Introduction
Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), the Roof of Ethiopia
The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia and abroad with awe. Gentle highland ridges at altitudes above 3600 meters above sea level, covered with grasses, isolated trees (Erica & bored) and the bizarre Giant Lobelia (Lobelia rhynchopetalum) are found on the high plateau that ends abruptly at 1000m to 2000m deep escarpments.
The margins of this high plateau consist of precipitous cliffs and deep, canyon-style gorges. In some places, the escarpment forms small elevations that offer splendid natal lookout points. The spectacular views from the observation points at Gidir Got and lmet Gogo in the center of the Park offer unparalleled panoramas along the high plateau and down to the lowland areas. Given the right meteorological conditions, views reaching up to a hundred kilometers over the valleys and the terraces of the Tekeze lowland basin are no exception.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Insurance
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Optional
- Additional Services
- Visit to Ethiopia
- Visit to Sankaber Camp
Day 1: Drive to sankaber
Sankaber
We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via debark (the small town) you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low land areas to the north and west. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. The gelada baboon, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey because their coat is shaggy resembling a lion, whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The gelada baboon can be found in good numbers and is quite easy to approach. Sankaber camp is situated at an altitude of 3250 meters on an impressive view point between the northern escarpment and the southern wazla. Before you arrive the camp you have about 2hrs. walk
Day 2: From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp
Geech
From Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5- 6hrs). The initial stages of this path lead through extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive views of the escarpement. One of the best views is of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss.
After descending down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village. In this area, cultivation is done in a two-year cycle. One side of the valley is planted whilst the other side lies fallow. You will notice extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of the combination of such factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. We pause in Geech village as we are invited into one of the local houses for a coffee ceremony. Here you will participate in this very important social tradition of Ethiopia as well as gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle.
Just above Geech village is the campsite which will serve as your base for two nights. The campsite has great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 meters in height and may live for as long as twenty years, at which point they first flower before dying.
Day 3: BACK TO GONDER
Walk from Geech to the three stanning places ,then Back to Gonder.
