Solo Travel in Simien Mountains

A key stop for trekkers heading to the summit of Ras Dejen, Ethiopia's highest mountain. It's one of seven campsites listed by the park, so check the official camping page and arrange guides and permits in Debark before you set out.

📍Ambiko, Simien Mountains National Park, North Gondar, Ethiopia

One of the most scenic campsites on the trek, at 3,600 m and 58 km from Debark, and a favourite with trekkers. It's a good place to look for walia ibex (found only in Ethiopia), Ethiopian wolves, gelada monkeys and lammergeier, among giant lobelias and alpine grassland with towering cliffs behind.

📍Chenek, Simien Mountains National Park, North Gondar, Ethiopia (58 km from Debark, 3,600 m)

A high-plateau campsite about a 5–6 hour trek from Sankaber, with wide open grassland, giant lobelias and sunrise and sunset views from the same spot. Ethiopian wolves — the world's rarest canid — are often seen roaming the grasslands, and leopards and spotted hyenas live in the rocky areas. Guides and permits are arranged in Debark.

📍Gich, Simien Mountains National Park, North Gondar, Ethiopia (5–6 hour trek from Sankaber)

An eco-lodge on the edge of the Simien escarpment, opened in 2016 and designed by architect Mario Balducci. Built from rammed earth, wood and thatch on a 10-hectare site, it uses renewable energy and employs more than 40 people from the local community. A comfortable base close to Debark if you want a proper bed and escarpment views between treks. Reservations are made online or by email via the official website.

📍Limalimo, Simien Mountains National Park, near Debark (PO Box 82, Debark), North Gondar, Ethiopia

The first campsite on the classic Simien trek, 38 km from Debark at 3,320 m above sea level. Leopards, Menelik's bushbuck, klipspringer and caracal live in the area, bearded vultures (lammergeier) soar overhead, and the views over deep valleys and rugged cliffs are why people come. The park's official site is the place to check current camping details; guides and permits are arranged in Debark.

📍Sankaber, Simien Mountains National Park, North Gondar, Ethiopia (38 km from Debark, 3,320 m)

A dizzying lookout over the Simien escarpment — gelada baboon troops graze the cliffs with endless valley views.

📍Simien Mountains National Park

The highest lodge in Africa at 3,260 m — stone-walled tukul rooms with thatched roofs on the edge of the Simien escarpment, with solar-heated water, underfloor heating and a bar billed as the highest in Africa. It sits roughly 40 minutes' drive from Debark, the only permanent lodge inside the park. Book through the lodge or a tour operator.

📍Simien Mountains National Park, near Debark, North Gondar, Ethiopia

A warm restaurant at Africa's highest hotel — hearty meals and a fireplace after days trekking the escarpment.

📍Simien Mountains