The Simien Mountains, which include Ras Deshen (Ethiopia's highest mountain), are located in the north-western corner of the country. Now a world heritage site, the Simiens boast some of Africa's most stunningly beautiful mountain scenery, and our trekking routes into the Simiens take you far from the regular tourist trails.

The surrounding mountain country is home to endemic flora and fauna, and scenery of such splendor that many travelers consider this the most beautiful mountain country in all of Africa. Bird and animal life here includes the walia ibex, the gelada baboons, the bearded vultures, thick-billed ravens and eagles.

The Amhara people act as our mountain guides and mule drovers. They are welcoming, humorous and incredibly hardy. Poverty in the area is great, however, and with the charity Community Projects Africa we have set up a regular medical aid program to Arwasyie Village and the surrounds, from where we employ a number of locals.

Avoid the rainy season (from May to September), when weather in the mountain areas can be especially poor. Whenever you go, remember that the nights can be very cold, whereas the days are often warm with magnificent blue skies.

Geology of the Simien Mountains
The Simien Mountains consist of many summits of above 4000m, with the highest pick at Ras Dejen (4,543m), which is the highest point in Ethiopia and the fourth highest mountain in Africa.
Ercand pointed out that the dramatic landscape of the Simien Mountains is mainly the result of volcanic activity, which is 'Hawaiian- type' without pouring Lava, during the Oligocene period of Pre-Cambrian Era (approximately 40-25 million years ago). This Volcano is believed to have spread over large areas of more than 15,800 km2. The center of this Volcano must have lain in the present area of Kidus Yared Mountain, while Ras Dejen, Silki and Bwahit were part of the outer core. The very high relief energy is characteristic of the whole area and Hurni and Ercand pointed out that the geomorphic landforms of the area could be categorized in to four landscape units.

These are:

• The deeply incise lowland valley, which is below 2000m because of water erosion and/or the formation of frost or ice on a surface;

• The lowland terraces, roughly at 2000m, which consists of the essential cultivation and settlement areas;

• The extreme steep escarpment between 2000-4000m, extending in a south-west to north eastern direction, which forms the man and the wildlife habitats;

• The highland plains with river valleys, south of the escarpment which is ranging from 3200m-3700m, representing a densely settled and cultivated area, intensively used for cultivation and livestock grazing.

Wildlife in the Simien Mountains
The Simien Mountains National Park has international significance because of its biodiversity, highest number of endemic species and outstanding biophysical features (Hurni, 2000:191). There are major wildlife species which are either unique to the region or to particular ecosystem within the region, as well as these species playing major or vital ecological function (Ercond, 2006:22). In the Simien Mountains National Park the Gelada Baboon (Theropitcus Gelada], which is also known as 'The Bleeding heart Baboon', Walya Ibex (CapraIbex Walie), Ethiopian Wolf (Canis Simiensis) formerly known as the Simien Fox, klipspringer (Creatragus Oreotragus) are found. Some of them are endemic to the national park [like Walya Ibex and Simien Fox] where as the others are endemic to Ethiopia. Walya ibex has now become a national symbol and endemic to the Simien Mountains National Park. It is one of the most highly endangered mammal species in the world and is threatened by extinction due to low members and very restricted area of remaining habitat.\

Things to do in and around Simien Mountains:
Trekking in the Simien Mountains is highly recommended. You will see some of Africa's most beautiful and impressive mountain scenery, meet the Amhar people, and get to remote places where few tourists ever visit.