Tour Type: Cultural, Tribal, Guided
Start & End Location: Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Group Size: Private or Small Group

(Starts/ends in Gondar; can start in Debark on request. Distances & hiking hours are approximate and vary with pace, weather, and trail conditions.)

Day 0 (Optional Pre‑Night): Arrive Gondar (2,133m)
Arrive in Gondar (flight from Addis or overland). Meet your trek coordinator for briefing, gear check, and last‑minute shopping. Overnight hotel in Gondar (recommended to aid acclimatization before ascending to >3,000m).

Day 1: Gondar – Debark Permits – Sankaber Camp (3,250m) – Warm‑Up Walk
Morning 3–4 hr drive (road & park gate formalities) from Gondar to Debark (park HQ) to process permits & mandatory scout paperwork. Continue to the high escarpment at Buyit Ras and onward to Sankaber Camp. Afternoon acclimatization walk along the cliff edge; first encounters with Gelada baboons and sweeping canyon views. Camp at Sankaber.

Day 2: Sankaber – Jinbar Falls View – Gich Camp (3,600m) | 5–6 hrs
Traverse Erica heather forests draped in lichen to the dramatic viewpoint over Jinbar (Jinibar) Waterfall dropping into the abyss. Descend to the Jinbar River for picnic lunch, then ascend gradually through highland farms and giant lobelia moorland to Gich Camp.

Day 3: Gich – Imet Gogo (3,926m) – Saha & Kedadit Viewpoints Loop | 4–5 hrs
A highlight day: gentle ascent to the Imet Gogo headland for 360° panoramas across the Simien escarpment; continue across afro‑alpine meadows to Saha and Kedadit viewpoints before returning to Gich. Keep an eye out for lammergeiers riding the thermals overhead.

Day 4: Gich – Inatye Ridge – Chennek Camp (3,600m) | 7 hrs
Hike through giant heather and open grasslands toward Inatye Ridge (locals nickname it “Mama Mia” for its sheer drop!), then descend into valleys frequented by Walia ibex before reaching Chennek Camp, one of the best wildlife viewing bases in the park.

Day 5: Chennek – Bwahit Pass (4,430m) Summit Push – Return to Chennek – Drive to Limalimo / Debark | 5–6 hrs trek + drive
Early climb toward Bwahit Pass/Peak for sweeping sunrise views and a good chance of Walia ibex sightings on the cliffs. Descend to Chennek for lunch, break camp, and drive out through Buyit Ras to Debark. Option to continue to Limalimo Lodge (recommended comfort upgrade) or onward to Gondar.

Day 6: Debark / Limalimo – Gondar – Depart
Return to Gondar for onward flights or add an extension to Lalibela, Bahir Dar & Lake Tana, or the Timkat Festival (January).

Inclusions (Standard Private 6-Day Camping Trek)

• Private 4×4 or minibus transport Gondar–Debark–trailheads–return.

• Professional English‑speaking mountain guide & mandatory park scout.

• Full camping logistics: 4‑season tents, sleeping mattresses (sleeping bags available on request—recommended to bring personal), dining tent, chairs, cooking gear.

• Camp crew: cook/chef, mule handlers, porters.

• All meals on trek (full board) + bottled/treated drinking water.

• Park entrance, camping & community fees for listed itinerary.

• Government taxes.

Exclusions

• International flights & Ethiopian entry visa.

• Domestic flights Addis–Gondar–Addis (quoted separately or book direct).

• Personal trekking gear (recommended packing list below), sleeping bag if you prefer own high‑rating bag.

• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks beyond provided water/tea/coffee.

• Optional lodge upgrades, single supplements, extra overnights.

• Tips, gratuities, and personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone/data).

• Photo/video fees where charged inside the park (variable).

Optional Extensions

• Ras Dashen Summit (2–3 extra days): Tackle Ethiopia’s highest peak (4,533m) for experienced trekkers seeking additional challenge.

• Lodge‑Based Soft Trek: Base at Simien Lodge (~3,300m) for day hikes if you prefer not to camp; great Gelada viewing near the lodge.