Simien National Park
Location: Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Year of Inscription: 1978
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Simien National Park is in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. It is known for its unique landscape, with jagged peaks and deep valleys, and is home to a variety of endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, and the gelada baboon. The park offers stunning views, hiking opportunities, and a chance to witness rare wildlife.
Prominent Features: The Simien National Park is home to many unique features, including: Jagged peaks and deep valleys: The park is characterized by its dramatic landscape, with towering peaks and deep valleys that have been carved by millions of years of erosion.
Rare wildlife: The park is home to a number of endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, and the gelada baboon. It is also an important birding area, with over 180 bird species recorded in the park.
Hiking opportunities: The park offers a range of hiking opportunities, from short walks to multi-day treks. Visitors can explore the park on their own or with a guide.
History: The Simien National Park has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of human presence dating back over 3,000 years. The park has been inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Amhara, the Tigray, and the Agaw. In the 16th century, the area was ruled by the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides, who built many of the structures that can still be seen in the park today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the park on foot or by car, and children will enjoy spotting the unique wildlife, including the Gelada baboons. There are also several picnic areas in the park where families can enjoy a meal surrounded by stunning views.
Fun Fact: The Ethiopian wolf, also known as the Simien fox, is one of the rarest canids in the world and is only found in Ethiopia's highlands, including the Simien National Park.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Simien National Park is 40 Ethiopian birr (approximately 1 USD) per person per day. There may be additional fees for camping or hiring a guide.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The nearest airport to the Simien National Park is the Gondar Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the park.
By Car: Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from the nearby city of Gondar to reach the park. It is also possible to hire a guide or join a tour group that includes transportation to the park.
By Bus: Visitors can take a bus from Gondar to Debark, the town closest to the park. From Debark, visitors can take a local bus or hire a car to reach the park.
Where to Stay: There are several lodging options in and around the Simien National Park, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Visitors can also stay in nearby Gondar and take day trips to the park.
Next Stop: Aksum
Year of Inscription: 1978
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Simien National Park is in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. It is known for its unique landscape, with jagged peaks and deep valleys, and is home to a variety of endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, and the gelada baboon. The park offers stunning views, hiking opportunities, and a chance to witness rare wildlife.
Prominent Features: The Simien National Park is home to many unique features, including: Jagged peaks and deep valleys: The park is characterized by its dramatic landscape, with towering peaks and deep valleys that have been carved by millions of years of erosion.
Rare wildlife: The park is home to a number of endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, and the gelada baboon. It is also an important birding area, with over 180 bird species recorded in the park.
Hiking opportunities: The park offers a range of hiking opportunities, from short walks to multi-day treks. Visitors can explore the park on their own or with a guide.
History: The Simien National Park has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of human presence dating back over 3,000 years. The park has been inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Amhara, the Tigray, and the Agaw. In the 16th century, the area was ruled by the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides, who built many of the structures that can still be seen in the park today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the park on foot or by car, and children will enjoy spotting the unique wildlife, including the Gelada baboons. There are also several picnic areas in the park where families can enjoy a meal surrounded by stunning views.
Fun Fact: The Ethiopian wolf, also known as the Simien fox, is one of the rarest canids in the world and is only found in Ethiopia's highlands, including the Simien National Park.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Simien National Park is 40 Ethiopian birr (approximately 1 USD) per person per day. There may be additional fees for camping or hiring a guide.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The nearest airport to the Simien National Park is the Gondar Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the park.
By Car: Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from the nearby city of Gondar to reach the park. It is also possible to hire a guide or join a tour group that includes transportation to the park.
By Bus: Visitors can take a bus from Gondar to Debark, the town closest to the park. From Debark, visitors can take a local bus or hire a car to reach the park.
Where to Stay: There are several lodging options in and around the Simien National Park, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Visitors can also stay in nearby Gondar and take day trips to the park.
Next Stop: Aksum