Day 1
The Sankaber approach
Agree a start in Gondar, Bahir Dar or Debark, then approach the Simiens and walk to Sankaber. The chosen pickup point will shape the opening day's arrangements.
Gondar → Debark → Sankaber
Nine-Day Simien Peaks and Lowland Traverse
This longer Simien route links Sankaber and Chenek with Ras Dashen, Kiddus Yared and the lowland stages through Sona, Mekerabiya and Mullit.
- Duration outline
- 9 days
- Start / finish
- Gondar / Adigrat Arkay
- Arrangements
- Awaiting operator confirmation
Overview
This outline starts in Gondar and finishes in Adigrat Arkay over 9 days. Overnight locations, daily travel times and any walking demands are not yet confirmed; the day-by-day itinerary below shows the proposed sequence.
Day-by-day itinerary
A proposed sequence for discussion. Daily access, services and travel arrangements need confirmation.
Day 2
Towards Gich
The next stage follows the mountain ridge towards Gich with the Genbar Falls viewpoint along the route. This introduces the western escarpment before the higher objectives later in the traverse.
Sankaber → Genbar Falls → Gich
Day 3
Imet Gogo and Chenek
Cross Imet Gogo and Inatye before descending to Chenek. Assess the linked climbs and descents as one full mountain stage when agreeing the day's pace.
Gich → Imet Gogo → Inatye → Chenek
Day 4
Bwahit towards Ambiko
The route crosses the Bwahit area and continues towards Ambiko. This extends beyond the western camps into the Ras Dashen approach, requiring a different level of support and walking preparation.
Chenek → Mount Bwahit → Ambiko
Day 5
Ras Dashen and Menteber
The Ras Dashen stage continues to Menteber after the summit objective. Assess the ascent and onward trail with the operator before committing to this demanding day.
Ambiko → Ras Dashen → Menteber
Day 6
Kiddus Yared ridge
Traverse the high ground towards Kiddus Yared, with Abba Yared as an optional extension. The overnight location needs to be confirmed before this stage can be arranged.
Menteber → Kiddus Yared
Day 7
Sona and the lowlands
The route descends through Sona towards Mekerabiya. This changes the character from high ridges to lower river-country walking; the actual start connection from the previous stage remains to be confirmed.
Sona → Mekerabiya
Day 8
Valley route to Mullit
Continue along the valley and return towards the ridge before reaching Mullit. Villages and farmland are part of the landscape, with any community visit subject to local agreement.
Mekerabiya → Mullit
Day 9
Roadside finish
The final walk reaches the roadside town identified as Adigrat Arkay. Confirm the precise pickup point and onward destination; a return towards Debark would need a separate arrangement.
Mullit → Adigrat Arkay
Route at a glance
Follow the journey
Your route through Ethiopia
- Start
- Stop, numbered in order
- End
- Direction of travel
Select a numbered pin or a stop name to highlight it on the map.
Day 1 stops
Arrangements to confirm
Confirm current access, route feasibility and the services available for your dates before arranging this trip.
Ask for a written proposal confirming prices, currency, accommodation, meals, transport and departure availability.
Confirm the overnight after Kiddus Yared, the onward connection to Sona and the exact pickup point at Adigrat Arkay before arranging this trek.
Inclusions & exclusions
Request a written breakdown covering guiding, permits, transport, meals, drinking water, equipment and costs you arrange separately. No services are confirmed here.
Stays & transport
Overnight locations, accommodation standards, vehicles and onward connections require a confirmed proposal. The route outline does not guarantee facilities or return times.
Planning questions
This is an editorial route proposal. The operator must confirm current access, feasibility and arrangements for your dates before a trip can be agreed.
No inclusion list or price has been approved. Ask for an itemised written proposal and clarify what you will need to arrange separately.
No. The inquiry form prepares a draft for you to review and download. It does not send messages, confirm availability or make a reservation.
Bring your questions
Preferred dates, your group size and onward plans are a useful place to start.