Simien Mountains National Park, covering 412 km², stands as Ethiopia’s premier trekking and walking destination. UNESCO inscribed it as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1979, praising its “spectacular landscapes, with jagged peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices dropping 1,500 meters.” Beyond stunning views and hiking opportunities, the park’s Afromontane meadows and moorlands are vital biodiversity hotspots. They host endemic species like the Walia ibex, gelada baboon, and Ethiopian wolf.
What to See?
The Simien Mountains’ bedrock consists of an ancient basaltic dome, shaped into jagged pinnacles by glacial activity. More than a dozen peaks exceed 4,000 meters, including Ras Dejen, which rises to 4,533 meters, making it Ethiopia’s tallest mountain.
The park is home to over 1,200 plant species, three of which are endemic. Above 3,700 meters, open grasslands dominate, with giant lobelias standing up to 10 meters tall. Between 3,000 and 3,700 meters, giant heather trees and other ericaceous plants thrive.
Simien also protects rare wildlife, including the Walia ibex, the last native goat in sub-Saharan Africa. Large troops of gelada baboons, easily recognized by their lion-like manes and red chest patches, roam the area. A population of around 50 Ethiopian wolves, the second-largest in the world, also lives here. Other large mammals include the Anubis baboon, Hamadryas baboon, grivet monkey, Menelik’s bushbuck, and leopard.
The park is a key birdwatching site, with 180 species, including five Ethiopian endemics and 12 near-endemics. The lammergeyer, a cliff-dwelling vulture with a 2-meter wingspan, stands out as a star. It is the only bird in the world to feed primarily on bone marrow.
Best Ways to Explore
The best way to explore the Simien Mountains is on foot or muleback. Various overnight options are available. The 3-day trail from Sankaber to Ayna Meda is ideal for those interested in endemic wildlife. For those seeking a challenge, a 3-day hike to Ras Dejen’s summit is a rewarding experience. Visitors with less time can drive east from Debark to Chennek and enjoy short walks.
