National Parks
Simien Mountains National Park
The best reason for coming to national parks is to see the spectacular views; with viewpoints allowing a panoramic look at the surrounding country, and some incredible geography. They are also notable for being the only mountain range in Africa which regularly has snow-topped caps; one must venture further than the foothills to observe it, however.
Ethiopia is home to several national parks:
The Simien Mountain is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, fourth highest peak in Africa, Ras Dashen / Dejen (4543m). Although Simien is in Africa and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points and night temperatures often fall below zero. Simien Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site since 1978 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Wildlife Semen Park /information
Three animals unique to Ethiopia are found in the park: Walia ibex – limited at camp site of Chennek, Simien Jackal (Abyssinian Wolf) – rare in Simien Mountains National Park but probable to be seen at Bale Mountain National Park and the gelada baboon “bleeding heart on its chest”. Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien Mountains. The mountains are the home of the lammergeyer, a vulture with a 2.4-m (8-ft) wingspan, known as the “bone-breaker” for its habit of breaking its prey’s bones by dropping them on rocks, White-collared Pigeon, White-billed Starling, Spot-breasted Plover, and White-backed Black Tit.
Simien Mountains – who can trek ?
Discover Semen / Simien Mountains
Simien Mountains trekking is walking, unlike mountaineering, it needs no technical skills. We can arrange treks suitable for anyone who is moderately fit and enjoys with walking. We organize all necessary support services and all you have to do is carry a small day pack for your camera and jumper.
Obviously the more exercise you can do before arrival, the better but nothing except the real thing will prepare you for days of continuous walking up and down steep hills. It is therefore very important to pace yourself and plan an itinerary which will allow you to build up the necessary strength. For anyone unsure about their fitness, it is better to cover shorter distances and enjoy the experience than push yourself over the pain barrier. The two essentials required are stamina and good shoes.
When it is over….no regrets! The experience of a lifetime will be your memory calling the Semen Majestic Mountains, in Ethiopia!!
Topography and Climate
The State of Amhara is topographically divided into two main parts, namely the highlands and lowlands. The highlands are above 1500 meters above sea level and comprise the largest part of the northern and eastern parts of the region. The highlands are also characterized by chains of mountains and plateaus. Ras Dejen (4543m), the highest peak in the country, Guna (4236m), Choke (4184m) and Abuna – Yousef (4190m) are among the mountain peaks that are located in the highland parts of the region.
The lowland part covers mainly the western and eastern parts with an altitude between 500-1500 meters above sea level. Areas beyond 2,300 meters above sea level fall within the “Dega” climatic Zone, and areas between the 1,500-2,300 meter above sea level contour fall within the “Woina Dega” climatic zone; and areas below 1,500 contour fall within the “Kolla” or hot climatic zones. The Dega, Woina Dega and Kolla parts of the region constitute 25%, 44% and 31% of the total area of the region, respectively. Tour Itinerary
