Simien Mountains National Park

Crowned by the 14,000-foot (4,267-meter) Ras Dashen, the millenia-old landscape is a hiker’s paradise, with guided treks offering intimate insight into endemic flora and fauna. If you prefer breathtaking views to breathtaking climbs, opt for a tour with transport included. Alternatively, combine the park with other regional must-sees (such as Fasil Ghebbi or the Lalibela Churches) on a multi-day tour, or book your admission ticket in advance to tailor your own itinerary.

• Simien Mountains National Park is a must-visit for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, though only experienced hikers should explore the park on foot.

• Some packages include accommodation; otherwise, on-site camping and lodges or local hotels must be booked in advance.

• Park visitors must be escorted by a certified guide and armed guard at all times; if necessary, these can be hired on arrival.

Gondar is around a 2-hour drive from Simien Mountains National Park, by taxi, hired car, or public minibus from Gondar Bus Station. To get to Gondar from Addis Ababa, take a 1-day Sky or Selam bus, 3-day public bus, or 1-hour flight, depending on your time and budget.

Northern Ethiopia enjoys warm days throughout the year, though overnight camping is best avoided October through December, when nighttime temperatures plummet. Following the June and August rainy season, September offers a more temperature climate without the dust and haze of high summer.

Not far from Simien Mountains National Park, another UNESCO-listed landmark reveals the country’s often-overlooked cultural heritage. No trip to northern Ethiopia is complete without a visit to Gondar’s 17th-century imperial fortifications, Fasil Ghebbi. Learn about the country’s historical emperors, and admire a prime example of Nubian-influenced African architecture.