Simien Mountains National Park
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
The Simien Mountains are worth visiting if you enjoy high-altitude trekking and rare wildlife spotting. Plan your trip between October and February for clear skies. Most people need at least three days to cover the main trails comfortably.
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Most visitors stay for three to five days to see the main peaks.
Travel by bus or private vehicle from Gondar to Debarq, then continue into the park by 4x4.
You must register at the park headquarters in Debarq and pay your entrance fees there.
You are required to hire an armed scout for every day you spend in the park and this must be paid in cash.
What to expect
Expect steep climbs and thin air. You will spend most of your time walking along cliff edges that drop off into deep canyons. The terrain is rugged and the weather shifts quickly from bright sun to cold fog.
You will see gelada baboons almost immediately. They are accustomed to people and often forage near the paths. Other wildlife like the walia ibex requires more patience and quiet movement to spot.
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Timing your visit
The dry season runs from October through February. This is the only time the trails are reliable and the views are not obscured by heavy cloud cover.
Expect cold nights even if the days are warm. You need a sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures. Muddy trails during the rainy months make trekking difficult and dangerous.
Daily costs
A typical day costs around 9000 ETB. This covers your basic needs and park entry fees. Budget extra if you plan to hire mules or carry heavy camera equipment.
You must carry enough cash for the entire trip. Card payments do not work in the park. Scout fees are mandatory and you pay these in cash directly at the park gate.
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Common mistakes
Many travelers underestimate the altitude. You are starting at over 3000 meters, which leads to quick exhaustion. Spend your first day moving slowly to let your body adjust to the thin air.
Do not expect luxury amenities. Lodging is basic and water is limited. Pack your own snacks and ensure you have enough supplies before leaving the town of Debarq.
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Mandatory armed scout fees are charged per day, cash only.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Simien Mountains National Park is the largest national park in Ethiopia. Located in the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, its territory covers the highest parts of the Simien Mountains and includes Ras Dashan, the highest point in Ethiopia. It is home to a number of endangered species, including the Ethiopian wolf and the walia ibex, a wild goat found nowhere else in the world. The gelada baboon and the caracal, a cat, also occur within the Simien Mountains. More than 50 species of birds inhabit the park, including the bearded vulture, or lammergeier, with its 3-metre (10 ft) wingspan. The park is crossed by an unpaved road which runs from Debarq, where the administrative headquarters of the park is located, east through a number of villages to the 4,430 metres (14,530 ft) Buahit Pass, where the road turns south to end at Mekane Berhan, 10 kilometres (6 mi) beyond the park boundary.
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Questions people ask
Do I need a guide?
A guide is not strictly required by law, but they are highly recommended. They know the best paths and can help you find wildlife that you would otherwise walk past.
Is the altitude dangerous?
Altitude sickness is a real risk here. If you feel dizzy or nauseated, descend to a lower elevation immediately and rest.
Can I use credit cards in the park?
No. You need to withdraw all the cash you will need in Gondar before you reach the mountains.
Are the baboons aggressive?
The geladas are generally peaceful. They will ignore you if you keep a respectful distance, but never attempt to feed them.
What should I pack for clothing?
Bring sturdy hiking boots and layers. You will need a heavy jacket for the evenings and light, breathable fabrics for the midday sun.
Is there drinking water available?
Bring a water filter or purification tablets. Do not rely on finding clean, bottled water once you leave the administrative center.