Duration
12-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
12-Day Hiking on the Simien Mountains 'Roof of Africa'
Overview
This trip includes a visit to Lalibela and Gondar, as well as the Simien Mountains National Park(Roof of Africa) During the trek, you'll be accompanied by a guide and a team of muleteers. You'll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery while carrying only a light backpack, and you'll spend the nights in standard to mid-range hotels or lodges. Some campsites are located right in the villages where you'll be able to meet locals and get a sense of the culture.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Lalibela (Town), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
Accommodation
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$6,347 USD
$3,729 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2
Lalibela (Town)
Day 3-4
Gondar (City)
Day 5-9
Simien Mountains NP
Day 10-11
Lake Tana
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 12)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Cliff Edge Hotel Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included +3 Photos
Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Tsehay Zeleke Hotel Budget hotel in Debark (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Debark (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-9
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10-11
Tim & Kim Village Budget lodge at Lake Tana – All Meals Included
Budget lodge at Lake Tana – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
The sights of Addis Ababa
After your arrival & immigration you will meet with your guide at the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel/lodge for some refreshment. Depending on your arrival time your guide will go on a city tour through Ethiopia’s vibrant and lively capital. In the National Museum you can discover the cradle of mankind where the skeleton of “Lucy” is kept. Entoto Mountain with its Eucalyptus forest is a nice short escape out of town to see Mariyam Church and Menelik Palace the place where the Emperors resided. Others might enjoy one of the city’s weekly markets. You can choose your itinerary with your guide. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Get an insight in Ethiopia's medieval history in Lalibela
A domestic flight will take you to the holy city of Lalibela. There are eleven churches carved out of solid rock there, and many people believe that this miracle happened because of the work of angels. When you arrive in the morning, you'll need to check in at a hotel. Today, you will be touring the Holy City of Lalibela. On your guided tour, you walk through the labyrinth of trenches and tunnels to visit the eleven rock churches of Lalibela. Beta Medane Alem (“Church of the World Saviour”) and Beta Gyorgis (“St. Geogre Church”) are two of the biggest rock churches in Ethiopia, and Beta Mariam (“Church of St. Mary”) has a beautiful painted interior and frescoes. You will have the whole day to explore these churches in depth before your sunset dinner will be in the mountains with amazing views. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Cliff Edge Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
The castles of Gondar
Today you will fly to the ancient capital of Gondar. Gondar’s 17th century castles are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. You will visit the Royal enclosure with its 5 palaces. The late afternoon sun puts them in a good light on your guided tour through the compound. In the evening you will have a good traditional dinner in one of the local restaurants. Who feels like dancing is welcome to visit one of the bars around town where the Ethiopian shoulder dance (‘eskista’) is pretty famous. Gondar is also the most common starting point for Simien Mountains Trekking. So tomorrow you will head towards the national park from here. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Dive deeper in the sights of Gondar and visit a charity project
In the morning you will have some more time to dicover Gondar even closer and you will visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Church of the Holy Trinity) which interior is beautifully decorated with 17th century religious paintings. Truly one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful churches. After lunch you continue through the Ethiopian highlands to the gate of the Simien National Park. In Debark, a small town with about 30,000 inhabitants at 2,800m altitude, some formalities need to be done in the administration offices of the park (SimienEcoTours will do this). In the meantime you have the possibility to visit a hospital or a school for disabled children that SimienEcoTours supports. Overnight in hotel in town. Budget hotel located in Debark (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Tsehay Zeleke Hotel Budget hotel located in Debark (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
First trekking day from Sankaber to Geech
Ethiopia's highest mountain, Ras Dashen, is also home to the highest bird species, the Thick billed Raven and the Bearded Vulture. The National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site was established to protect endemic animals such as the Walia Ibex Capricorn and Ethiopian Wolf. You will also get to know the already rare afro-alpine flora with juniper, St. John's wort and heather, Kniepofia, tree heather species and the Kosso tree. Today you drive to the Sankaber camp (3,250m). You get a first impressive view over the dramatic mountain range. Here you meet the Gelada monkeys, a docile baboon species, which gather up to 100 animals and spend most of the time nibbling on grass and roots. During the entire trekking, we are accompanied by a local guide and park Renger. From Sankaber the path leads through an area with vegetation such as bushes and giant heather trees. Various birds are circling in the thermic of the gorge, including vultures and buzzards. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Along the spectacular North-Eastern walls of the Simien Mountains
First, the hike leads you up to Mount Imet Gogo (3,926m). The path is lined with giant lobelias, which grow up to 10m high here and stretch their antennae-shaped flower candles far into the sky. Once a lot of these plants were cut down, and only with strict regulations by the national park administration the stock could recover. From Imet Gogo, the trail goes first over the 4,000m peak Inatye (4,070m) and then down to your second camp Chennek (3,650m). Overnight in tent. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Climb Bwahit Pass at 4 , 200 m - the highest point during the trek
Today you may see the endangered Walia Ibex. At a stop on the Bwahit Pass (4,200m) you enjoy the wide view over the Ethiopian mountains and then descend to the village of Sona (3,500m). Just below the village at 3,200m altitude is a nice campground. Overnight in tent. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Entering the lowlands and villages
The first part of today’s trek leads slightly more than 1,000 meters steeply down to the river Ansiya. Here we take lunch in the shade of the trees and can swim and wash ourselves in the river. In the afternoon we walk in about two hours to the Camp Mekarebya (1,900m), where SimienEcoTours financed the construction of a water well for the village people. Overnight in tent. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Steep valleys and rivers to cross
Again you walk down to the river Ansiya and then turn into a side valley. A beautiful small lake invites you to take a bath again, then we ascend to the village of Hawaza before continuing straight to your last camp in the village of Mulit (2,000m). Last night in the tent. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Last trekking day to the village of Adi Arkay & drive to Lake Tana
After just 2-3 hours of easy walk, we reach Adi Arkay. It is located along the main road to Axum and so we are back in civilization. The vehicle is already waiting for us and we drive to the small fishing village of Gorgora at the Northern Shore of Lake Tana. Dinner at the lodge restaurant and overnight in the pleasant Tim & Kim Village Lodge. Budget lodge located at Lake Tana All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lake Tana Stay: Tim & Kim Village Budget lodge located at Lake Tana Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 11
Ending your trip at Lake Tana
Your eyes wander endlessly over a sea of water, kingfishers fish and a papyrus boat paddles past in the distance in the morning light. Welcome to Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Here on its northern shore, nature is still alive. More than 300 bird species live in the lake region and can be observed very well. You will spend the day with lake view in the small and sleepy fishing village of Gorgora, which looks back on a glorious history. Once upon a time this warm tropical exclave was the residence of the Ethiopian emperors. Today, centuries-old monasteries with colorful frescoes still bear witness to this past. The church can be visited a short walk or you do a kayak trip on the lake with the lodge guide. The perfect day to relax and slowly say goodbye to Ethiopia. Budget lodge located at Lake Tana All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lake Tana Stay: Tim & Kim Village Budget lodge located at Lake Tana Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 12
An adventure comes to an end
On a short drive you will be transferred to the airport in Gondar. A domestic flight will take you then back to the capital Addis Ababa. After a nice traditional farewell dinner, you will be transferred to the airport. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
Porterage
Rescue fee
Climbing gear
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
SimienEcoTours
5.0 operator rating
46 reviews
We organise individual & group tours through whole Ethiopia in an ecologically & socially responsible & sustainable way. The founders of SimienEcoTours are manager Marco from Italy, who currently lives in Addis Ababa, Franziska from Germany, who lived in Ethiopia for more than 7 years, and Birhan, Tadele, Yirga and Solomon, four experienced Ethiopian tour guides. What brought us together is our social and ecological commitment in Ethiopia as well as our love for this country.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Very well organized tour !
Best way of visiting Ethiopia is a Tour organized by Simien Eco Tours. Our guide, David, spoke good French and was able to give us all explanations of the places we’ve been visiting.
Sandra · France
Meeting communities in harmony with nature.
I went on a 4 day trip with SimienEcoTours to the Guge Mountain near to Arba Minch. It was such a unique experience. Meeting communities on the way to the top, eating and participating in daily lifestyle and routines, crossing agricultural land in perfect harmony with nature and being accompanied by kind, knowledgeable, sensitive, amazing guides. It was a one-kind experience. My heartfelt thanks !! I will carry the memories fondly with me.
Bärbel · Netherlands
Experience Ethiopia's peoples
I had the pleasure of going on a group trip to southern Ethiopia in February and it was simply unforgettable! The insights into the lives of Ethiopians were impressive and gave me a whole new perspective on this wonderful country. The trekking tours through the remote villages allowed us to experience the incredible diversity and warm hospitality of the people at first hand. Every day was a new adventure and I am grateful for the many wonderful memories I was able to take home with me. Special thanks go to our guide Abebe, who inspired us with his knowledge and passion for the country. The entire team - from the cook to the driver - also did a great job and made sure that we felt comfortable and well looked after at all times. A big thank you also to Marco for organizing this fantastic trip. I highly recommend this experience!
Sandra · Germany
The best experience
Excellent expérience. Well balance itinerary. Reliable hotels. Most of all an outstanding guide who lead the entier trip
Frédéric Jochem · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by SimienEcoTours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of SimienEcoTours.
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