Simien Mountains

A dramatic landscape

The Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia form a high plateau cut by deep valleys and sheer cliffs, the result of millions of years of erosion of ancient volcanic rock. Ras Dashen, at about 4,550 metres, is Ethiopia's highest peak. Views from the escarpment edge are among the most spectacular in Africa.

Unique wildlife

The mountains are home to gelada monkeys, sometimes called bleeding-heart monkeys for the red patch on their chests, which live in large groups and graze on grass. The rare Walia ibex lives only here, and the Ethiopian wolf, Africa's most endangered carnivore, can sometimes be seen. Lammergeier vultures soar along the cliffs.

Conservation success

Simien Mountains National Park was one of the first sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. It was later placed on the list of sites in danger because of falling wildlife numbers, then removed in 2017 after conservation efforts helped Walia ibex numbers recover.

Did you know?

Gelada monkeys are the only primates that feed mainly on grass, spending much of the day sitting and plucking grass blades with nimble fingers. They live in large groups that can number hundreds of animals, and visitors can often watch them at close range calmly grazing near the cliffs. The Simien region also has traditional villages and terraced farms where barley and other crops are grown at high altitude. Community-run campsites and guide services help local families benefit from tourism.

Trekking

Visitors hike for several days between campsites and lodges, accompanied by park scouts. Altitude, cold nights and long days require good preparation. The local town of Debark is the usual starting point, where permits, guides and mules can be arranged.

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