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Simien Mountains Navigation

About Simien Mountains
- Airports
- Birdlife
- Conservation
- Malaria
- Money
- Plants
- Safety Tips
- Travel Books
- Wildlife
Activities
Tours

About Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains are situated in Ethiopia. This region is a highlight of any Ethiopian backpacking tour.

Simien Mountains Budget Travel

Below is a list of Simien Mountains's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Simien Mountains Mountain Biking, Simien Mountains Mule Ride

View all activities in Simien Mountains

Airports

Simien Mountains airports include the following:
•Bole International Addis Ababa Airport

Birdlife

Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien Mountains. Simien Mountains birdlife includes birds of prey such as the rare lammergeyer, a huge vulture, plus tawny eagle. The best season for birdwatching is from the beginning of September up to February. Between November and February, migrant birds increase the bird population and increase species diversity as well.

Conservation

With some of Africa's rarest and most endangered species found within this area, Simien Mountains conservation is vital to ensure that species such as Ethiopian wolf do not become extinct. Environment issues include hunting, habitat loss, desertification, deforestation and droughts.

Malaria

Simien Mountains malaria medication includes the following:
•Mefloquine (Lariam)
•Doxycycline
•Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)

Money

Simien Mountains money and banking info includes the following:
•Banks are situated within most of the towns near the park
•ATMs seldom work with foreign cards
•Exchange facilities can be found at airports and hotels, as well as banks
•Travellers cheques are easier to exchange from Euros, Pounds or Dollars

Plants

Simien Mountains plant life varies from alpine to plains. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions were once heavily forested, although much of it has now disappeared. The higher lands are made up of mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia.

Safety Tips

•Areas near Somalia, such as the Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe and Warder should be avoided
•Do not try and walk through the mountains without a guide
•Take lots of water and don't forget sunscreen
•Wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous
•Indiscriminate terrorist attacks can occur, so be vigilant at all times

Travel Books

Simien Mountains recommended travel books include the following:
•Bradt Travel Guide: Ethiopia by Philip Briggs
•Ethiopia and Eritrea Lonely Planet Country Guide by Matt Phillips and Jean-Bernard Carillet
•Ethiopia, the Unknown Land: A Cultural and Historical Guide by Stuart Munro-Hay
•The Chains of Heaven: An Ethiopian Romance by Philip Marsden

Wildlife

Ethiopia is home to some of the rarest wildlife in Africa, and Simien Mountains wildlife is interesting and diverse. Some of the most common game species seen within the Simien Mountains area include baboons, ibexes and the highly endangered rate Ethiopian wolf.

Recent Feedback

The highlight of my trip had to be Gweru in Zimbabwe, it was my idea of paradise. So much to do there with the animals and the location of it was just beautiful!