Simien Mountains National Park: “The Roof of Africa!”
Simien Mountains National Park is endowed with endemic wild flora and fauna, dazzling cliffs, gorges, and mountainous land. It is the most spectacular scenic landscape in Eastern Africa. Knife-edged broken cliffs, vast fields of fantastic rock scenery, endowed with an endless profusion of natural beauties. It ranges from 2000 to 4543 m.a.s.l, Ras Dejen being the highest pick in the country. One can track crossing enchanted land to the tip of the country. An extremely splendid natural scenic spot, the home of wild Goat (Walia Ibex) exceptionally living above 3500 m.a.s.l. Simien, where undreamed of experience, became on eyes.
Wildlife: Walia Ibex*, Ethiopian Wolf*, Gelada Baboon*, Klipspringer.
Birds: Abyssinian catbird, Spot-breasted lapwing/plover, Abyssinian long claw, Ethiopian/black-headed siskin, Golden Eagle, Lammergeyer,
Why visit this park? One of the first natural World Heritage sites, the Simien Mountains are unique for their spectacular landscape. Massive erosion of the plateau has created jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and precipices that drop a sheer 1,500 m. Mt Ras Dashen is Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,543 m.
Park Discription
The Simien Mountains has always been highly regarded for its spectacular scenic and natural beauty and as an important wildlife area. Starting in 1944, the area was managed as a royal hunting ground by the Department of Forestry, Game and Fishery under the Ministry of Agriculture that was created the same year. In 1966, a core area of 136 km2 was declared as one of the two national Parks in Ethiopia along with Awash National Park (ANP) and gazetted in 1969. Based upon SMNP’s internationally important geological and wildlife values, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The UNESCO WHS status still only applies to the original 136km2 although the protected area was expanded to the west to include Limalimo and Mesarerya wildlife reserves in 2003 and east to include the peaks, Silki, KidusYared and RasDejen in 2007, bringing the total area of SMNP to 412 km2. It is the only natural world heritage site in Ethiopia.
- Park areas are open from 6: 00 am – to 6:00 pm.
- Overnight stay is prohibited in any park area except in campsites.
- Fires are permitted only in existing fireplace grills using charcoal. No fire shall be left unattended, and any fire must be completely extinguished before leaving the area.
- Motorized vehicles must always remain on designated roadways and parking areas.
- All trash, litter, or refuse is to be placed in the provided trash receptacles. No dumping allowed.
- Hazardous Activities – It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any activity on any park lands that constitutes a hazard to the safety of self or other persons.
- The use of any fireworks and/or weapons is strictly prohibited.
- It is unlawful to remove, damage, destroy, deface, or otherwise vandalize any park property, structure, sign, or vegetation.
- It is unlawful to hunt, trap, harass, or harm any wild animal, bird, or plant life.
06:00 am -06:00 pm
The Simien Mountains have both a wet and dry season, with approximately 75% of annual rainfall between June and September. The SMNP lies within the isohyets of 1350-1600 mm annual rainfall with an annual average of rainfall 3600 m a.s.l. of around 1500 mm. Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year; however, there is huge diurnal variation ranging from a minimum of - 2°C to -4 °C at night to a maximum of 11°C to 18°C during the day.
Game driving, bird watching, nature walking, camping, paragliding and others.
Simien Lodge inside the park with good accommodation, Limalimo Loge, Hotels at Debark Town, and Community Lodge inside the park with good accommodation.