Including one of the principal mountain massifs of Africa, the Simien Mountains consist of several plateaus, separated by broad river valleys. With over twenty peaks towering to heights above 4000 meters, Simien escarpments are also known as the "Roof Of Africa". Its highest peak, Ras Dashen at 4543 meters, is the fourth highest peak on the African continent. The Simien escarpments, which remind of the Grand Canyon oft the USA, have been adopted in 1978 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Park which covers 179 km2 lies at an altitude between 1900 and 4500 meters.

The mountains are lush and green: your former conception of Ethiopia is likely to be turned over. The park offers great possibilities for trekking, with dramatic and exhilarating scenery.

The dramatic landscape of the Simien Mountains is the result of massive seismic activity in the area about 40 million years ago. Molten lava poured out of the earth's core reaching a thickness of 3000 m. This massive eruption has created one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 m. The famous pinnacles - the sharp spires that rise abruptly from the surrounding land - are volcanic necks: solidified lava and last remnant of ancient volcanoes.

Access to the park is from Debark; about 2 hours drive north of Gondar. Buyet Ras, Sankaber, Geech and Chenek are the four major campgrounds of the park

The national park has three general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions (up to 3600m) were forested, although much has now disappeared. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia.
While trekking it is usual to walk among troops of Gelada Baboons, to see Walya Ibex on the rocky cliff edges and many of Ethiopia’s endemic birds. If fortunate, you might also see the highly endangered Ethiopian Wolf or other mammals like Klipspringer, Bushbucks and Bush Pigs.

Over 50 species of birds, including Lammergeyer, Augur Buzzards, Verreaux’s Eagles and Kestrel, have been reported in the park. The views are breathing and the canyons and gorges are amazing. Its quietness ads to its beauty. One will enjoy every part of the Simien Mountains.

Refer to Trekking in Simien Mountains