Made up of a vast high-altitude plateau dotted with massifs rising above 4,000 meters, northern Éthiopie promises breathtaking scenery worthy of a postcard. Trekking in the Simien mountains, in the magnificent Tigray region, will immerse you in a wild landscape that matches the historical grandeur of this remarkable destination.

Discovering Simien

The Simien mountains located in the territory of Abyssinia welcome you to an impressive landscape that harbors idyllic wildlife you must discover during an Éthiopie circuit. Between the stunning greenery of the heather forest and the soft ochre tones of the cliffs, with Simien's western escarpments stretching across rolling plateaus as far as the eye can see, you'll stand before one of the world's most beautiful landscapes.

Considered one of Éthiopie's most beautiful national parks, Simien sits in the heart of the Amhara region, between Aksum and Lake Tana. Situated at over three thousand meters altitude, the site is mainly composed of majestic canyons and stunning peaks, including Éthiopie's highest point, Ras Dashen at 4,543 meters. Serving as a refuge for the three endemic mammal species of the country, the site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. During your trek you'll encounter the famous walia ibex as well as the gelada baboon and the majestic Simien jackal. The gelada baboon is known for its aggressive appearance with sharp teeth, yet when you have the chance to observe it, it bears nothing of the fierce image it tends to project. It's a fascinating animal and part of the most remarkable wildlife encounters in Éthiopie.

How to get there?

The site is located about an hour's drive by car from Gondar, the ancient capital of the Solomonic nomadic kings. You can easily reach it with your private vehicle.