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Outstanding Simien Mountains Tours

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers about trekking, altitude, packing and booking — for the Simien highlands, the wider Ethiopian circuit and East Africa. Can't find what you need? Just ask us.

Showing 26 questions

The driest and most reliable months for trekking are October to March, when skies are clear and trails are at their best. The green season (June–September) is lush and beautiful but brings more rain. We can advise based on your dates and preferences.

Our guides and support crew are local to the regions we travel — the Ethiopian highlands and beyond. They grew up beside these trails, know the wildlife, weather and customs from the inside, and are licensed through the relevant park authorities and national agencies.

Both. Many travellers prefer a private tour, and many join our open small-group departures. We keep group sizes small so the experience stays personal and flexible.

It depends on the route. Easy day walks and two-day nature tours suit most travellers; intermediate treks involve 4–8 hours of walking a day at altitude. Our extensive five-day traverse is the most demanding. We'll match a route to your fitness.

Our treks reach between 2,000 and 4,500 metres across Ethiopia's highland routes. Altitude affects everyone differently; we ascend gradually, schedule acclimatisation, and can advise on a rest day. Travellers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor first.

We supply tents, sleeping mats, dining equipment and mule support to carry your luggage. You'll want your own comfortable sleeping bag and personal trekking gear; we can also help arrange hire of a sleeping bag.

Typically 3–5 hours on gentler days and up to 6–8 hours on the more demanding crossings, with plenty of photo stops and rests. The pace is set by the slowest, not the fastest, member of the group.

Yes. While one person treks, a companion can relax at a lodge or take easy day walks — we can arrange them to meet up at the route's end. Let us know and we'll design around both of you.

Warm layers for cold highland nights, a waterproof jacket, broken-in trekking boots, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a reusable water bottle and a headlamp. A fuller list is provided with each tour.

On guided treks your main luggage travels by mule, so you carry only a light day-pack with water, snacks, sunscreen and a warm layer. Total walking weight is minimal.

Broken-in trekking or hiking boots with good grip are essential — the highland paths can be rocky and steep, and wet-season sections are muddy. Comfortable sandals or trainers are handy for the evenings at camp.

For churches such as those in Lalibela, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appreciated. A lightweight scarf can be a useful addition.

Send us an inquiry through the website, WhatsApp, phone or email. We'll confirm availability, tailor an itinerary, and send a clear confirmation. After a short planning conversation you're ready to go — we handle park permits, guides and logistics.

We aim to be fair and flexible. Booking details, including cancellation terms and any deposit, are confirmed in writing before your trip. We encourage travel insurance to protect your plans.

Absolutely. Many of our tours run privately or as small groups, and we regularly tailor itineraries, durations and start dates to suit you. Just tell us what you have in mind.

For popular dates, a few months ahead is ideal, especially for multi-day treks and the festival season. We can often accommodate shorter notice — just ask.

Ethiopia's major trekking regions and historical circuits are well-established tourism destinations. We plan routes carefully, employ licensed guides, and follow current safety advice. You'll be travelling with an experienced local team throughout.

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Requirements and processes change, so please check with your nearest Ethiopian embassy or the official e-visa portal before travelling. We can help confirm current entry requirements when you book.

Most travellers fly into Addis Ababa, the main gateway. From there, domestic flights or scenic drives connect to trekking regions — Gondar for the Simien Mountains, Bahir Dar for Lake Tana, or onward to southern and eastern routes. We can arrange all transfers as part of your itinerary.

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking and outdoor activity is required for multi-day treks across Ethiopia. We'll ask for your policy details before departure.

Yes, on suitable routes. Day walks and the easier multi-day treks work well for active children, with pacing adapted to the youngest in the group. Let us know ages ahead and we'll recommend a route.

We can, with flexible logistics and private vehicles. Tell us your group size and we'll plan a route and pace that works for everyone, from grandparents to grandchildren.

No. Individuals and couples are very welcome, and solo travellers can join existing departures or arrange a private tour.

On multi-day treks we camp at atmospheric campsites with tents, sleeping mats and dining equipment provided. For cultural tours across Ethiopia we use comfortable local hotels and lodges. You'll receive the full accommodation plan at booking.

Our camp cooks prepare fresh, hearty trekking meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — with vegetarian options always available. City and lodge stops across Ethiopia offer plenty of local and international choices.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs are easy to accommodate on the trail and at lodges. Just let us know when you book.

Altitude & effort

The highlands ask for a little planning

None of our routes are technical, but altitude and long days deserve respect. Gradual ascent, gentle pacing and a reasonable baseline of fitness make all the difference — and our guides watch every step of it.

Easy

Day walks and two-day nature tours — 2–5 hours of walking, gentle gradients, suited to most travellers.

Moderate

Classic multi-day treks with 4–8 hour days above 3,000 metres; a good base of fitness is recommended.

Challenging & up

Five-day traverses and the Ras Dashen summit trek — long, high days for confident, well-conditioned walkers.

By the numbers

A local team, built for the heights

The scale of what a guide-led highland specialist actually covers.

40
Guided tours to choose from
100%
Local, home-grown guides
4000m+
Routes reaching the roof of Africa
18
Destinations across Ethiopia & East Africa
We're here to help

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