4-Day Semien Mountain Trek

$800.00

Overview

  • Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

  • Region: Semien Mountains National Park, Northern Ethiopia

  • Highlights: Rugged escarpments; dramatic views; endemic wildlife (Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, maybe Ethiopian wolf); ridgelines, waterfalls; sunrise/sunset overlooks; high altitude trekking (above ~3,000 m)

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep ascents/descents, long hiking days, high altitude)

  • Best Season: Dry season (roughly October-May), to avoid heavy rains and slipperiness

Itinerary

Itinerary

Here’s a day-by-day plan based largely on what many tour operators use (merging common elements). You can adapt pacing etc.

DayMorningAfternoonEvening / Overnight
Day 1Depart from Gondar early morning; drive to Debark to get permits, meet guide/scout. Continue to park entrance, then drive/trek to Sankaber camp (~3,200-3,300 m).Short acclimatization walk / explore around Sankaber; enjoy views, maybe birdwatching, wildlife spotting.Dinner, camping at Sankaber.
Day 2Trek from Sankaber towards Geech (~3,600 m). Along the trail see the Jinbar Waterfall, escarpment views, possible wildlife.Continue hiking, possibly via ridge trails, valleys; reach Geech camp. Rest, enjoy sunset.Camping at Geech.
Day 3From Geech, trek up toward Imet Gogo viewpoint (~3,900-4,000 m) for panoramic views over ridges, valleys, and maybe distant peaks. Then head to Chenek camp (or similar) depending on route.Explore/chill at camp, wildlife observation, enjoy scenery. Optional side walks.Overnight at Chenek (or an analogous high camp).
Day 4Early morning trek: possibility to climb Ras Bwahit Pass (~4,200-4,400 m) if fitness/time allow. Afterwards, descend toward Debark; drive back to Gondar in the afternoon.Arrival in Gondar by late afternoon / evening. Conclude trek.Overnight in Gondar or onward travel.

Price Estimate

Below are typical cost ranges, plus what usually is included vs excluded. Prices vary a lot depending on group size, what gear you bring, whether you want private or shared camping, level of support (e.g. mule support, cooks, guides).

ScenarioApprox Price per Person*
Shared group-budget (4-8 people, basic camping, shared tents, minimal extras)US$ 350-500
Mid-range (smaller group, better gear, more comforts)US$ 500-800
Higher end / private / luxury supportUS$ 900-1,100+

 


What’s Usually Included

Most packages include:

  • Transport from Gondar to/from Semien National Park (Debark etc.).

  • Permits / entrance fees for the park.

  • Guide(s), scouts, and often mule / porter support for camping gear.

  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), plus snacks.

  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, sometimes sleeping bags; sometimes you bring your own sleeping bag).

  • Bottled water or filtered water / water supply.

  • Camping staff: cook, helpers.

  • Emergency and safety arrangements.


What’s Usually Excluded

Things you’ll likely need to pay separately:

  • Flights into Ethiopia / to Gondar (if coming from abroad).

  • Accommodations in Gondar before and after trek (unless included).

  • Personal gear (unless the tour provides): good hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, headlamp, etc.

  • Sleeping bag, if not provided.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Tips for guides, scouts, porters.

  • Extra personal expenses (snacks, drinks, photos, souvenirs).

  • Visa costs, if applicable.


Sample Breakdown: Price Including vs Excluding Extras

Here’s a sample cost for a “mid-range shared group of 4” version, to illustrate total budget:

Cost ComponentEstimated USDNotes
Trek package (incl. transport, guide/scout, meals, camping gear)US$ 600Mid-range per person, 4-person group
Flights + arrival to GondarUS$ 200-400depends on where you’re flying from
Accommodation in Gondar (2 nights)**US$ 50-100depends on standard of hotel
Personal gear, travel insurance, tips, visa etc.US$ 100-200variable
Total estimated cost (all included)≈ US$ 900-1,300per person, mid-range scenario

Total price if you exclude flights and stay in Gondar before/after the trek might be closer to US$ 650-800 in this scenario.

Additional information

Destination