Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers some of Africa's most spectacular scenery and trekking opportunities. With jagged peaks, deep valleys, and sheer escarpments dropping 1,500 meters, this dramatic landscape was formed by massive erosion over millions of years.

Often called "The Roof of Africa," the Simien Mountains include Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 4,550 meters (14,928 feet). The park covers 220 square kilometers of highland area, featuring unique vegetation zones from cultivated fields and grasslands to Afro-alpine meadows and forests.

What makes the Simiens truly special is their endemic wildlife. The mountains are home to the Gelada baboon (or "bleeding heart baboon"), found nowhere else on Earth. These remarkable primates allow humans to approach quite closely, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. The critically endangered Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf also inhabit these mountains, though they're more elusive.

For trekkers, the Simien Mountains offer routes ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. The classic trek follows the escarpment edge, providing breathtaking views across the lowlands and opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Local communities in and around the park maintain traditional lifestyles that have changed little over centuries, adding a cultural dimension to the natural wonders of the region.