Trekking in the Simiens has been the main activity for a long time. Once up on the escarpment, it is possible to walk through forests and over grassland for hundreds of miles. A trek to the summit of Ras Daschen normally takes about 6 days. Other more modest treks go to Imet Gogo, Bwahit and the camp sites of Geech, Sankabur and Chennuk.

The scenery starts to get interesting around Simien Lodge, which is 22km from Debarak. The walk from Debarak is generally uphill through farmland which is not so interesting. But the lodge is at the beginning of the park where the whole scenery opens out with magnificent views for hundred of kilometres. This is where the predator animal activity starts. The gelada sleep on the cliff edges at night and their predators such as hyena and leopard roam the cliff edges. Wolves have been spotted near the lodge in recent months.

Important

There is a strict rota for guides and scouts at the park entrance. Simien Lodge does not get involved with any hiring of staff and this must be organised at the park office in Debarak. But it is very easy and does not need to be organised from abroad. However Simien Lodge only hire the equipment.

Although it is essential to buy a pass to enter the park at Debark, good camping equipment is available at the lodge. Sometimes the equipment hired in the towns is of poor quality. We have the latest automatic tents and sleeping bags rated to -5°.

The Simiens are without doubt the most spectacular mountains scenery in Africa. Trekking in the Simiens is a must for anyone who likes spectacular views. Some of the cliffs drop vertically for over a mile, justifying the description of Africa's Grand Canyon. 

The climb to Ras Daschen summit