Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP)

Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP),

with its undulating plateau and deep
valleys is often referred as the Grand
Canyon of Africa. The park is located in the North Gonder Zone of the
Amhara National Regional State. It is about 870km from Addis Ababa by
road, in the mountain massif to the north of the famous Great Rift
Valley of Ethiopia. Simien is home to Ras Dejen, the highest mountain
in Ethiopia (4,533m) and the fourth highest in Africa.
the mountainous nature of the park and the chained mountains with the
surrounding high peaks more than an altitude of 4000 masl gave rise
to the saying the "ROOF OF AFRICA" This ecotourism destination is
popular and loved by wildlife watchers including bird watchers,
researchers and cultural
enthusiasts.
In 1978 Simien Mountains National Park was inscripted as one of the
worlds’ first UNESCO natural World Heritage Sites.
The park features remarkable vistas and landscapes where erosion over
millions of years has created jagged
mountain peaks, valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500m.
The park also showcases the giant Erica forest. Simien Mountains
National Park is of global significance for biodiversity conservation
because it is home to globally threatened species, including the
iconic Walia ibex, a rare wild mountain goat, the gelada and the
Ethiopian wolf.
One to 12 days treks through the stunning national park will leave
you speechless.
Trekking through the park gives you a chance to see both incredible
wildlife and scenery but to also
experience the local culture while trekking through remote villages
Birdwatchers will rejoice with over 180 species recorded in the Simien
Mountains National Park. Of these, five are endemic to Ethiopia and a
further 12 to Ethiopia and Eritrea.