The Simien Mountain Range lies north of Gondar and to the east of the main road to Axum. It is one of the largest mountain ranges in Africa, with many peaks over 4000 meters. The highest is Mount Ras Dashen which at 4620 meters is the fourth highest peak in Africa. The main attraction of the Simiens is its trekking. Most trekking routes take you through small villages and terraced fields in the lower valleys, before reaching a series of dramatic cliffs and escarpments. Beyond the escarpments lie the beautiful alpine meadows and the rugged wilderness of the high peak areas. The base for hiking and trekking holidays is Debark a small town some 90 kms. North of Gondar.

Guides and rangers are readily available to hire at very cheap rates. In addition mules can be organized for a few Euros per day. Overnights are normally near the old park camps and distances vary but reckon on four to eight hours a day of trekking. As most of this is on paths and tracks conditions underfoot are not too bad. Three of Ethiopia’s endemic large mammals live in this area and are the gelada baboon, who live in troops of upto 400. The walia ibex, although endangered will probably be seen, but the Simien fox is becoming very rare.