Climbing · Trekking · Expedition · Private
Ras Dashen Traverse
West to east across the whole Simien massif, to the roof of Ethiopia and out the far side.
The Journey
9 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A full traverse rather than an out-and-back: the western rim first, for acclimatisation and the classic views, then down through the Mesheha valley to Ambiko, up Ras Dashen before dawn, and out through river valleys to Adi Arkay. Most of the week is above 3,500 metres, so fitness and patience matter more than technique.
Places
- Gondar
- Simien Mountains
- Chenek
- Ambiko
- Ras Dashen
- Adi Arkay
Tailor-made journey
Priced to your plans
Quoted individually once we know your dates, lodges and group size.
- Duration
- 10 Days · 9 nights
- Best season
- Oct – Feb
- Group size
- 2 – 8 guests
- Style
- Climbing · Trekking · Expedition · Private
Final pricing depends on season, room category and group size. No deposit is taken until the itinerary is right.
Day by Day
The itinerary, as it usually runs
A working draft rather than a fixed schedule — we move days around for weather, festivals and how you are feeling.
Day 1
Arrive Gondar
Route briefing, kit check and a quiet afternoon around the castles before an early night.
Days 2 – 3
Sankaber & Geech
The western rim at an easy pace: geladas above Sankaber, then the long escarpment walk past Jinbar Falls to camp at Geech.
Day 4
Imet Gogo & Saha
An acclimatisation day with no camp move — Imet Gogo at sunrise, the Saha gorge in the afternoon, and back to Geech for the night.
Day 5
Inatye to Chenek
Over the 4,070-metre ridge at Inatye and through the lobelia to Chenek, where the walia ibex come down to the cliffs at dusk.
Day 6
Bwahit to Ambiko
Over the Bwahit pass at 4,200 metres, down into the Mesheha river valley, and a long climb out to the base camp at Ambiko.
Day 7
Ras Dashen summit · 4,550 m
A 3 a.m. start, headlamps up the scree, and the summit tower as the sun clears the eastern ridges. Back at Ambiko by early afternoon.
Days 8 – 9
Berochwuha & the river valleys
An optional second summit on Berochwuha, then the descent through Sona and the Mekarebya valley to the village of Mulet, with a swim at Derkwenth pool on the way.
Day 10
Adi Arkay & Gondar
A last morning's walk to the road at Adi Arkay, then the drive back to Gondar for a hot shower and a proper dinner.
What Is Included
- Return transfers from Gondar, with a night there at each end
- All national park fees, an armed scout and summit permits
- Mules, muleteers, a camp cook and full board on the trail
- Four-season tents, mats and a heated mess tent
- A senior mountain guide with altitude first-aid training
- Pulse oximeter checks every morning above 3,500 metres
Not Included
- Flights to and from Gondar
- Sleeping bag (hire available in Gondar)
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover
- Gratuities for scouts, muleteers and cook
Enquire
Make Ras Dashen Traverse yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs Oct – Feb · 2 – 8 guests · priced to your plans
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Speak With a Designer
Questions before you enquire?
Altitude, road time, how hard the walking really is, whether the children will cope. Ask us anything — a designer will answer honestly.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246