Simien Mountains

Described by Homer as 'the chessmen of the gods', the Simien Mountains National Park is a dramatic high altitude wilderness sculpted by millions of years of volcanic eruptions and deep erosion. Precipitous cliffs plunge over 1,500 meters into gaping valleys below, crowned by Ras Dashen (4,550 m), the highest peak in Ethiopia and the tenth highest in Africa. The park is a haven for rare endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Walk through highland meadows alongside friendly troops of Gelada baboons (the 'bleeding heart' monkey) grazing peacefully on grass. Spot the elusive Walia Ibex leaping along vertical rock faces, and watch for the endangered Ethiopian Wolf hunting mole-rats across the alpine tundra. Whether you embark on a half day scenic walk along the escarpment edge at Sankaber or a multi day trek with tented camps at Chenek and Imet Gogo, the panoramic views of mountain spires piercing through cloud inversions will leave you spellbound.