Trekking the trails and Viewing the unique landscapes of Simen
Trekking along the edge of the escarpments from Sankaber Camp to Chenek Camp and Ras Dejen via Gich Camp offers very impressive views both on the lowlands and highlands of Simen. Trekking the trails that follow the foot slopes of the escarpments, passing through the villages of Dirni and Muchilla, also provides a breath-taking view of the other side of the Simen Mountains.
The dramatic landscapes, i.e., the steep escarpments and their extremely long sheer cliffs (1000-2000 meters deep), the famous pinnacles, the chasms and the precipices, the deep canyon – style gorges, the mountains range, the summits of Bwhayit, Imet gogo, Saha, Gider Got, Ras Dejen ( the highest peak in the horn), the Jinbar waterfall, the super viewpoints, together with the endemic mammals and traditional peasant farms, provide an extremely breathtaking scenery which visitors often describe it as one of the most spectacular of all landscapes of the world.
Established viewpoints in side the park:
Tiya Afaf (near Sankaber Camp): - where the steep terain offers splenid panoramas westward towards the distinct cliff of Tirf and the lowland village of Adarmaz.
Negus Aysimush (near Sankaber Camp): - Situated on the ridge north east of the Sankaber Camp, it offers spectacular views of the escarpment and the lowlands.
Gidir Got Summit (near Gich Camp):- Situated at an altitude of 3428m, it provides a particular view down to Muchila and the lowlands.
Saha Summit (near Gich Camp):- Some of the most spectacular views of the escarpment are gained from Saha (3785masl) down to the gorge and village of Dirni and Antola.
Imet Gogo Summit (near Gich Camp):- Situated at an altitude of 3926m, this view point is known to be the best observation point in the park. Being easily accessible from Gich Camp, it offers all round views. Here, the views down to the villages of Tiya, Trwata and Silki are especially impressive.
Kurbet Metaya (near Chenek Camp):- It is located in the precipitous cliff that reveals the impressive views of the steep faces towards the west.
Bwahit pass (near Chenek Camp):- At 4200m, this pass offers a good prospect back on to the magnificient rock formation of Imet Gogo and Enatye , and also down to the bottom of Mesheha River.
Bwahit Summit (Chenek Camp):- Here, one can easily climb to up to the top of Bwahit (4430m) for better views of the scenery.
Ras Dejen Summit: - A far-ranging view scanning more than ten thousand square kms beyond Tekeze River invite the hikers to stay longer on top of the Horn of Africa (4533masl)
Trekking Routes:
Debark – Sankaber Trekking route: - Debark town being a starting point; a two-way trek along this path would last 3-4 days. Trekking northward to the escarpment, visitors reach Sawre Ridge (3100masl), where the official entrance gate of the park is located. After a little stroll from Sawre Entrance Gate, one can find Simen Lodge at Buit Ras hill, the only private lodge near the park. Here travelers can make their time to stay for a night, visit and shop in the hotel. Taking the century-old trade route that passes above the scattered settlement of Milegebsa, one reaches the spectacular viewpoint of Tiya Afaf.
Sankaber – Gich Trekking Route: - From Sankaber camp a path leads to Gich Camp, where extensive areas of highland grasslands and heather forests are found. The trek crosses Jinbar valley and leads northward to reach Gich Camp (3600m elevation). From here small detours are possible to 3 important viewpoints namely: Gidir Got, Saha & Imet Gogo summits.
Gich – Chenek Trekking Route: - The trip from Gich to Chenek can be carried out either by crossing on foot all along the escarpment (6 hrs) or back to the gravel road through Jinbar valley.
Chenek – Ras Dejen Trekking Route: - After Bwahit pass (2hrsfrom Chenek), the route leads to Ras Dejen summit via Chiro Leba » Ambiko » camping ground » Mizma village (11hrs).
Ambiko to Adi Arkay via Mentaber Camp site » Arquazye Camp site » Mekarebya » Muli
Debark » Dib Bahir » Kernagan » Angua » Muchila » Antola » Dirni » Duhara » Arquaziye » Chenek » Sankaber » Debark
Wildlife Viewing
Among the large mammals, Wallia Ibex, Ethiopian wolf, Gelada Baboon, Minilik bush buck, Klipspringer, Leopard and common jackal are the touristiest in SMNP. Early morning and late afternoon hours are best for wildlife observation from viewpoints established along the escarpments. Accompanying scouts, local guides and binoculars are highly recommended.
Bird watching
Watching and taking pictures of the different birds of highland and lowland species such as, for instance, the Bearded vulture, the Tawny eagles and the Thick- billed raven… etc is one of the experiences in Simen. Especially, observing the gliding and bone smashing habits of Lammergeyers is fascinating to most tourists.
The Jinbar Waterfalls
Viewing Jinbar Waterfalls is another attraction for travelers to Simen. To get the best views of the waterfalls, little stroll to a small hilltop (Deche Nedala) east of the road is warmly recommended. This detour requires caution, as the trail is very exposed.
Mule/Horse Riding
Horse riding and mule trips are also available in SMNP, but not through all the routes. The route suitable for horse riding and mule trip is the highland route that takes from Debark all along to Chenek Camp. Where as, lowland trails are not passable for pack animals. Horses and mules can be organized in Debark town.
Experiencing the local culture and tradition of Simen
The traditional life style of the farming population (their survival in rather harsh climatic conditions) is the main attractions of SMNP. The steep crop fields and the scattered hamlets on both sides of the trails offer insights in to the traditional culture and practices. More over, the ancient churches and monasteries, which have long been existed for hundreds of years, are also important attractions.
Biking
Riding on the trails has become one of the experiences in the park. Mountain bicycles can be made available for rent at Simien lodge.
Filming and Photographing
Simen is ideal place for filming. Many film and broadcast companies from Europe and Asia often come to make documentary films in Simen. Permission from the Ministry of Information and letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MOA&RD) and also from Parks Development & Protection Authority are prerequisites. Fee for filming is $3000 and payment should be made at Addis (MOA&RD).
Renting and Service Fees at SMNP
Renting fee for different items on daily basis
|
Items |
Fee (in ETB) |
|
Tent for two men |
30 |
|
Tent for more than two men |
40 |
|
Mattress |
15 |
|
Sleeping bag |
15 |
|
Rain coat |
15 |
|
Mule/horse |
35 |
|
Cooking materials for 3 and less persons |
40 |
|
Cooking materials for 3 and more persons |
50 |
Service fee for a day in ETB
|
Types of Service |
Fee ( in ETB) |
|
Guide |
120 |
|
Scout |
40 |
|
Cook |
75 |
|
Muleteer |
35 |
|
|
|
