Simien Mountains Holidays

Once described as the 'chess pieces of the Gods', the towering spires, volcanic pinnacles, huge gorges and gullies and vast rock formations of the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia's Northern Highlands form part of one of Africa's most beautiful mountain range. If trekking and camping isn't your cup of tea but you'd still like to see this beautiful part of the country, fear not, there is comfortable accommodation in a lovely lodge inside the park (holding the title of the highest hotel in Africa), and a new 4x4 track through parts of the park means more of it is accessible on day trips. The park is just a three hour drive from Gondar and a couple of days in the mountains are a great way to break up the cultural sites of the Northern Circuit.

Simien Mountains holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Simien Mountains Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

What you can find in the Simien Mountains that you won't find anywhere else?

‘God’s chess set’ is an apt description for the undulating rock formations, vast plateaus and towering peaks that make up the Simien Mountains. Such is the uniqueness of the landscape that the surrounding area is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Simien Mountains National Park. As well as being an area of outstanding beauty, the mountain range is home to a cast of distinctive creatures, who thrive within the park’s specific conditions. Trekking is the best way to encounter the full extent of the flora and fauna, although renting a 4x4 is another way to traverse the terrain.


The Simien Mountains hold particular significance as an area of biodiversity conservation, playing host to a number of rare species, including the Walia ibex (a wild mountain goat found nowhere else in the world), the Gelada baboon (a species of Old World monkey endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands) and the Ethiopian wolf (also called the Simien fox). Given their endangered status, catching a glimpse of the region’s extraordinary fauna is a prized experience. Simien Mountains holidays are a must for budding ecologists and wildlife enthusiasts, or visit this remarkable biosphere as part of a wider trip to Historic Northern Ethiopia, combining history, culture and nature.

Best places to go in Ethiopia



100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges