Timket and Africa’s Hidden Gem
The Timket (Epiphany) festival held in Gondar is the high point of this tour — commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ at the Fasiledes Bath, following the full northern historic circuit.
USD 2735
View TourSimien Mountains, Ethiopia
Highland wilderness, rare wildlife, and Africa's fourth highest peak
Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gelada baboons — found nowhere else on earth
Walia ibex — one of the world's rarest mammals
Ras Dashen — 4,620 metres, Africa's fourth highest peak
Multi-day trekking through dramatic highland scenery
Simien Lodge — one of Africa's highest-altitude lodges
Living heritage
What makes Simien Mountains unique
Few places let you walk among wild primates that exist nowhere else on earth. The Simien Mountains are home to troops of Gelada baboons found only in this corner of Ethiopia, often grazing calmly just metres from the trekking trails. Above 3,000 metres, the landscape opens into dramatic cliff-edge escarpments where the rare Walia ibex can be spotted along the rock faces. Few trekking destinations anywhere in Africa combine this density of rare wildlife with scenery this consistently spectacular.
Good to know
Best time to visit
Peak season: Oct–Jan — dry season, clearest trekking conditions
Shoulder season: Feb–May, Sep — variable weather
Tours that visit Simien Mountains
Choose your experience
Ethiopian Christmas & Genna
Christmas, or "Genna," falls on January 7th in Ethiopia. The focal point of this tour is the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration held in Lalibela at Bete Mariam Church.
USD 2405
View Tour12-Day Ethiopia Tour: Awash National Park, Danakil Depression & Lalibela
This 12-day tour combines three of Ethiopia's most contrasting landscapes: the Rift Valley wildlife of Awash National Park, the volcanic extremes of the Danakil Depression, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. A genuine journey of contrasts, from grazing oryx to active lava to sacred rock-hewn architecture.
Price on Request
View TourBefore you go
Practical information
- Getting there: Accessed via Gondar, then a scenic drive into the park.
- Entrance: Park fees apply, included in tour pricing.
- Good to know: Altitude exceeds 3,000m in most trekking areas — gradual acclimatization matters.
- Read the full Simien Mountains travel guide →
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Simien Mountains?
The park is reached via Gondar, with a scenic drive leading into the trekking areas.
Do I need trekking experience?
No prior experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended given the altitude and multi-day trekking involved.
How many days should I spend trekking?
Most itineraries include two to three days of trekking, though longer routes toward Ras Dashen are possible.
Will I definitely see Gelada baboons?
Sightings are very likely — troops are commonly encountered along the main trekking routes.
What's the best time to visit?
October to January offers the driest, clearest trekking conditions.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Mild effects are possible above 3,000m. Itineraries are paced for gradual acclimatization, and guides monitor the group throughout.
From our blog
Visit the blog →Related destinations
Gondar
Explore Gondar, Ethiopia's 17th-century royal capital — home to the Royal Enclosure's castles and the spectacular Timket festival.
Explore Gondar →Lalibela
Explore Lalibela's 12th-century rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ethiopia's most extraordinary destination. Plan your visit with Absolute Ethiopia.
Explore Lalibela →Bahir Dar
Visit Bahir Dar, gateway to Lake Tana's medieval island monasteries and a relaxed stop on Ethiopia's historic northern route.
Explore Bahir Dar →No obligation, no rush