Simien Mountains National Park is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
Massive erosion has created jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys at the bottom of sharp precipices and a dramatic escarpment that stretches for miles with breathtaking views over the rugged lowlands below. The park has several peaks above 4,000m including Ras Dejen, Ethiopia's highest mountain at 4,542m. The park was listed by UNESCO in 1978 as the second ever site of outstanding beauty.
The Simien Mountains are a nature lovers dream, rich in wildlife and offering sightings of mammals you'll only glimpse in Ethiopia. The park is home to the largest population of the Gelada monkey, which live in large groups of up to 200 individuals, the Walia Ibex (a horned mountain goat) and the Ethiopian wolf - all endemic to Ethiopia - as well as leopards, various antelopes, hyenas and more.
With the varied habitats of the high plateaus and the warmer lowlands within the park there is rich birdlife including lammergeier vultures, tawny eagles and thick billed ravens. There are over 180 species of bird found within the national park – five of which are seen nowhere else.
At Limalimo Lodge guests will be able to enjoy the park on treks ranging from a few hours to many days. Limalimo Lodge can help with putting a trekking package together for you. Feel free to drop us a line.
photo by Philipp Schütz
Practicalities
The park is managed by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority and all visitors to the park must register and pay entrance fees at the park headquarters, located in Debark. The park gates are open from 6am-6pm and no traffic is permitted in the park outside of these hours. If you are staying with us please be sure to read our visitor guide for more details.
photo by philipp schütz
photo by philipp schütz
Trekking highlights in the Simien Mountains National Park
We may be biased, but some of the most beautiful and un-discovered walks can be done from Limalimo Lodge itself. There are beautiful day walks that can be done from the lodge, which will take you through rich and varied flora including African Juniper trees, olive trees and Ethiopian acacia trees. For bird lovers you can spot a wide range of birds from both the high plateaus and lowlands.
The escarpment cliffs and gorge sides you’ll pass are covered with cliff-hanging trees, thickets of clematis creepers, tree heather, red hot pokers, Abysinnian Rose and sweet smelling herbs. A couple of routes that start from the lodge are:
Limalimo viewpoint – Princess Stop (approx. 90 mins): heading downhill from the lodge first to an outcrop with close to 360 degree views onto the Simiens and lowlands, then through the forest to Princess Stop where the now Queen Elizabeth II apparently visited just before becoming Queen. From here there is a seasonal waterfall which flows down to Limalimo village.
Ras Amba: This is a stunning but challenging hike along the escarpment edge heading east where you trek from ridge to ridge with spectacular views along the way and often in the company of Gelada monkeys. Ras Amba is approx. 3300m, and the round trip around 5 hours (although you can just go part way).
Simiens West: a half day walk to the West of Limalimo puts you atop the Park’s western escarpment. There are some wonderful views of Limalimo’s famous winding road along this route.
Further afield
The complete Simien Mountain range is truly spectacular and anyone visiting Ethiopia with a love of hiking should try and fit in a trek of at least a few days. Outlined below are the main campsites in the National Park.
Sankaber will probably be your first campsite you will be feeling the altitude but the views over the escarpment are a great excuse to stop to catch your breath. The Gelada monkeys often spend time on the grassland areas , 'chatting' to each other whilst grazing. The campsite is at 3250 metres.
Gich campsite, based at 3,600m, is just outside the now abandoned village it’s named after. It’s on a high plateau meaning cold nights, and a short uphill hike takes you up to Kedadit – offering spectacular views over the lowlands with front row seats for sunset.
Chennek campsite is the highest campsite of the Simiens at 3,926m. This is a great place to spot the Walia ibex and if you are lucky the Ethiopian Wolf. Tucked away behind a hillock is a romantic spot to look back at Imet Gogo and Inatye.
Ambiko is the base camp for the climb up Ras Dejen, Ethiopia's highest mountain. You approach the camp along a path following the Muzema valley scattered with farm dwellings. The camp is next to the church so you can watch the priests arrive in their white robes to their services.
Sona: If you’re heading to the lowlands, Sona will be the last camping spot on the high plateau. You’ll likely be camping on your own at Sona either in the grounds of the school or perched on the edge of a cliff with the most beautiful sunset over the highlands.
Mekarebya campsite is based in a small village, with plenty of villagers keen to say hello. It is far warmer in the evenings as you clamber down to the lowlands at around 2,000m, so you can happily sit out late into the night and admire the incredible starry sky.
Mulit is the final stop for lowland treks. At the top of a steep ascent, you will be camping in the grounds of someone’s tukul. With donkeys, cows, goats and sheep for neighbours, this is a truly gorgeous spot to end a trek.
As a reminder: to trek in the mountains, you must first stop in Debark at the National Park office to arrange your entry fee. You must have a scout and registered guide to go trekking in the park – most people arrange this before arriving, and Limalimo Lodge can help with putting a trekking package together for you. Drop us a line!
