Opened in 1959 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, Simien National Park is a protected natural expanse of over 200 square kilometers in northern Éthiopie. This rugged terrain, blending peaks, high plateaus, and lowlands, was formed over 20 million years ago following various volcanic eruptions. Erosion has since shaped it into what it is today. The ethnic groups and inhabitants of rural villages living from agriculture present on site, combined with the park's numerous endemic animals such as the ibex and the Abyssinian wolf, frequenting, close to human presence, the flanks of the country's highest peak: Ras Dashen, have led to the sanctification of the area. Open to tourism nonetheless, it is favorable terrain for treks, hikes, or discovery days for travelers.

Your arrival in Éthiopie will often be at Addis Ababa. This will allow you to acclimatize to the climate but especially to the altitude experienced in the country. The capital, situated at 2,700 meters high, is a perfect starting point. Simien National Park is home to numerous high plateaus and peaks reaching over 3,600 meters in height. It is certainly steep and has some plains and gorges, but the majority is elevated. Ras Dashen, which rises to 4,450 meters, the country's highest peak, is located right in the center of the park and is a place where many villages thrive among endemic animals. You will therefore need to cope with the altitude. Treks in Simien can last from a half-day to more than 10 days for anyone who wishes. To prepare before the adventure, it is better to spend a night in the town of Debarq, which welcomes daily many Ethiopian and international travelers coming to visit the park.

Everything on Site

In Debarq you can prepare very conveniently for your departure into Simien Park. It is preferable to undertake this trek outside the rainy season, that is to say between November and May. Beyond that, the terrain is very difficult to navigate or even dangerous. Some magnificent spots will not be accessible, torrential rains will impair your view of things, and the cold will bite you relentlessly during nights at high altitude. You won't benefit from it one bit. In the town you can buy all necessary equipment. Get mountain gear, something to keep you warm just in case. Finally, head to the ranger district. Here you can choose to be accompanied by a guide, a cook, mules, etc. Everything is set up for you to make the most of your trek.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

The professionals on site will offer you a full range of treks, short ones, long ones, some heading toward Ras Dashen, others toward Gidir Got or Imet Gogo, two impressive observation points located in the center of the park. The common thread between all these adventures will obviously be the mountains. Yes, to venture into Simien you must love high altitude and not be too bothered by the cold nights.

You will encounter the inhabitants of the hamlets and villages of the park, nestled on mountainsides. They will introduce you to their culinary specialties, such as honey wine, not very appealing at first glance, but all the more delicious on the palate. You will pass through groups of geladas, these endemic baboons of the region very accessible and so representative of the park. And you will certainly not miss these extraordinary views, from one high plateau to another, separated by a vertiginous gorge...