The Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia are among Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. Dramatic escarpments drop thousands of metres to the lowland plains. Endemic wildlife roams the highland meadows. And the air — at 4,000 metres above sea level — is thin, crisp, and electric.
The Wildlife
The Simiens are home to three of Ethiopia’s endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The Gelada baboon — with its distinctive red chest patch and grass-grazing habits — forms the world’s largest groups of primates. The Ethiopian wolf, Africa’s most endangered carnivore, hunts the Afroalpine meadows. The Walia ibex, a mountain goat with spectacular curved horns, clings to the cliff edges.
Trekking Routes
The Simiens are home to three of Ethiopia’s endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The Gelada baboon — with its distinctive red chest patch and grass-grazing habits — forms the world’s largest groups of primates. The Ethiopian wolf, Africa’s most endangered carnivore, hunts the Afroalpine meadows. The Walia ibex, a mountain goat with spectacular curved horns, clings to the cliff edges.
Getting There
Fly to Gondar (GDQ) from Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines (1 hour). From Gondar, take a minibus or hire a 4WD vehicle to Debark (3 hours). Trek agencies in Gondar and Addis Ababa can arrange everything including guides, scouts, mules, and camping equipment.
