of Historic Gondar
Day 7
After breakfast at the lodge, drive back from the Simien Mountains to Gondar, the former royal capital of the Ethiopian Empire. Have lunch at the traditional Four Seasons Restaurant and set out on a tour of this historic city first founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilides. Take in the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), with its magnificent castles, and Fasilides Bath, where on January 19 during Timket (Epiphany) hundreds bath to get christened. Visit the 18th-century Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gorgeous sacral art.
Accommodation: Gondar Hills Resort
Activity: Cultural touring
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Lalibela & Visit the Magnificent Yemrehanna Kristos Church
Day 8
Today after breakfast, fly from Gondar to the town of Lalibela. Check in to your hotel, enjoy lunch and head out to the rarely visited Yemrehanna Kristos, one of Ethiopia's best-preserved late Axumite churches. Set inside a large cave on a juniper tree-dotted ridge 42km outside Lalibela, this spectacular church predates the nearby rock-hewn churches of Lalibela by nearly a century.
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge
Activity: Cultural touring
Transportation: 1-hour flight transfer and 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Day 9
Spend today marveling at the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the crown jewel among Ethiopia's sights. Ringed by courtyards and trenches and connected via a tangled maze of passages, this series of 11 monolithic churches - a World Heritage Site by UNESCO - was built during the 12th and 13th century. Take in this mind-blowing treasure, including the most famous Church of St George, also known as Bete Giyorgis, carved out of solid volcanic tuff. Enjoy a farewell dinner and coffee ceremony at Ben Abeba Restaurant, known for its Scottish-Ethiopian cuisine and marvelous views.
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly Back to Addis Ababa & Depart from Ethiopia
Day 10
This morning after breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa and check in to the day room at a hotel near the airport.
Interested in more opportunities to experience Ethiopia's stunning rock-hewn churches? Call us for a three-day extension options to Gheralta.Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,595 price per person dbl occ+$800 internal airfare+$1,100 single supplement
Special Details
Meskel Festival Surcharge
Available - $6,295 price per person dbl occ+$800 internal airfare+$1,100 single supplementAvailable
- $6,295 price per person dbl occ+$800 internal airfare+$1,100 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $6,495 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $6,395 per person double occupancy
8 to 10 guests from $6,295 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $800
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
December, March, September, November
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Elias Alemayehu
Elias has over 15 years of guiding experience and possesses a degree in tourism from the University of Gondar. He is passionate about sustainable tourism, and has a deep level of knowledge for Ethiopian culture, geology, ethnography, and history. Elias is very personable, and takes great pride in attending to the needs and questions of guests while leading a fun and informative travel experience.
Girum Wondim
Girum is a knowledgeable guide and also holds a degree in tourism from the University of Gondar. He has excellent communication skills and has worked locally in the region since 2005. He enjoys sharing perspectives of Ethiopian history and culture with MT Sobek travelers from around the world. Girum is kind and mindful, and looks forward to sharing an immersive travel experience on this Ethiopian adventure.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. There will be three days with strenuous hiking ranging from 3 to 7 hours at elevation over 10,000ft. The hiking trails will be diverse terrain.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Cultural touring
Day 3
Short acclimatizing hike
Day 4
3-7 hours/9-10 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
7-8 hours/9-10 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
2-3 hours/2-3 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
Cultural touring
Day 8
Cultural touring
Day 9
Cultural touring
Accommodations
An upscale city hotel and boutique lodges in stunning natural surrounds.
Simien Lodge
This gorgeous mountain lodge sits right on the doorstep of Simien Mountains National Park, with majestic vistas in every direction. Comfortable rooms inside circular huts come with floor heating and traditional Ethiopian decor. The restaurant with a circular fireplace serves international favorites and Ethiopian fare, while the cozy bar claims to be the highest place to get a drink in Africa.
Limalimo Lodge
Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff in Simien Mountains National Park, this gorgeous boutique lodge features 12 en-suite rooms in wooden buildings strewn around the grounds. The bar and restaurant atop a hill showcase remarkable views of the lowlands. Lounge in one of the hammocks between acacia trees and come evening, curl up around the fire pit.
Mezena Lodge
This upscale lodge has an unbeatable location for visiting the churches of Lalibela. The well-appointed rooms are housed inside individual huts strewn across a scenic garden with outstanding mountain views. The all-day restaurant and bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna round out the stellar facilities.
Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Centrally located in Meskel Square, the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa is the perfect upscale spot to unwind after a long flight. Head over to the infinity pool and spa to relax before adventuring into the heart of Ethiopia. Each room offers complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer and flat screen TV.
Gondar Hills Resort
The Gondar Hills Resort is an eco-lodge situated on the top of a mountain overlooking the lush valley below. Designed using traditional stonework to mimic the architecture of the surrounding medieval castles, each room's French windows open up to picturesque views of mountains or rivers with a private garden.
Weather
Mild, sunny climate year around with average temperatures from 59°F-80°F. The dry season prevails Oct-May; the wet season is Jun-Sep.
FAQs
Are hikes at high altitude?
We spend most of our adventure at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000ft. Our excursion into the Simiens will take us to around 10,000ft.
Is malaria present in Ethiopia?
While there is malaria in Ethiopia, it is not present in Addis Ababa or at elevations over 8,200 feet, where we will be traveling for the majority of the tour. Review the CDC recommendations carefully and always consult your travel doctor well before your travel dates.
Do I need a visa to enter Ethiopia?
Yes and you can obtain an e-visa in advance or on arrival.
What are meals like?
Traditionally, you eat food by using your right hand, so you should wash your hands ahead of time. Typically, a jug of water and a bar of soap are brought to you for that purpose. The country's staple is injera, a flat sourdough pancake made of grain, which is served with meat or vegetable sauces and used to scoop up the sauce.
What is the religion in Ethiopia?
The two predominant religions in Ethiopia are Christianity - Ethiopian Orthodox, and Islam. Christianity is more common in the northern and central parts of Ethiopia.
What is Meskel Festival?
Our September departure features the Meskel festival, which is an Ethiopian Orthodox holiday that has been celebrated for over 1600 years and is one of the most important events in the country. It commemorates the discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. The event features feasting, dancing, bonfires, and general celebrating.
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