01
Day 1 — Addis Ababa city tour
Visit the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
7-Day Simien Mountains Short Trek: Gondar & Geech
7 Days
Private — any size
Hotels & Campings
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Northern Ethiopia
Simien Mountains · Gondar
Tour overview
This 7-day trip is the introductory version of our Simien Mountains trek — three days of walking as far as Geech, without the multi-day push to the summit of Ras Dashen. Ideal for travellers who want real time in the Simien Mountains without committing to the full 10-day expedition.
After a short flight to Gondar and a visit to its 17th-century castles, the route heads directly into Simien Mountains National Park for a manageable trek.
Tour highlights
Trek three days through some of the Simien Mountains' most accessible scenery
Spot Gelada baboons and Lammergeier vultures along the escarpment
Walk to the viewpoint at Imet Gogo for sweeping views across the gorge
Explore Gondar's 17th-century Royal Enclosure
A manageable introduction to Simien trekking without the full summit commitment
A free day in Gondar to rest or explore further
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day 2 — Fly to Gondar, then trek to Sankaber
Fly to Gondar to see its 17th-century castles, then drive to Debark and trek to the Sankaber campsite, watching for Gelada baboons and Lammergeier vultures.
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Day 3 — Trek to Geech
Cross the Jinbar River and falls, then walk along the escarpment to views of the Geech Abyss.
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Day 4 — Trek to Imet Gogo and back to Geech
Walk to the viewpoint at Imet Gogo for sweeping views across the gorge, then return to Geech for a rest afternoon.
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Day 5 — Drive back to Gondar
Trek back to the trailhead and drive to Gondar for the evening.
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Day 6 — Free day in Gondar
A relaxed day to explore Gondar's market and historic sites at leisure, or simply rest before the return journey.
07
Day 7 — Fly back to Addis Ababa
Morning flight back to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner before departure.
The route
7-Day Simien Mountains Short Trek: Gondar & Geech
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
Imet Gogo
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?
Moderate. Three days of walking at altitude, with no summit attempt — suitable for reasonably fit travelers without prior high-altitude trekking experience.
How is this different from the full Simien trek?
This version reaches Geech and Imet Gogo but stops short of the multi-day push to summit Ras Dashen, making it roughly a third of the length of our full trekking expedition.
Can I extend this into the full summit trek once I arrive?
Not on this fixed itinerary — travelers wanting the summit attempt should book our 13-Day Simien Mountains Summit Trek directly.
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 physically demanding is this tour?
This tour includes trekking at Erta Ale - a two to three hour walk on uneven terrain - and multi-day trekking in the Simien Mountains at altitudes above 3,000 metres. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You do not need prior trekking experience but should be comfortable walking for several hours on varied terrain. Please let us know of any health conditions when inquiring.
Is the Danakil Depression safe to visit?
The Danakil Depression requires armed scouts as a standard precaution - this applies to all tour operators working in the region. We have operated safely in the Danakil for many years and work exclusively with trusted local partners. We monitor conditions continuously and will always communicate any changes that affect the itinerary.
What altitude does this tour reach?
This tour covers an extraordinary range - from the Danakil Depression at 116 metres below sea level, the lowest point in Africa, to the Simien Mountains above 4,000 metres. We acclimatise gradually throughout the itinerary and your guide monitors the group's wellbeing throughout the trekking sections.
Can I do this tour without the Danakil Depression section?
Yes. We can adapt this itinerary to focus on the northern historic route and Simien Mountains without the Danakil section. Contact us via WhatsApp or email and we will build the right itinerary for your interests and fitness level.
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.
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7-Day Simien Mountains Short Trek: Gondar & Geech
Private
No obligation, no rush
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