Ethiopia & East Africa · office in Gondar · Open daily · 8:00 - 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Nature & Day Tours
A taster of the Roof of Africa in a single day. A full-day drive and walk into the Simien escarpment from Gondar — waterfalls, gelada viewpoints and the sheer scale of the highlands, without an overnight.
From
From USD 200 per person
Indicative from price — your full quote is confirmed when you enquire.
For travellers short on time, this one-day trip distils the essence of the Simien Mountains into a single, well-paced outing.
You'll leave Gondar in the morning, drive up onto the escarpment edge and walk a scenic highland trail taking in waterfalls, viewpoint outlooks and, with luck, grazing gelada baboons.
It's the perfect way to see the mountains' scale and beauty when a multi-day trek isn't possible — or to decide whether you want to come back for more.
Route difficulty
Relaxed pace with little or no sustained trekking.
Best time to go
Trekking runs year-round with the right plan — ask us for the best window for your dates.
Read the season guide
Morning departure from Gondar, drive up onto the Simien plateau, a guided highland walk with viewpoints and waterfalls, a picnic lunch in the mountains, then the return drive to Gondar.
A relaxed pace with little or no trekking — ideal for most travellers and families.
Tight schedules — this tour fits neatly into a short break or a long weekend.
Run small-group or privately so the experience stays personal.
Not sure it's the right fit? We'll help you choose — see how we plan trips.
Indicative pricing
US$ 400
US$ 200 per person × 2
This tour is rated easy — well-paced, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, and suits travellers of reasonable general mobility.
The indicative price covers licensed english-speaking guide, private 4x4 return transfers from gondar and accommodation as per the itinerary. See the full "What's included" list above — your exact quote, and anything you'd like adjusted, is confirmed when you enquire.
Yes — this tour runs privately or for small groups, so you can travel solo, as a couple, or with friends on your own dates.
This tour reaches high altitude in the Simien Mountains. Routes are paced for acclimatisation, and good hydration and a measured pace make a big difference. For practical guidance on managing altitude, see the altitude section under travel information.
Highlands and holy rock churches
The classic combination: trek the Simien escarpment, then Lalibela's rock-hewn churches — history and highlands in one unforgettable journey.
The classic escarpment traverse
Four days across the heart of the Simien Mountains: escarpments, Afromontane forests, gelada herds and dawn on the 'Roof of Africa'.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown of the Ethiopian highlands — the 'Roof of Africa' — where sheer escarpments fall thousands of metres.
The 'Camelot of Africa' — an imperial city of castles, churches and a rich royal history in Ethiopia's northwest highlands.
Send us an inquiry and we'll confirm availability, answer your questions and finalise every detail for you.
