Spectacular Simien Mountains in Ethiopia

Trekking and Holidays: Ethiopian Highlands and Mountain Ranges

Nov 8, 2009

Travel to Ethiopia will reveal to the visitor a country dominated by mountains. The Simien mountains are largely unexplored, still unspoiled and are dramatic and varied.

The Simien Mountains are found on the north-western edge of the Ethiopian highlands, in the north of the country.

Simien Mountains and Ethiopian Highlands

The mountain range consists of an enormous escarpment which is over 60km long which marks its northern edge. The high rainfall in this area feeds strongly flowing rivers which have eroded over the years to form gullies and ravines. Beyond the escarpment, the land has been carved into towers, spires, mesas and other formations, creating some of the most dramatic and beautiful views in Africa.

A large section of the Simien Mountains have been preserved as the Simien National Park. Ras Deshen, the highest peak at 4543 metres can be seen from the National Park, although it lies outside of the Park's eastern boundary. The Simien escarpment is comparable to Colorado's grand canyon and the park has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Trekking Ethiopia

Holiday makers and especially those interested in trekking in the Simien mountains have a variety of options available to them. The hikes range from day walks to arduous treks that can take a week or more. The starting point to access the Simien mountains is the Ethiopian city of Gondar.

Hiking time can be shortened or made easier by the use of mules to carry luggage, or vehicles to cover the first and last stages of a hike.

It is compulsory to hire a guide in the National Park. To get a good guide it is recommended that the visitor gets references from other trekkers as some guides are said to be excellent, while others simply want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

Walking conditions are straightforward on paths, tracks or small sandy roads. Days can be quite long but gradients are not severe or dangerous, although there are some steep sections.

The most popular trekking route in the Simien mountains are found within the National Park itself, on the western side of the massif and take in the most impressive sections of the escarpment with overnight stops at the camps of Sankaber, Chenek and Geech. Park fees are payable in addition to guide fees and accommodation charges.

Simien Flora & Fauna

Trekking in the Simien Mountains will hopefully reveal some unusual species that are endemic to this area, such as the Walia Ibex, the Simien red fox and the Gelada baboon with its long, golden fur.

Trekkers often report seeing the Verraux eagle and the Lammergeier. Kestrels and falcons also soar on the mountain thermals, while swifts and martins are found on the escarpment edge.

More Articles on Mountain Ranges in Africa:

Trekking in East Africa, 1998 edition, Published by Lonely Planets Guide, pages 329 - 333

The copyright of the article Spectacular Simien Mountains in Ethiopia in Ethiopia Travel is owned by Fleur Hupston. Permission to republish Spectacular Simien Mountains in Ethiopia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.