A Detailed Itinerary with Wildlife & Birdlife Highlights

Day 1: Gondar – Sankabar Camp (3250 m)

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park, entering one of Africa’s most dramatic highland landscapes. Shortly before reaching Sankabar, you will be dropped off for a gentle two-hour introductory trek along the escarpment.

 Highlights:

▪︎Breathtaking views of deep valleys, gorges, and rugged cliffs.

▪︎High chance of encountering large troops of Gelada Monkeys, the world’s only grass-eating primate, known for their distinctive red chest patches.

Common birds along this stretch include the¿, Thick-billed Raven, Abyssinian Wheatear, and soaring Rüppell’s Vultures.

▪︎You arrive at Sankabar Camp, beautifully positioned overlooking the escarpment.

Day 2: Sankabar – Gich Camp (3600 m) via Jinbar Waterfall.

Trekking for approximately 6 hours, today’s route follows rolling highland terrain before descending to the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall, a dramatic 500-meter drop into the Geech Abyss.

 Wildlife & Birds:

▪︎Frequent daytime grazing of Gelada Monkeys in family groups.

Possibility of spotting Klipspringer and Bushbuck around rocky areas. Birdlife includes the ▪︎Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), known for dropping bones from great heights, and the White-billed Starling, endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea.

▪︎Upon arrival at Gich Camp, you enjoy open alpine scenery and sweeping skies.

 

Day 3: Day Trek from Gich Camp to Imet Gogo.

Today’s excursion is a day hike to the spectacular viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3926 m), one of the most iconic panoramas in the Simien Mountains. The viewpoint offers dramatic 360-degree views of jagged peaks, deep ravines, and the famed escarpment.

Wildlife & Birds:

 ▪︎Large gatherings of Geladas, often approachable for photography.

▪︎Occasional sightings of Walia Ibex on the cliffs near Imet Gogo.

▪︎Bird species may include the Blue-winged Goose, Augur Buzzard, Tawny Eagle, and the endemic Ethiopian Siskin. Return to Gich Camp for the night.

Day 4: Gich – Chennek Camp  (3620 m) via the summit if Intya 4070 m).

This is one of the most beautiful stages of the trek, offering exceptional escarpment views. The route takes approximately 9 hours, including stops for photos and rest.

Wildlife:

One of the best locations to see the Walia Ibex, the rare and endangered mountain goat endemic to the Simien Mountains.

Continued encounters with Gelada Monkeys.

If fortunate, trekkers may witness the elusive Ethiopian Wolf, Africa’s rarest carnivore.

Birds:

Commonly sighted birds include the Lammergeier, White-collared Pigeon, and Abyssinian Longclaw.

Raptors such as the Golden Eagle and Lanner Falcon patrol the cliffs.

Arrive at Chennek Camp, set in a wide open valley surrounded by high peaks.

Day 5:  Chennek – Ambiko Camp (3200 m) via the summit of Bwhit (4430 m).

After breakfast, begin the long but rewarding 9-hour trek descending through highland grasslands to the deep valley leading to Ambiko, the base camp for Ras Dejen.

Wildlife & Birds:

▪︎Early morning is ideal for spotting Walia Ibex on the slopes above Chennek.

Valleys may offer sightings of Menelik’s Bushbuck and Abyssinian Hare.

Bird species along this trail include the Moorland Chat, Ethiopian Cisticola, Black-winged Lovebird, and the magnificent Lammergeier.

Overnight at Ambiko Camp.

Day 6: Summit of Ras Dejen (4543 m) – Return to Ambiko

A pre-dawn departure allows you to reach the summit of Ras Dejen, Ethiopia’s highest peak, around midday. The ascent takes about 12 hours round-trip, traversing rocky slopes and breathtaking ridges.

Highlights & Wildlife:

▪︎Panoramic views from the highest point in Ethiopia.

▪︎Rock hyraxes are commonly seen sunning on boulders.

▪︎Raptors including the Bearded Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, and Steppe Eagles.

▪︎Alpine flora such as giant lobelia and everlasting flowers.

Return to Ambiko Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Day 7: Ambiko – Sona Community Camp

Today’s 10-hour trek follows river valleys, agricultural terraces, and the picturesque village of Arkwasiye before ascending to the beautifully positioned Sona Camp.

Wildlife & Birds:

▪︎Frequent sightings of rock hyrax, birds of prey, and highland songbirds.

Villages provide opportunities to observe local culture and traditional farming practices.

▪︎Birds may include the Abyssinian Woodpecker, Wattled Ibis, and Dusky Turtle Dove.

▪︎Sona offers stunning views back toward the high Simien peaks trekked earlier.

Day 8: Sona – Mekarbiya Camp (2065 m)

A steep descent into the lowlands brings a dramatic change in climate, vegetation, and wildlife. Today’s trek lasts around 5 hours.

Wildlife:

As the altitude drops, you may encounter vervet monkeys, Savanna baboons, and possibly small antelopes.

▪︎Reptiles such as Agama lizards become more common.

Birds:

▪︎Lowland species such as the Speckled Pigeon, African Harrier-Hawk, and Black-headed Oriole.

▪︎Riverine areas may attract Malachite Kingfishers and Pied Crows.

▪︎Arrive at Mekarbiya Camp, surrounded by warm lowland landscapes.

Day 9: Mekarbiya – Mulit Camp (2100 m)

A gentle 5-hour trek through rural farmland and small communities leads to Mulit Camp, where you will enjoy a relaxed evening.

Wildlife & Birds:

▪︎Vervet monkeys and occasional troops of baboons.

▪︎Birdlife may include Little Rock Thrush, Fan-tailed Raven, and Black-shouldered Kite.

Butterflies and smaller wildlife become more abundant in the warmer environment.

Day 10: Mulit – Adi Arkay – Transfer to Gondar

A short morning trek brings you to the roadside town of Adi Arkay, where your vehicle will meet you for the return journey to Gondar.

Final Highlights:

▪︎Last opportunities to enjoy the contrasting landscapes between highlands and lowlands.Sightings of colorful lowland birds and traditional rural life.