10-Day Simien Mountains Trek, Gondar & Lalibela

DAY 1: Arrival and Half-Day Addis Ababa City Tour
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After a short rest and refresh, your guide will take you on a half-day tour of Addis Ababa’s highlights. Depending on your time and energy levels, you can choose from several attractions: sip some of the world’s best coffee in the old town of Piazza, visit the National Museum and Archaeological Museum (home to the 3.5-million-year-old remains of “Lucy”), explore Merkato—the largest open-air market in Africa—or hike up Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa

DAY 2: Addis to Gondar – Castles and Churches
You’ll be picked up early from your hotel and transferred to Bole Airport for your flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. Begin your exploration of Gondar, a charming town steeped in history. Visit the ancient castles of King Fasilides, the royal bathing pool, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church—celebrated for its vibrant interior murals and angelic ceiling artwork, considered among the finest in Ethiopia.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar

DAY 3: Gondar – Simien Mountains (Sankaber Camp, 3,200m)
Depart your hotel in Gondar around 7:30 AM and drive to Debark. After signing in at the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters, you’ll meet your local guide and armed scout before heading into the mountains. Along the way to Sankaber Camp, enjoy a scenic 3-hour acclimatization hike along the ridge. Stop for a picnic lunch and take in sweeping views of the surrounding highlands. A short but steep climb brings you to the camp, where you’ll be greeted with fresh coffee, tea, and snacks.
Trek: 7 km / 2–3 hours walking
Overnight: Sankaber Camp

DAY 4: Sankaber (3,200m) – Geech Camp (3,600m)
After breakfast, follow the ridge trail with panoramic views dropping 800 meters below. The trail winds through diverse vegetation including Giant Heather, Abyssinian Rose, and Globe Thistle. A highlight is Genbar Falls, plunging 500 meters—a prime spot to see soaring falcons, augur buzzards, and lammergeyers. Enjoy lunch by a peaceful waterfall, then pass through open fields and possibly spot Klipspringers and bush bucks, alongside Gelada Baboons. Visit a traditional village home for local coffee and injera before reaching the scenic Geech Camp.
Trek: 15 km / 7–8 hours
Overnight: Geech Camp

DAY 5: Geech (3,600m) – Imet Gogo (3,926m) – Siha Gorge – Kedar Dit – Geech
Today’s trek begins with a two-hour walk across high grasslands and Giant Lobelia fields to reach Imet Gogo, a dramatic viewpoint offering 360° views of the Simien Range. From here, see west toward Sankaber and east toward tomorrow’s trail. Return via the majestic Siha Gorge for lunch. In the afternoon, relax at camp or take an optional sunset hike to Kedar Dit (3,760m).
Overnight: Geech Camp

DAY 6: Geech (3,600m) – Inatye (4,070m) – Chennek Camp (3,600m)
Begin your longest but most spectacular trekking day after breakfast. The route heads southeast to the summit of Inatye (4,070m), where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and dramatic vertical cliffs. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then descend through grasslands dotted with Giant Lobelia to reach Chennek. This region offers excellent chances to spot Gelada Baboons and the endemic Walia Ibex.
Trek: 15 km / 7 hours
Overnight: Chennek Camp

DAY 7: Chennek – Mount Bwahit (4,430m) – Return to Gondar
Start the day with an optional trek up Mount Bwahit (4,430m), offering breathtaking vistas and one of the highest points in the Simien Mountains. The hike takes 3–4 hours round trip. After descending, return by vehicle to Gondar, arriving in the early afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar

DAY 8: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Fly from Gondar to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s most famous historical treasures. After lunch, begin your visit with the Northwestern Cluster of rock-hewn churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha (note: entry to Bet Golgotha is not permitted for women). These magnificent structures are carved from solid rock and hold great spiritual and architectural significance.
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela

DAY 9: Yimrehane Kristos and the Southeastern Churches
In the morning, take a short drive to visit the remarkable Yimrehane Kristos Church, built with alternating layers of wood and stone inside a large cave—one of the most impressive churches outside Lalibela. Return to Lalibela for lunch, then continue exploring with a visit to the Southeastern Cluster of churches: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, and Bet Abba Libanos. End the day with the most iconic of them all—Bet Giyorgis, a cross-shaped church carved in honor of Saint George, Ethiopia’s patron saint.
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela

DAY 10: Return to Addis Ababa and Departure
In the morning, visit the nearby cliffside monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, known for its sacred spring and tranquil setting. Then transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, take time to reflect on your incredible journey and enjoy a farewell cultural program. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to Bole International Airport for your international departure.