Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sankaber are the most tame) and stand a good chance of seeing the walia ibex (especially
around Chenek), which are found only in the Simien Mountains. Other notable mammals
are rock hyraxes, jackals, Menelik's bushbucks, klipspringers and leopards.
The often-seen thick-billed raven and the less common black-headed siskin, wattled
ibis, spot-breasted plover and Abyssinian woodpecker are some of the 16 Ethiopi-
an-Eritrean endemic birds. Though common, one of the most memorable sights is the
low-soaring lammergeyer.
Planning
Although organising trekking yourself at park headquarters in Debark is straightforward,
it can take up to two hours. It's best to arrive the afternoon before you plan to trek.
When to Go
December to March is the driest time. In October, after the rains, the scenery is greenest.
During the main rainy season, between June and September, mist often obscures the views
and trails can be slippery. However, you'll usually get several hours of clear, dry weather
for walking since the rain tends to come in short, sharp downpours. Wildflowers come out
in August and last until October, except the ivory-coloured Abyssinian rose, an Ethiopian
endemic, which blooms March to May.
Daytime temperatures are consistently between 11.5°C and 18°C, while 3°C is typical
at night. Between December and April night-time temperatures often dip below freezing.
Park Fees
Park fees are payable at the
park headquarters
( 0918-704211; admission per day
Birr90, vehicle Birr20; 8.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-5.30pm)
in Debark. During the busy
season, hours are extended.
Entrance fees won't be refunded once paid. However, if mules, cooks, guides and
scouts aren't used (because of bad weather or acclimatisation difficulties), their fees can
be refunded.
Maps
The most useful trekking map is produced by the Institute of Geography, University of
Berne, Switzerland: the
Simen
[sic]
Mountains Trekking Map
(2003; 1:100,000). It's sold
all around Gonder, at Debark's Simien Park Hotel and at park headquarters for Birr300.
