Simien Mountains National Park image

Simien Mountains National Park

National park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Debark


Address

North Gondar Debark, 1248, Ethiopia

Website

www.simienmountainsnationalpark.org

Contact

+251 91 303 4822

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (250 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Friday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Saturday: 8:30 to 11:30 am
  • Sunday: 8:30 to 11:30 am
  • Monday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (41) days (16) beautiful (15) guard (12) Ethiopian (12) Ethiopia (11) national (10) natural (10) mountains (9) trip (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Thomas R. 5 years ago on Google • 495 reviews
    Beautiful place, definitely a highlight of our Ethiopia trip - make sure to hike to Geech camp and spend the night so you can see the monkeys congregate at sunset at the cliff, once in a lifetime experience!
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa S. 4 years ago on Google • 211 reviews
    It’s a beautiful national park. But DO NOT go there during the rainy season as the chances that you will see anything except for fog are slim. Our tour operator obviously knew that but didn’t tell us that we most probably won’t see anything of the landscape. Be advised, everything is very basic there (unlike other African national parks). Our community camp was a hut with some beds and one table (no toilet, no light, no nothing). It was raining almost all the time. During the summer camping is supposed to be very nice (much cleaner than the community camp). The monkeys are a real highlight! We paid 210€ for three days, which is heavily overpriced considering the basic transportation, accommodations etc. All the tour operators will try to rip you off as much of possible.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John R. 5 years ago on Google • 734 reviews
    Fabulous national park. Incredible mountain scenery combined with smell of mountain thyme. Baboons abounded and other species; ibex, wolves, hyena, vultures put in appearances. Suggest a trek minimum of 3 days as the place is so vast. We used a local guide (born in the park) His knowledge of the geography, flora and fauna was encyclopedic. Tip...Use a competent tour company to arrange all park passes, armed guard (obligatory by law) and camping and catering.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas C. 5 years ago on Google • 55 reviews
    One of the jewels of Africa. No one realises it but these mountains are more spectacular then any canyon anywhere else in the world. Hiking possible to Ras Dashen - multi day beautiful hikes.
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marianna 7 years ago on Google • 239 reviews
    Very beautiful and untouched nature. You can easily see monkey families and possibly bezoar goat (we were lucky to see them in the canyon and even have one visiting our camp!). Be prepared to camp with virtually no facilities .
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nebil A. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place on earth. Beautiful landscape and wildlife. Need more work to keep it as is.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johan M. 5 years ago on Google • 154 reviews
    Incredible landscape and wildlife! The gelada baboons are so peaceful and wonderful. Lots of great hikes across mountains. Only minus is that it's almost impossible to go for hike without seeing rubbish due to lack of education of guides and scouts. The two camps I stayed at is also flooded with rubbish unfortunately. I really hope it's a problem they will do something about. There's plenty of signs saying don't litter in the park to protect the wildlife but during my three days trek in Simien out scout littered twice. Sad!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Selim B. 5 years ago on Google • 59 reviews
    Absolutely unbelievable place - trying physically due to bad sleep because actual trekking is somewhat easy if you are reasonably fit. 230 dollars for 4 days / 3 nights although I’m sure you can get a better price if you negotiate directly at the park office in Debark vs booking to a dodgy hustler somewhere in another town. Board with real daily prices in pics. Views and wildlife are great - can’t miss experience in Ethiopia.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anil C. 4 years ago on Google
    Huge mountains spread across several acres of land in Ethiopia. Variety of, species of monkeys found here including gibbons and chimpanzee. They are the visitors major attractions in these thick and dense mountains. Good natural surroundings of trees and plantation with a short river flowing downstream, which is the beautiful place to visit. Villagers (tribes) actually stay here in these forests and are dependent on the forest resources for their daily living.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jérémie G. 4 years ago on Google
    Run away ! Robber Armed people force you to pay a guide to the ticket office even if it is not mandatory and it is useless for this park. The ticket office is filled with thieves and dishonest people. Ironically, they forced us to pay a guide for two days as we arrived late at night and left late in the morning. And the guide did not even want to come with us at night. They put pressure on our driver. All this is very expensive. Our worst memory in Ethiopia. Do not go to this park. Favor the Danakil for example. Here is the photo of the guide who stole us
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cameron C. 5 years ago on Google
    Just simply one of those places you must visit if you are a Travel nut.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alberto J. 5 years ago on Google
    We only spent here one day, but it was enough to make us want come back for a longer stay! We weren't ready for the encounter with the geladas monkies. Definitely the highlight of the visit!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabri S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The park is incredibly beautiful, wide green spaces that contrast with the reddish color of the earth, you can walk for hours and always admire new landscapes. The frozen baboons are really friendly, during the walk they meet numerous. The climate changes quickly, from the scorching heat we pass in a moment to the winter cold. It is an experience that everyone should do at least once in their life. (Original) Il parco è incredibilmente bello, ampi spazi verdi che contrastano con il colore rossastro della terra, si può camminare per ore ed ammirare sempre paesaggi nuovi. I babbuini gelata sono davvero amichevoli, durante il cammino se ne incontrano numerosi. Il clima cambia velocemente, dal caldo torrido si passa in un attimo al freddo invernale. È un'esperienza che almeno una volta nella vita tutti dovrebbero fare.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 yeri 4 years ago on Google
    Incredible experience trekking the mountains for 3 days and 2 nights. Saw gelada baboons and simien wolves amongst other unbelievable wildlife and jaw dropping scenery. Booked with ETT agency as you will need a scout, guide (Fenta was great) a cook etc for the trip. View from Imet Gogo was really worth the 3 day hike!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kidou D. 5 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    The majestic park owns all kinds of natural endowment that any trekking lover travellers can enjoy. The scenic is jaw dropping and the endemic animals are another beauty of the reserve.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thorsten B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The roof of Africa. The national park belongs to the world natural heritage of mankind. Numerous endemic animal and plant species live in the grasslands at an altitude of 3000 to 4500 meters. The Ethiopian wolf, ibex and black-breasted baboons can be observed on multi-day hikes through the national park. In the nights it can get very cold at high altitude. (Original) Das Dach Afrikas. Der Nationalpark gehört zum Weltnaturerbe der Menschheit. Im den Graslandschaften in einer Höhe von 3000 bis 4500 Metern leben zahlreiche endemische Tier- und Pflanzenarten. Der Äthiopische Wolf, Steinböcke und Blutbrustpaviane können auf mehrtägigen Wanderungen durch den Nationalpark beobachtet werden. In den Nächten kann es in der Höhe sehr kalt werden.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dagi z. 4 years ago on Google
    Simien Mountains National Park is one of the national parks of Ethiopia. Located in the Semien (North) Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, its territory covers the Semien Mountains and includes Ras Dashan, the highest point in Ethiopia.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 daw i. 3 years ago on Google
    1. Semein Mountain National Park - The only and the first Ethiopian natural attraction registered by UNESCO in 1978 - Found in the northern Gondar - Has the most spectacular landscape including Ras Dashen, the fourth highest Mountain in Africa with an altitude of more than 4543m - Is home to three larger endemic mammals such as walia ibex, gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolf. - Was listed under endangered sites in 1996 because of the decline in the number of walia ibex
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helle T. 4 years ago on Google
    Breathtakingly beautiful. Bring cash and supplies and there isn't access to anything once you are in the park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Juergen B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A walk in over 3000 meters altitude. And with this view. FANTASTIC With a little luck, you will also get a few blood-chested baboons and other animals in front of the photo-lens (Original) Ein Spaziergang in über 3000 Meter Höhe. Und dabei diese Aussicht. FANTASTISCH Mit etwas Glück bekommt man auch ein paar Blutbrustpaviane und andere Tiere vor die Fotolinse
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen H. 4 years ago on Google
    Breathtakingly beautiful, I feel honoured to have visited such a wonderful place.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Alessandro B. 4 years ago on Google
    As a solo traveler I only hired the mandatory guard for 400 bir a day and decided for a 3 nights 4 days hike (2000 birr, park entrance and camping fees included) to the imet gogo without vehicle except for a bajaj (tuk tuk) from debark to the entrance of the park. Everything was organized at the park office in Debark by me and some people working for the park. The first day we started to hike at about 8 and after a few of hours we reached the first camp site, Sankaber. It was raining and the guard started to tell me we should have gone back to Debark, signifying putting an end to a 4 day trip after a mere 3 hours... I said no and explained to him I wanted to continue to Geech, which, according to the park staff, would have been the destination for the second day (being Sankaber the destination for the first day!). The guard agreed and we kept moving. After a while the sky cleared and the guard started to tell me: "today Geech, tomorrow Imet Gogo, third day Debark" which meant reducing the whole trip by one day. We were making good progress and i said "OK". Then the guard took me in front of a river and told me we had to cross it, but the river was impassable due to heavy rain. I insisted we tried to cross it,three but we failed on three different points. I asked the guard if there was an alternative way, he said "NO". He said "back to Sankaber". I asked him if the next day we could have walked to Chenek, an alternative camping site to Geech, given that Geech was apparently unreachable. He said "with car". I didn't want to hire a car and said no. He then said " too far". I asked him what would have been his plan for the next day, he said "Debark". I said no, I paid 4 days. There was a mild argument. Given the fact i was alone with an armed guy I gave up. The guard never threatened me, but I was unwilling to push the argument too far. We walked back to Sankaber. I had a tent with me and I set it up. The guard had nothing, literally nothing with him except the rifle and some bread. He tried to convince me to go to the lodge. I said no. The guard showed me a place to set up the tent completly unsuited for camping, on a slope and on rocks. I asked for another place. He said "here clean, no place". Then he sat next to the tent. I invited him to get inside. He said no. After 30 minutes in the tent pondering the craziness of a guy staying outside for the whole freezy and rainy night I decided to rent the room at the lodge. The camping place sucked anyway. If you rent a room in the lodge, the guard is allowed to sleep in the same room, which is basically a big dorm with about 10 beds. In the lodge I found people who booked an organized trip from Addis, paying between 3 to 4 times what i payed (however they had guide and cook and 4wd transportation) and they were having a wonderful time. The next day the guard took me back to Debark effectively ending the whole thing at 10 a.m on the second day. I went to the park office where i organized the trip just 2 days before and they told me "no refund". I asked again and they told me to speak to the manager. The manager said " no refund" If you are an independent traveler trying to organize things by yourself, who only wants to hike, thinks he doesn't need guides, cooks and porters, this place feels like a massive, massive scam. They will make your life as hard as possible. The fact I was alone didn't help either. On a side note, the park is beautiful.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sherrybartee 5 months ago on Google • 191 reviews
    Kingdom of Simien The Kingdom of Simien (Hebrew: ממלכת סאמיאן), sometimes referred to as the Kingdom of Beta Israel (ממלכת ביתא ישראל), refers to a probably legendary Jewish kingdom said to have been located in the northwestern part of the Ethiopian Empire. The existence of such a kingdom somewhere in the Horn of Africa was first mentioned by the traveller Benjamin of Tudela in the 12th century CE.[ According to modern Beta Israel tradition, their forefathers land was called the "Kingdom of the Gideons", after the name of a putative dynasty of Jewish kings that are said to have ruled it.[5] Eldad ha-Dani mentioned that the Tribe of Dan exiled voluntarily and established an independent kingdom. Between the 15th century and the early 17th century the Ethiopian Empire referred to the kingdom as "Falasha". Another name which was very common in the 16th and 17th centuries was the "Kingdom of Semien"[citation needed]– given to the kingdom after the area which it dominated after it lost control over the regions of Dembiya and Wegera.

  • 5/5 Sofonyas A. 5 years ago on Google
    That was great time I have their. Specially the view is very very very amazing view the mountains are very beautiful
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tassew G. 5 years ago on Google
    It's absolutely beautiful &stunning !!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 simien y. 4 years ago on Google
    Great
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Master M. 4 years ago on Google
    This park is in Amhara region around 120km from Gondar. There is no paved road to go there so be ready for a bumpy ride. It is around 4000 meter of altitude. The highest point is Mount Bwahit is at 4550m. The tracking route is a 4 day trip from camp to camp. There are few lodges on the way but you have to book well in advance. The major endemics found in the range are the Walia Ibex, Gelada Monkeys, and the Ethiopian Wolf. There is a sanctuary of dozen of different species of birds at the park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Solomon W. 4 years ago on Google
    This park located in northern Ethiopia  and covering  an area of 220sq.km is one of UNESCO World heritage site. This exceptionally  unique mountain area was the result of huge outpouring of volcanoes million years ago. Simen Mountain park is home to Ethiopian wolf, Walia Ibex, galada baboon, caracas and morethan 50 species of birds. For strong visiters  Dejene(4533m), Bwahit (4430m) and Silki (4420m) are the highest points in the park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Emmanuel O. 4 years ago on Google
    The experience was mind blowing. Extensive undulating planes at one of the highest points in Africa. Freezing temperatures. Wonderful view of nature. Good for lovers of height , scaring for those who fear heights but all same worth experiencing. No major security concerns, but tour guides and security available. Hikers and bikers delight. Accomodation available close to the summit for those who can afford it. Cheaper options for hotel available in the nearby town.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Habtay H. 4 years ago on Google
    What an amazing landscape and wild life with beautiful weather
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bablu K. 1 year ago on Google
    is home to a number of endangered species, including the Ethiopian wolf and the walia ibex, a wild goat found nowhere else in the world. The gelada baboon and the caracal, a cat, also occur within the Simien Mountains. More than 50 species of birds inhabit the park, including the impressive bearded vulture, or lammergeier, with its 3-metre (10 ft) wingspan.[3] The park is crossed by an unpaved road which runs from Debarq, where the administrative headquarters of the park is located, east through a number of villages to the 4,430 metres (14,530 ft) Buahit Pass, where the road turns south to end at Mekane Berhan, 10 kilometres (6 mi) beyond the park boundary.[4]
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Daniel P. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful mountain views and wildlife.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Limor A. 4 years ago on Google
    We started at Simiens Lodge and trekked for four days to Buwait. The views are stunning, the baboons amusing, the Ibex amazing and we were lucky to see an Ethiopian wolf. If taken slowly it is possible for people who are not used to high altitude to get used to it and not get sick. Be prepared for extremely basic facilities.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 PURUSHOTHAM S. 4 years ago on Google
    As a solo traveller I was forced to pay 5 days of scout fare though my trek was for 3 days in the park. Sankaber village welcomes you with the grand towers of mountain erosion and peaceful waterfalls. Hiking from sankaber to gich is a normal hiking path in the mountains and spectacular green landscape awaits for you. Hiking path from gich to chenek via imet gogo view point is beautiful but I was not fortunate as complete day was full of fog. The landscape scenery at chenek viewpoints is wonderful and second best after Patagonia of south America. Prices for the food at community hut at gich is reasonable and at chenek are exorbitant high for tourists. Everyone at these places are ready to loot the tourists and we have no choice.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edilu Nigussie E. 3 years ago on Google
    it is nice love natural places riley amazing love places
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sena D. 3 years ago on Google
    Tourist attention is high.And beautiful.best area👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 abiyou a. 3 years ago on Google
    this a UNESCO world heritage site is absolutely amazing park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 አህላም �. 3 years ago on Google
    Oh, when will my country not see you?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eleab E. 3 years ago on Google
    Most Amaizing experience of hiking, took four days and three nights. Made great friends, the locals are friendly and met the Gelada baboons and Walia Ibex while making business deals! Sweet days on the coldest days of my life.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nafi s. 5 years ago on Google
    Perfect place good hospitality and more
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dušan M. 5 years ago on Google
    The hotel charges 80-130US$ per night, and they don't provide even an Internet connection, No Hot Shower, No TV, No WiFi, No Air-Conditioner, No transfer to the paved road (2km away). Bungalows surrounded by the neglected garden with dry grass and dust all around. Normally, you can easily find accommodation in Ethiopia providing all the above facilities and services for 10-30$ per night. We were booking and looking forward to staying in a Luxury Expensive hotel and we ended up with a cold shower and not having even basic facilities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cedu B. 4 years ago on Google
    Good climate, wonderful physical features and beautiful will animals
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jesper C. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alberto Reguillo de L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A beautiful park, with stunning views, baduinos, wolves, goats, and stunning views (Original) Un parque precioso, con unas vistas impresionantes, baduinos, lobos, cabras, y unas vistas impresionantes
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Good Humans For Better w. 4 years ago on Google
    Proudly ethiopians
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ton Reve Ethiopie V. 4 years ago on Google
    Nothing to say.Magnifique.Super excellent.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arba Minch T. 4 years ago on Google
    What a Great hiking and friendly friendly Guide and cocker's. I really Enjoyed

  • 4/5 Markos K. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice getaway from Addis with best stretch of beach on Lake Langano. Ideal from swimming, hiking and just relaxing.

  • 5/5 Ambelu K. 5 months ago on Google
    Trekking high up in Semien Mountain is extraordinary. We had 4 days 3 nights trekking and it was absolutely staggering.

  • 5/5 okts4 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Full of pleasure in Bonn (Original) מלא גלדה בבון

  • 5/5 leshem b. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful scenery with very unique wild life. Definitely a must see in Ethiopia

  • 5/5 Dr. B. 10 months ago on Google
    Semien Mountains National Park is located in northern Ethiopia and is home to stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. The park is named after the Semien Mountains, which are part of the Ethiopian Highlands and are often referred to as the "Roof of Africa." The park features rugged mountain peaks, deep gorges, and impressive waterfalls such as the Jinbar Falls. The Simien Mountains are also home to several endemic species, including the Gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf, both of which are critically endangered. The park is also an important cultural site, with several historical and religious sites located within its boundaries, including the ancient city of Axum and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Visitors to Semien Mountains National Park can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours. The park has several camping and lodging options for visitors, including community-based eco-lodges that provide an authentic cultural experience for guests.

  • 4/5 La Patata Te Vigila 5. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Steep national natural park with native forests, waterfalls and paradiscal mountains (Original) Parque natural nacional escarpada con autóctonos bosques, cascadas y montañas paraidiscas

  • 5/5 Yemer A. 4 years ago on Google
    Love Ethiopan

  • 5/5 ofer a. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Amazing in its beauty and baboon experience (Original) מדהים ביופיו והבבון חוויה

  • 5/5 Menilk F. 1 year ago on Google
    I always enjoy the natural wonder of the park. Simen is one of my favorite place in Ethiopian. In this trip I got a group of animals.

  • 5/5 Gatwech Ruon T. 1 year ago on Google
    It's nice and cold national park where you can found Walia Ibex

  • 5/5 Hasan A. 3 years ago on Google
    good

  • 5/5 Getachew B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great

  • 5/5 Bekalu 4 years ago on Google
    It's incredible and breathe taking place.

  • 4/5 W M. 5 years ago on Google
    Great location

  • 4/5 Towfik J. 4 years ago on Google
    More natural

  • 5/5 mulugeta a. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Simien mountains national park is One of the most dramatic national park in Ethiopia that recognized by UNESCO as a natural world heritage sites.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +251 91 303 4822 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dog park
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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