7-Day Simien Mountains , Gondar Castelel and Bahir Dar
Offered by vowland Ethiopia Tour and Travel
Once-in-a-lifetime Experience
This safari includes exclusive access to private conservancies and top-rated guides.
Fully Inclusive
Accommodation, meals, transport, and park fees are all included in the price.
About this safari
Discover Ethiopia's Imperial Heartland and Mountain Wilderness
Experience the raw majesty of Simien Mountains, the architectural splendor of Ethiopia's ancient capitals, and the spiritual richness of the Blue Nile region. This seven-day journey weaves together dramatic highland peaks, UNESCO-listed castles, and timeless cultural landscapes into an unforgettable African adventure.
The Experience
Begin in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's vibrant capital, before ascending into the Simien Mountains—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where jagged escarpments rise above 4,000 meters. Here, you'll trek through alpine meadows, encounter endemic wildlife including the elusive Walia ibex, and witness sunrises that paint the landscape in shades of gold and crimson. The mountains feel like stepping into another world, where time moves differently and nature commands your full attention.
From the peaks, descend to Gondar, the 17th-century royal capital, where remarkable stone castles and churches showcase Ethiopia's imperial past. Walk through the Fasil Ghebbi compound, explore ornate palaces, and visit ancient churches adorned with religious art and history. Gondar offers a tangible connection to Ethiopia's golden age of power and culture.
The journey concludes at Bahir Dar, where the Blue Nile begins its legendary journey to Egypt. Explore the region's ancient monasteries on nearby islands, witness the thunderous Blue Nile Falls, and experience the laid-back charm of a lakeside town steeped in spiritual significance.
Why This Journey
This package combines three distinct Ethiopian experiences—mountain wilderness, imperial heritage, and sacred waters—into one seamless narrative. Unlike typical African safaris, this trip emphasizes cultural immersion, historical exploration, and high-altitude adventure in a mid-range-luxury setting. You'll experience Ethiopia as few travelers do: trekking through some of Africa's most dramatic landscapes while uncovering the stories of emperors, saints, and mountain peoples who have shaped this ancient nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit? October to November and February to March offer ideal conditions—cool temperatures in the mountains, clear skies, and dry trekking paths.
Is this trip physically demanding? The Simien Mountains trekking involves high altitude and moderate hiking; the trip suits travelers with reasonable fitness levels. Guides will adjust pace to your ability.
What wildlife might we encounter? Watch for Walia ibex, gelada baboons, lammergeiers, and other endemic species in the mountains. The trip is not a traditional big-game safari.
How much cultural interaction is included? This journey emphasizes authentic engagement—from monastery visits to interactions with local communities, with experienced guides providing cultural context throughout.
Day-by-day Itinerary
D1Fly from Addis to Gondar Drive to Sankaber
Gondar • Simien Lodge
Fly from Addis to Gondar Drive to Sankaber
Gondar • Simien Lodge
From Addis Ababa, you'll go to Gondar. You'll drive to Michibiny with a brief stop at the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters to arrange the permit. You'll start the trekking easily with a 2-3-hour hike to Sankaber, a good way to acclimatize and get used to the altitude
D2Hike Sankaber to Gich (3600 m)
Simien Mountains National Park • Simien Lodge
Hike Sankaber to Gich (3600 m)
Simien Mountains National Park • Simien Lodge
Today's trek covers a distance of approximately 12 km and takes around 5-6 hours. The hike goes through highland grasslands, heather forests, and cultivated fields, and follows a spectacular escarpment with dramatic views.
You will encounter the friendly Gelada baboons, foraging in big groups. A stunning viewpoint at the Jinbar Falls is reached after clambering up a few rocks. This waterfall plunges several hundred meters down the escarpment into the abyss.
At the end of the day, you'll pass through the welcoming village of Gich, where the local people are happy to prepare a well-deserved coffee. The coffee ceremony is an important social event in Ethiopian culture. The camp for the night is not far from the village
Pricing by season & group size
Year Round
Year-round
| Season | 2 people |
|---|---|
Year Round Year-round | £1,724 |
What's Included
You won't be charged yet
Operators are thoroughly vetted and must maintain active licenses from their country of operations.