Simien Twin Peaks Trek
fromYou will trek through the rarely visited Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wonderland of nature. Its breath-taking landscapes and wildflowers, and rare wildlife; Gelada Baboons, Walia Ibex and Ethiopian Wolves make it a unique trek.
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Activity Level Challenging
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Highlights
- Simien Mountain National Park
- Spotting endemic wildlife
- Ancient castles and palaces
Airport transfer
Arrival and departure transfers are included, whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you.
Accommodation
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary. Should we need to change hotels, but we will endeavour to keep the same standard.However, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.
Guides
You will be escorted throughout by an English-speaking guide. You will also have local English-speaking guides.
Meals
As listed within the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).
Entrance Fees
All entrance fees
Water
A bottle of mineral water every day
Visa’
Guests are responsible for arranging their own visa. We would recommend that you obtain your visa in advance of your trip using the evisa service.
International flights
We don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours
Insurance
It is important that you have insurance in place prior to arriving in country.
Tips
Guide and porterage tips, also local payments for photography
- Day 1 - Addis Ababa L/D On arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After lunch a city tour will take you to the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million-year-old remains of “Lucy”, discovered in 1974, Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet for a panoramic view of the metropolis before making your way back to your hotel. Overnight at Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel or similar.
- Day 2 - Gondar B/L/D Morning flight to Gondar, the so-called Camelot of Africa. Visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways and the fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie Church, one of Ethiopia’s most beautifully painted churches. Overnight at Goha Hotel or similar.
- DAY 3 - Simien Mountains B/L/D Travel 60 miles to the principal mountain massifs of Africa, the Simien Mountains. On arrival at the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park, meet our trekking Scout, guide and drive to the SMNP.
- DAY 4 - Trek From Sankaber (3,250m) To Gich (3,600M) B/L/D (5 – 6 HOURS) The trek to the seasonal and impressive Jinibar waterfall. From there, you climb fairly steeply for an hour to reach the Jinbar valley and head down to the Jinbar River at 3,190m. Have a picnic lunch in these majestic surroundings. On the way, keep an eye open for the rare and graceful lammergeyer, soaring in search of food. After a brief rest at the river ascend gradually on an undulating trail for 2-3 hours to the village of Gich - dotted by the traditional round thatched huts and home to the Muslim community. After the village, the trail then winds its way into the moorland where visitors will experience the highland flora of giant lobelia as you arrive at Gich camp. Overnight Gich Campsite
- DAY 5 - Imetgogo and The Two Peaks Circuit: B/L/D (4 – 5 HOURS) One of the most scenic and spectacular trails in the park, this route takes you to a viewpoint that rewards you with views of the remarkable shape of the landscape and canyon which are the result of geological upheaval between 60 - 70 million years ago. The first part of the hike is a gentle uphill walk of around 2 hours from Gich to the imetgogo viewpoint (3,926m). You may spot the iconic Ethiopian wolf. Another hour’s walk through the Afroalpine meadow takes you to the Lobelia Valley, which is home to thousands of these giant plants. The trail then brings you to the second viewpoint: Saha (3,785m) with stunning views of the dramatic gorge and rock towers and an ideal spot for lunch. After lunch and before the final ascent towards the camp, another 1-hour trek to the final viewpoint of the day called kedadit (3,760m). After that, a 4 -minute downhill stroll brings to the Gich campsite. Overnight Gich Campsite or similar
- DAY 6 - Trek From Gich To Chennek (3,600M): B/L/D (7- 8 HOURS) The trek begins by ascending gradually for about 2 hours through the Afroalpine meadows. before descending to where you’ll have impressive views of the gorge below imetgogo. The trail then winds its way to the lowest point and begins ascending to the peak Inateye (which means beloved mother in Amharic). You ascend fairly steeply at first for an hour and then more gradually for another hour to the highest point of the day at Inateye (4,070m). This area is an outstanding place to view birds, particularly raptors. Many interesting species can be seen here, among which are the tawny eagle, lammergeyer and augur buzzard. Here you have a rewarding view of the ImegGogo summit, Bwhait pass and the surrounding escarpment and mountains. After a brief rest and lunch in this majestic spot, begin your 2-3-hour descent to the camp. About 10-20 minutes before reaching camp stop at Kurbetemetaya to get the final and excellent view of the day’s trek and look for the first sighting of the cliff specialist Walia ibex. Also keep your eyes peeled for geladas. Chenek Campsite or similar.
- DAY 7 - Drive From Chennek To Gondar B/L/D The drive provides stunning views of the lowlands below and the escarpment edge to the west. There is a fast running stream about five minutes’ walk south of Chenek camp. Lammergeyers are often seen here. Chenek is probably the best spot in the Simien Mountains for wild life such as Walia Ibex, Bush Buck, Rock Hyrax and Klipspringer. Lunch will be en-route to the village of Walaka where we can meet the Falasha people, who are said to have been ruminants of the ancient Jewish people. We will visit the Synagogue and have the opportunity to buy their handcraft products.