Depart early in the morning from Gondar and driving to Sankober, with a stop in Debark to handle National Park fees and refresh.
We will start our trek around Buyit Ras for a 3 – 4 hour hike to Sankober , which passes close to the escarpment edge. Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the ridge and we will probably see gelada baboons. In Sankober, you will be met with your supplies.
Overnight camp in Sankober .
Today we’ll trek for 4 – 5 hours. From Sankober , we depart into the valley through which the Wazla (or Koba) river runs (this river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss . Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar river and ascend into the village of Geech .
After an early breakfast, we’ll depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands; one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek , you will pass Korbete Metia , a solid rock wall which opens up to expose beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeiers. Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours
Overnight camping in Chenek .
From Chenek , we will trek for another 6 – 8 hours. We continue east up a valley to Mt. Bwahit , overlooking the camp you have just stayed at. After crossing the Bwahit Pass , you come to a viewpoint offering wonderful views of the Mesheha River Valley as well your first glimpse of Ras Dashen . From here, the path descends, passes through the village of Chiro Leba , and finally leads to the Mesheha River . Across the river, you climb back up the valley to the village of Ambikwa .
Overnight camping in Ambikwa .
We have a long trek today (8 – 10 hours), so we’ll need to start early. We continue up the valley to the village of Mizma , after which you will have a steep ascent to a ridge crest overlooking a large valley. The path then follows along the side of the valley, straight towards Ras Dashen .
Eventually, we’ll reach a point from which we can see three distinct buttresses. The buttress on the left is the summit of Ras Dashen . A pile of rocks at the top of the buttress marks the summit. After your successful arrival at the highest point in Ethiopia, you’ll return to Ambikwa.
Overnight in Ambikwa .
Today we’ll trek for 6 – 8 hours back to Chenek , taking in the beautiful landscape one more time.
Overnight camp at Chenek.
Transport out of the national park, returning to Gondar .
Summary:
This 7-day trek in the Simien Mountains brings you to the peak of Ras Dashen ;
the highest point in Ethiopia.
