Simien National Park Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Simien National Park, located in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, is a breathtakingly beautiful destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The park is home to some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in Africa, with jagged peaks, deep valleys, and dramatic cliffs that will leave visitors in awe of the natural world.
One of the main attractions of Simien National Park is its diverse and unique wildlife. The park is home to several endemic species, including the Gelada baboon, the Walia ibex, and the Ethiopian wolf. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the abundance of bird species that call the park home, including the majestic Lammergeier, or bearded vulture.
For those who love hiking and trekking, Simien National Park offers a range of trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. The most famous trek in the park is the Simien Mountain Trek, which takes visitors through some of the most spectacular scenery in the park and offers the chance to spot wildlife and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to its natural beauty and wildlife, Simien National Park is also rich in history and culture. The park is home to several ancient villages and settlements, as well as historical sites such as the 17th century Debre Damo monastery, which is perched high on a cliff and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Amhara
Simien National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore
Simien National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ras Dashen, Mount Bwahit. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Simien National Park
Learn when is the best time to travel to Simien National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Ethiopian wolf
The Ethiopian wolf, often referred to as the Simien jackal or Simien fox, is a captivating canid native to the Ethiopian Highlands. These unique animals are specialized hunters of Afroalpine rodents and have very specific habitat requirements.
Mammals
Bearded vulture
The bearded vulture, also known as the lammergeier or ossifrage, is a remarkable and distinctive bird of prey. It is the sole species within the genus Gypaetus and is often classified as an Old World vulture. Unlike other raptors, the bearded vulture's diet consists...
Birds
Walia ibex
The Walia ibex, also known as the Abyssinian ibex, is a captivating and endangered species indigenous to Ethiopia's majestic Simien Mountains. Often regarded as a subspecies of the Alpine ibex, these unique animals face significant challenges.
Mammals
Gelada
The gelada, often referred to as the bleeding-heart monkey, is a captivating Old World monkey endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, particularly in the Semien Mountains. Although they are occasionally mistaken for baboons, geladas are the sole surviving members of the...
Mammals
Caracal
The caracal is a captivating medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. Distinguished by its muscular build, long legs, and unique tufted ears, this feline is further set apart by its reddish-tan or sandy coat with lighter...
Mammals
Amhara