9 Days from$1700 p/p in USD- DeparturesYear Round
Destinations
Ethiopia,
Tour Type
Guided, Large Group, Small Group
Safari Standard
Camping, Mid Range
Tour Overview
Experience the wild heart of Ethiopia on our 9-Day Ethiopia Simien Mountains and Abijatta–Shalla unforgettable trip. From trekking across the dramatic cliffs and high peaks of the Simien Mountains – home to rare wildlife found nowhere else on Earth—to exploring the bird-rich lakes and savannas of the Great Rift Valley, this journey blends adventure, nature, and culture seamlessly. Walk among Gelada baboons, search for the elusive Simien wolf, swim in Lake Langano, and discover Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes, authentic experiences, and true African wilderness.
General Information
- Safari types:Adventure Safari, Birding Safari, Camping Safari, Cultural Safari, Guided Safari, Wildlife Safari
- You will visit:Simien Mountains NP, Addis Ababa, Lake Ziway, Gondar, Sankaber, Abijata Shalla National Park
- Wildlife:Birds, Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada Baboon, Klipspringer, Walia Ibex, Warthog
- Activities:Walking Safari, Trekking, Nature Walk, Sightseeing Tour, Village Visit, Cultural Experience
- Getting around:Domestic Flight, 4x4 Vehicle
- Start/end:Start in Gondar Airport , end in Addis Ababa
- Minimum age:7
Trekking the Roof of Ethiopia – Simien Mountains
Experience one of Africa’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes, featuring sheer cliffs, deep valleys, and endless horizons that offer unforgettable views. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provides true wilderness trekking and some of the continent’s most stunning scenery.
Encounter Ethiopia’s Endemic Wildlife
Get up close to unique species found nowhere else on Earth, including Gelada baboons grazing on highland plateaus, the majestic Walia Ibex on rocky cliffs, and the rare Simien wolf roaming the alpine meadows.
Rift Valley Lakes & Birdlife Paradise
Explore the unique ecosystems of the Great Rift Valley at Lake Langano and Abijatta-Shalla National Park. The alkaline lakes, acacia savannas, and open grasslands attract hundreds of bird species, making this area a paradise for nature and bird lovers.
Culture & History in Addis Ababa
Discover Ethiopia’s rich heritage with a guided city tour of Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum (home to the famous Lucy), Mount Entoto, and the vibrant Merkato market—Africa’s largest open-air marketplace.
Optional Excursions
- Cultural Villages and Community Visits
Enhance your experience by visiting local villages to learn about traditional lifestyles, farming practices, music, and daily life in rural Ethiopia.
- Bird watching-Focused Add-On
Customize your itinerary for bird enthusiasts with extended time in Abijatta–Shalla National Park, Lake Ziway, and other Rift Valley lakes known for their exceptional bird diversity.
- Luxury Lodge Upgrade
Upgrade your accommodations to high-end lodges and hotels in Addis Ababa, the Rift Valley, and Gondar for a more comfortable and refined travel experience
Notes
- This tour includes moderate to challenging trekking, particularly in the Simien Mountains, making it best suited for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.
- Be aware that weather conditions in the highlands can change rapidly, so warm clothing and rain gear are strongly recommended.
- During the trekking portion, we provide camping equipment, pack mules, guides, scouts, and cooks to ensure comfort and safety.
- While wildlife sightings are common, they cannot be guaranteed as animals roam freely in their natural habitat.
- The itinerary can be customized or extended based on individual interests, fitness levels, or available time.
- Please note that domestic flight schedules are subject to change, which may affect the order of activities.
- The best travel seasons for this tour are from October to March, offering clearer skies and optimal trekking conditions.
- We strongly advise all travelers to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking activities.
Price Per Person – USD
One person from USD 2,100
Two person from USD 1,700
Three person from USD 1,400
Four person from USD 1,200
Five person from USD 1,000
Six person from USD 810
Seven person from USD 700
What's Included
- All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle
- Domestic flights as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees and government taxes
- Simien Mountains National Park trekking permits
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Local scout and armed ranger in the Simien Mountains
- Pack mules and mule handlers during trekking days
- Camping equipment during trekking (tents, sleeping mats, kitchen equipment)
- Cook and camping staff during trekking
- Meals breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Bottled drinking water during trekking days
- Accommodation as stated in the itinerary (hotels, and camping)
- Addis Ababa half-day city tour (National Museum, Mount Entoto, Merkato)
- All sightseeing and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Farewell dinner in Addis Ababa
What's Excluded
- International flights & visa fees
- Lunch and dinner (except farewell dinner and meals during trekking if specified)
- Tips for guide & driver
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, tips, souvenirs)
Disclaimer
- This itinerary is owned and delivered by ‘Vowland Ethiopia Tour‘
- All prices are ‘From’ and may vary at the time of booking
- Display price is usually based on two people sharing
- ‘Vowland Ethiopia Tour‘ reserves the right to change the content and price of the itinerary
- All itineraries and services are subject to availability
Day by Day Overview
Take a morning flight to Gondar, Ethiopia’s 17th-century capital founded by King Fasiladas. Upon arrival, drive to Debark (100 km) to complete park formalities and meet your guide and scout. Continue to Sankaber Camp (31 km), enjoying spectacular highland scenery along the way. You may spot Gelada baboons and the impressive Lammergeyer (bearded vulture).
Overnight: Camping at Sankaber
Begin your trek with pack mules carrying supplies. Hike from Sankaber to Geech Camp, crossing the Jinnbar River and enjoying views of the dramatic Jinnbar Waterfall. Walk through beautiful landscapes dotted with giant lobelias and encounter Gelada baboons along the trail.
Overnight: Camping at Geech
Hike to Imet Gogo, one of the best viewpoints in the Simien Mountains, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. Continue to Seha Viewpoint and Quedadit. Along the way, look out for endemic wildlife such as the Simien wolf, Walia ibex, and klipspringers.
Overnight: Camping at Geech
Trek through forests of towering Giant Lobelias while observing African field rats and other wildlife. Follow the dramatic Elate Escarpment at around 4,000 meters before descending to Chenek Camp, one of the best areas to see Walia Ibex and large troops of Gelada baboons.
Overnight: Camping at Chenek
Ascend to Bwahit Ras (4,200 m), the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, for stunning views of the Dashen Mountain range. Descend into the Mesheha Valley (2,800 m), experiencing a warmer climate, before climbing again to Ambiquo Camp (3,100 m).
Overnight: Camping at Ambiquo
After an early breakfast, drive back to Gondar and take an afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Check-Inn Hotel, Addis Ababa
After meeting at your hotel or the airport, drive south to Lake Langano, the only Rift Valley lake suitable for swimming. En route, stop at Lake Ziway to observe aquatic and water birds such as saddle-billed Storks, greater jacanas, African fish eagles, herons, darters, and wood hoopoes. After lunch in Ziway town, continue to Lake Langano. Enjoy leisure time upon arrival.
Overnight: Africa Vacation Lodge
After breakfast, visit Abijatta–Shalla National Park, covering 887 square kilometers and home to Lakes Abijatta and Shalla. The park features open grasslands, dry savanna, arid shrublands, and acacia woodlands. Wildlife includes Grant’s gazelles, common warthogs, and over 300 bird species (resident, endemic, and migratory), including common and Somali ostriches, which often breed here.
Overnight: Africa Vacation Lodge
After breakfast, drive back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a half-day city tour, including the National Museum (home of Lucy), Mount Entoto, and Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. In the late afternoon, attend a farewell dinner before transferring for your departure.
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