Semien Mountain Treks have been organized in for the last three decades. In the Simien mountains, the attractions include spectacular views from the northern escarpment, the presence of the endemic Walia ibex, gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolf, as well as Ethiopia's highest peak, the 4543-meter (14901 feet) high Ras Dashen (locally known as Ras Dejen), outside the park to the east.
The Semiens are the most rugged mountains on the African continent; its Massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4,520m). Although in Africa, and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points and night temperatures often fall below zero. The Semien Mountains, north of Gondar, provide an excellent trekking area with a good infrastructure of equipment provision and guide facilities in place.
This park has spectacular views and a large variety of wildlife, including baboons, ibexes, Ethiopian wolves and birds of prey such as the rare lammergeyer, a huge vulture. The park is made up of a rocky massif, which slopes down to grasslands - the massif is cut by streams and gorges. The national park has three general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions (up to 3600m) are forested. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia.
The park was created primarily to protect the Walia Ibex, a type of wild goat, and over 1000 are said to live in the park. Also in the park are families of the Gelada Baboon and the endangered Ethiopian Wolf
It is a home of many rare species of animals, Gelada or bleeding heart baboon, the Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolf and rock hyrax and Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien Mountains. The Semien Mountains can easily be combined with a tour on the Historic Route. Visitors with little time can fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar, some 100 km from the entrance of the park at Debark.
Footprints Ethiopia Tour and Travel specialize in organizing Hiking and Trekking in Ethiopia, Semien Mountain.
