01
Day 1 — Addis Ababa city tour
Visit the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral before the trek begins.
13-Day Simien Mountains Summit Trek: Ras Dashen
13 Days
Private — any size
Hotels & Campings
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Northern Ethiopia
Addis Ababa · Gondar ·
Tour overview
This is the full trekking expedition through the Simien Mountains, climbing all the way to the summit of Ras Dashen — Ethiopia's highest peak at 4,543 metres. For serious trekkers who want the complete Simien experience, not just a sample of it.
Ten consecutive days of trekking take you from Sankaber through Geech, Imet Gogo, and Chennek, with a summit attempt on Ras Dashen itself.
Tour highlights
Summit Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 4,543 metres
Trek through ten days of the Simien Mountains' most dramatic escarpment scenery
Spot Gelada baboons and, with luck, the endangered Walia ibex
Climb Mount Buhit, the second-highest peak in the Simien range
Walk through remote valleys and villages rarely seen by trekkers
A complete, serious trekking expedition for experienced hikers
Day by day
The itinerary
02
Day 2 — Fly to Gondar, drive to Debark, trek to Sankaber
Fly to Gondar, then drive to Debark on the edge of Simien Mountains National Park. Trek to the Sankaber campsite, watching for Lammergeier vultures and Gelada baboons.
03
Day 3 — Trek to Geech
Cross the Jinbar River and falls, then walk along the escarpment to views of the Geech Abyss. Overnight at Geech campsite (3,600m).
04
Day 4 — Trek to Imet Gogo
Walk to the viewpoint at Imet Gogo (3,926m) for sweeping views across the escarpment, then continue to Seha and Quedadit before returning to Geech.
05
Day 5 — Trek to Chennek
Continue along the escarpment to Chennek (4,000m), the best location in the park to see the endangered Walia ibex and more Gelada baboons.
06
Day 6 — Trek to Ambiko, via Mount Buhit
Climb Buhit (4,430m), the second-highest peak in the Simien range, before descending to camp at Ambiko (3,200m).
07
Day 7 — Summit day: Ras Dashen
The most demanding day of the trek. Climb to the summit of Ras Dashen (4,543m), the fourth-highest peak in Africa, before descending back to Ambiko.
08
Day 8 — Trek to Sona
Descend through the Mesheha River valley, stopping for coffee in the village of Arquaziye, en route to Sona (3,600m).
09
Day 9 — Descend to Mekarebya
A 1,100m descent into the Ansiya valley, with good opportunities for birdwatching along the way.
10
Day 10 — Trek to Mulit
A day of interacting with local villagers, finishing with a steep ascent to the campsite at Mulit.
11
Day 11 — To Adi Arkay, drive to Gondar
Final day's walking to Adi Arkay, then drive via Debark back to Gondar.
12
Day 12 — Fly back to Addis Ababa
Morning flight back to Addis Ababa.
13
Day 13 — Departure
Free time for last-minute shopping before a farewell dinner and departure.
The route
13-Day Simien Mountains Summit Trek: Ras Dashen
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- English-speaking guide
- Trekking scouts, permits, and camping equipment
- All accommodation/camping as listed
- All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Domestic flights per itinerary
- Park entrance and permit fees
Not included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Where you'll stay
Accommodation
Addis Ababa
Camping (Absolute Ethiopia Tours)
Camping
Gondar
Haile Resort Gondar
Resort
Accommodation can be adjusted based on your budget and preferences. Premium and budget alternatives are available on request.
On the road
Our vehicles
All Absolute Ethiopia tours use well-maintained 4WD vehicles - Toyota Land Cruisers or similar - driven by experienced, professional drivers. For larger groups we use minibuses or coaster buses. Your comfort and safety on the road is our priority throughout every journey.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is generally safe for visitors, and the vast majority of tourist routes — including every destination on this itinerary — see no disruption. Some regions elsewhere in the country carry travel advisories; our guides and drivers know exactly where to go and where to avoid, and this itinerary is built entirely around routes we consider safe to run.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities can apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa online before travel, or a visa on arrival at Bole International Airport. We recommend applying for the e-Visa in advance to avoid queues on arrival.
How physically demanding is this trek?
Strenuous. Ten consecutive trekking days including a high-altitude summit attempt — recommended for travelers with prior trekking experience and a good level of fitness.
What altitude does this trek reach?
The summit of Ras Dashen sits at 4,543 metres — Ethiopia's highest point and the fourth-highest peak in Africa.
Do I need special gear for altitude?
Warm layers, a good sleeping bag rated for near-freezing temperatures, and broken-in trekking boots are essential. We provide full packing guidance once booked.
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is safe for tourists across all the destinations we operate. Our team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and will always communicate any updates that affect your itinerary. We have been operating tours safely for many years and your wellbeing is our first priority.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. The Ethiopian e-Visa is available online before travel and is the most straightforward option. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Contact us if you need guidance on the visa process for your specific nationality.
How do I know what is included in the tour price?
The inclusions and exclusions on this page show what the tour price covers. If anything is unclear, ask us before booking and we will confirm it for this itinerary.
How can I check availability for this tour?
Send an enquiry with your preferred travel dates and the number of travellers. We will confirm availability and the next steps before you book.
Can this itinerary be adjusted?
Private itineraries can often be adapted to your interests and pace. Group departures follow a planned route and schedule; contact us to discuss what is possible for this tour.
What should I pack for this tour?
Packing depends on the destinations, season, and activities in the day-by-day plan. Ask us for guidance tailored to your departure before travelling.
Dates & departures
This is a suggested private itinerary
Every detail can be adapted to suit you - dates, duration, accommodation tier, pace, and group size. Use this as your starting point and let us design your perfect journey.
Related tours
See all tours →13-Day Best of Ethiopia
Enquire Now15-Day Ethiopia Tour: Lalibela, Bale Mountains & Omo Valley
Enquire Now7-Day Simien Mountains Short Trek: Gondar & Geech
Enquire NowTour inquiry
Interested in this tour?
Tell us a bit about your trip and we'll get back to you with everything you need.
13-Day Simien Mountains Summit Trek: Ras Dashen
Private
No obligation, no rush
Ready to start planning your Ethiopia adventure?
Our team in Addis Ababa is ready to help. Tell us what you're dreaming of and we'll take it from there.