7-day Simien Mountains, Gondar Castle, and Bahir Dar 7 days

Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar, where your guide will meet you before departing for the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After completing park formalities at the headquarters, begin your trek with a gentle 2–3-hour hike to Sankaber. This easy walk provides an excellent opportunity to acclimatise while enjoying breathtaking mountain scenery, dramatic escarpments, and your first encounters with the unique wildlife of the Simien Mountains.

Accommodation: Simien Lodge
meals, brakfast

Simien Mountains National Park

Today's trek covers approximately 12 km over 5–6 hours, following scenic trails through highland grasslands, heather forests, cultivated fields, and along the dramatic escarpment that defines the Simien Mountains.

Along the way, you'll encounter large troops of the endemic Gelada baboons, grazing peacefully across the mountainsides. Continue to the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall, where water plunges hundreds of metres into a deep canyon below.

Before reaching camp, pass through the welcoming village of Gich, where you may experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony—an important cultural ritual symbolizing hospitality and community.

Accommodation: Simien Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Simien Mountains National Park

Today is widely regarded as the most spectacular stage of the trek. Covering approximately 12 km in 7–8 hours, the route offers magnificent panoramic views throughout the day.

A short detour leads to Imet Gogo (3,925 m), one of the finest viewpoints in the Simien Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas across deep valleys and rugged cliffs. The plateau is dotted with giant lobelias, while overhead you may spot the majestic Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) soaring effortlessly on mountain thermals.

Continue past towering peaks, including Inataye (4,070 m), before arriving at Chennek, one of the best places to observe the endangered Walia Ibex, found nowhere else in the world.

Accommodation: Simien Lodge
Meals: Breakfast,

Gondar

Your final day in the Simien Mountains begins with a hike to Bwahit Pass (4,200 m). For those seeking an additional challenge, continue to Ras Bwahit (4,430 m), Ethiopia's second-highest peak after Ras Dashen.

The hike covers approximately 10 km over 5–6 hours, rewarding you with spectacular mountain scenery and opportunities to spot the endemic Walia Ibex and, with some luck, the elusive Ethiopian Wolf, Africa's rarest carnivore.

In the afternoon, descend from the mountains and drive back to the historic city of Gondar.

Accommodation: Haile Resort Gondar
Meals: Breakfast,

Gondar

Discover the rich history of Ethiopia's former imperial capital on a guided tour of Gondar.

Begin at the impressive Fasil Ghebbi, the Royal Enclosure, where a remarkable collection of 17th-century castles and palaces reflects the city's royal heritage. Continue to the beautiful Debre Birhan Selassie Church, celebrated for its magnificent ceiling adorned with hundreds of painted angel faces.

Later, visit Fasilides' Bath, an important ceremonial site famous for hosting Ethiopia's annual Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations. Conclude the day with time to explore Gondar's lively streets, markets, and cafés, offering a glimpse into everyday Ethiopian life.

Accommodation: Haile Resort Gondar
Meals: Breakfast,

Bahir Dar

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the Ethiopian Highlands to the lakeside city of Bahir Dar, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Tana.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel before exploring the city's colourful markets and waterfront. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake, to visit several of its ancient island monasteries, home to centuries-old religious manuscripts, murals, and sacred treasures.

Accommodation: Blue Nile Resort Hotel
Meals: Breakfast,

Addis Ababa

This morning, visit the spectacular Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay), meaning "The Smoking Water." Cascading approximately 45 metres, the falls create a magnificent curtain of mist surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Enjoy a short walk to several scenic viewpoints for unforgettable photographs of one of Ethiopia's most iconic natural landmarks.

Later, return to Bahir Dar Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

In the evening, celebrate the conclusion of your Ethiopian adventure with a traditional farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant, where you'll enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine accompanied by vibrant music and traditional dance performances before your onward departure.

Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner