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
4-Day Lalibela Tour: Rock-Hewn Churches of Northern Ethiopia
If your time in Ethiopia is limited, this is the trip to make it count: four days dedicated entirely to Lalibela, the medieval rock-hewn churches that UNESCO calls one of the world's architectural wonders. Two full days here is enough to see every church, without rushing.
Price on Request
View TourMeskel Festival Tour
Join us for the religious festival of Meskel, particularly the eve celebration "Demera," in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square, following the full northern historic circuit beforehand.
USD 2405
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
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