Simiens

Simien Mountains National Park

Simien Mountain Vacations

The best hiking holidays in the Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains offer some of Africa's finest opportunities for hiking and trekking enthusiasts.

There are few national parks in the world that are quite so spectacular as Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains. They were formed 40 million years ago, when enormous volcanic plugs were eroded into a fantastic array of crags, pinnacles and the characteristic, ‘pudding-shaped’, flat- topped mountains described by Homer as the ‘chess-pieces of the gods’. Lying between 1,900 – 4,533m above sea level, the mountains are cut by precipitous gorges, deep valleys and bordered by expansive plains. Twelve of the peaks exceed 4,000m and the tallest, Mt Ras Dashen (4,533m) is Africa’s fourth highest mountain.

The Simien Mountains are usually accessed from Gondar, with a 2-hour drive taking visitors to the main town close to the park, Debark, where park fees and permits are paid for. It’s here that you’ll join your National Parks scout who will escort you whilst walking through the park. This is more of an exercise in creating jobs than for any particular security reasons. Villages in the park are few and far between and the chance of seeing a leopard (the only predator in the park) is so remote that it would be something to truly celebrate. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy encountering large troops of Gelada (a baboon-like creature but not part of the same family) which can be found feeding on the plains close to the lodges, and the extraordinary looking Walia ibex can sometimes be seen scrambling close to cliff edges. As rare as the leopard are Ethiopian wolves, whose numbers are believed to be around 70 within the park, so sightings are to be truly cherished. As with much of Ethiopia, this is a superb spot for birders with endemics such as thick-billed raven, the rowdy wattled Ibis, white-collared pigeon, white-billed Starling and groups of black-headed siskin being common sites.

Because of extensive habitat destruction, rural poverty and poor management, this amazing national park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 1996. The terrain beckons trekking enthusiasts and indeed, presents awe inspiring hiking and mule-trekking opportunities, but the existing infrastructure (original campsites) along well-established trails, has been struggling to cope with the 20,000 visitors per year and are in dire need of maintenance. To remedy this, the AWF (African Wildlife Foundation) and EWCA (Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority) have helped to create new trails as well as a trekking route outside of the park, with a view to dispersing tourists over a wider area and thereby, benefitting more local communities.

Visitors on a tailor made Simien Mountains holiday simply looking for a taste of the area can visit for a couple of days, staying in one of the excellent lodges inside, or on the fringes of the park and enjoy day walks along some of the many simpler trails that exist, but still with incredible views. Those looking to explore the park in more depth will need to look at one of the camping and trekking trips we can organise, usually starting from 3 or 4 day expeditions with mules, camp staff and everything for the trip taken along with you.

A simply stunning part of Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains make for a wonderful place to spend a couple of days, helping to break up the very ‘history heavy’ tone to the rest of the Historical Circuit and give you the chance to enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes you will see anywhere on Earth.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024

Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your travel ideas, or call (888) 445-2912

A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.