Simien Mountains

Northern Circuit

Introduction to Simien National Park

Referred to as ‘The Roof of Africa’, the Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia form a landscape so vast and spectacular that it rivals the Grand Canyon in Colorado.

Comprising high plateaus and deep, rugged gorges, carved by erosion over millions of years, the terrain rises to form towering cliffs that plummet – some as much as 1,500 meters, into vast valleys. The highest peak, Ras Dashen, towers a staggering 4,620 meters above sea level. On cloudless days the views appear to continue on forever, with one chain of mountains giving rise to the next. When soaking up these incredible vistas it is easy to grasp that 70 per cent of Africa’s mountains are located in Ethiopia.

Aside from spectacular views, the Simien Mountains are home to endemic species of flora, fauna and avifauna that have captivated the interest of nature and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’, the Simien Mountains National Park, which was established in 1969, is protected by the National Protected Areas legislation. The park also falls within the area listed as the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot, making it one of 35 major global conservation hotspots. According to UNESCO: “The park is of global significance for biodiversity conservation because it is home to globally threated species, including the iconic Walia ibex – a wild mountain goat found nowhere else on earth, the Gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf”.
With a total area of 190km², the Simien Mountains National Park’s varied habitats are home to 22 large and 13 small mammal species. The park also offers a rich birding experience, with about 180 recorded species, of which 16 are regional endemics. The lammergeyer, a large vulture, is often sighted here.

Three distinct vegetation belts occur in the park, each belt featuring interesting flora, including 57 tree species and a wealth of herbaceous plants. The giant Lobelia, which occurs in the grasslands above 3,700 meters above sea level, measures up to 10 meters in height. This fascinating plant grows for up to two decades before flowering for the first time, and then dying.

The park’s admin office/entrance is located at Debark, a market village that lies about 110km north of Gondar, roughly a two-hour’s drive from Gondar.

Travel Tip

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

Elevation: 1,900 to 4,430 meters (6,233 to 14,534 feet) above sea level

UNESCO World Heritage Site

On List of World Heritage in Danger

More info

When in Axum

Key Attractions

Stelae Park

The biblical monarch, the legendary Queen of Sheba, was believed to have ruled from Axum over the kingdom of Sheba, also referred to as Saba in Arabia. During that time, King Solomon was reigning as King of Israel, in Jerusalem. The Queen of Sheba made an epic journey to meet the divine king and bestow on him the wealth and gifts of her own monarchy. The fascinating tale is documented in the Bible in I Kings 10:1-13 and II Chronicles.
When visiting Axum you can walk among the ruins of what was once a massive palace with finely-mortared stone walls, deep foundations and its own impressive drainage system. It is believed to be the oldest building in Axum.

St. Mary of Zion Church

According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition the Ark of the Covenant was removed from Jerusalem by Menelik, understood to be the son of the Biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. It is believed that he transported the Ark to Tana Cherkos, a monastery located on one of Lake Tana’s islands, where it remained in safekeeping for 800 years. The sacred Ark was then transferred to the Tsion Maryam Church in Axum, where it is believed to remain to this day. These claims are supported by ancient records preserved in the Ethiopian Royal Chronicles. A chosen priest – the Ark’s sole guardian, tends to the affairs of the church in relation to the Ark, but he is forbidden to ever look directly at it. Tourists may enter the compound, but may not approach the chapel.

Queen of Sheba Palace

Ethnographic Museum

The Fetewrari Belay Ethnographic Museum is a private museum that was established in the 1980’s. The museum, which was once the house of an Axumite leader Fetewrari Belay during the time of Emperor Haile Selassie 1’s reign, includes collections that date back to the period of Atse Yohannes IV. The museum and its collections are owned by the family of Fetewrari Belay. The family’s ethnographic antiquities give visitors to this museum valuable insight into the more modern history of the town.

Archeological Museum

Located in the Northern Stelae Field, this well-organized museum contains fascinating collections including objects found in the tombs, Axumite coins and Ge’ez inscriptions dating back over 2,500 years.

Yeha Temple

Situated a little over an hour’s drive from Axum, in the village of Yeha, stands the ancient Temple of the Moon. The Sabaean-style temple, which is preserved to a height of 14 meters, dates back to the 7th or 8th century BC. It was built during the time of the D’mt Kingdom, which preceded the Aksumite Kingdom. Originally a place of worship dedicated to the moon god, Almaqah, the building was converted to a Christian church by Abba Afse, one of the Nine Saints who came to Aksum from the Roman Empire in the 5th century. During the early Christian period many old temples of pagan times were transformed to churches. During recent archaeological excavations Christian religious artifacts of great antiquity, including bells and crosses, were found in the eastern corner of the temple.

Tombs of Kings Ezana & Bazen

The underground tombs are another fascinating site to visit in Axum. It is believe that two of these tombs hold the remains of two ancient kings – Kaleb and Bazen, the latter believed to have been one of the three wise men of the Bible.

Travel Tip

The park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1978 as a site of „Outstanding Universal Value“.
With a total area of 190km², the Simien Mountains boast 57 tree species, a wealth of herbaceous plants, 22 large and 13 small mammals and about 180 recorded bird species.
Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, Menelik’s Bushbuck and the Gelada baboon are among the list of endemic species.

Where to say

Accommodations

Limalimo Lodge

Limalimo Lodge is a haven of understated luxury, designed to blend in with the environment. This boutique lodge has 14 bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms.

In keeping with their ethos of sustainability, the lodge was built using green technologies. Eco-friendly by nature, Limalimo‘s design was inspired by local building techniques, using sustainable sources.

The spacious terrace, perfect for meals or sundowners, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Simien Mountain National Park and the layers of mountains beyond. Facilities include a bar and restaurant, known for its excellent cuisine. All stays at Limalimo are on a full board basis, and the restaurant offers set menus with international dishes. Traditional injera is always available on request. No internet facilities are available and guests are invited to take a break from technology and soak up the natural environment.

Simien Mountain Lodge

Offering all the charm you’d expect from a mountain lodge, Simien Lodge offers warm hospitality in a breathtaking setting. The lodge has 26 comfortable rooms (24 twin and 2 double), located in round thatched stone rondavels or “tukuls”, as they are called locally. The Ethiopian décor is authentic and appealing. All the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, with showers and not baths, to conserve water during the dry months. The water is solar-heated, with electrical backup. The rooms are insulated (ceilings, floors and walls). The cozy bar features a large central fireplace and comfortable furnishing, for relaxed evenings with friends and family. The restaurant also features a generous fireplace and authentic Ethiopian art. A set menu is offered at dinner, with a selection of dishes skillfully prepared by the Head Chef. An a la Carte menu with a variety of international and local dishes, is available throughout the day. Wi-Fi is available in the main area, but not in the rooms.