Simien Mountains National Park
The park was primarily created to conserve Walia Ibex and other endemic species. Its scenic value, probably the most rugged in Africa, also formed the backbone of the concept for conservation of the area. These unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape has further led the park to the recognition as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 by UNESCO.
Location: the Simen Mountains National Park is situated on the northwestern side of the Simen mountains massif in northern Ethiopia, Gonder, with an altitudinal range from 1900 to the highest peak of the African horn, Ras Dejen, at 4620m asl. It lies in the center of a triangle formed by Gonder, Lalibela and Axum- three major Historical Northern Routes. It is roughly about 900km from Addis Ababa. The head quarter is situated in debark, where entrance to the park is permitted.
Rainy Season: There is a single rainy season in the area that occurs between June and mid-September. Average annual rainfall is about 1550 mm.
Temperature: the area usually experiences a cool climate, which ranges from -2.5 to 180c. During dry season early morning is the coldest.
Ecological zone: north-west highlands.
Vegetation types: Afro-alpine steppe belt (grassland zone), Ericaceous belt and Afro- montane forest belt.
Major wildlife species: Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada Baboon, Klipspringer; and spectacular birds of prey such as Lammergeyer and Thick-billed Raven (once endemic). The Simen Mountains also boast a unique flora. Alpine steppe is characterized by the occurrence of giant Lobelia (jeabeera); the Ericaceous belt contains Erica/ asseta/ bushes and trees and the lower montane forest supports Juniperus procera (Abesha Tid).
Endemic mammals of the park: Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolf, Mahomet’s Mouse, White-footed Rat, Ethiopian grass Rat, Crocidura baileyi, Lovat’s Mouse, White-tailed Rat, Grey-tailed Rat, Giant Molerat and Simien Mouse.
Endemic birds of the park: Abyssinian cat bird, Abyssinian long claw, Spot-breasted plover and Black-headed siskin.
Other common bird species: these birds used to be endemic such as Black-winged lovebird, White-collared pigeon, Wattled ibis, White-winged cliff-chat, White-backed black-tit, Ruppell’s chat, White-billed starling and Black-headed forest oriole.
Major physical/geological features: spectacular mountain scenery and escarpments consist of dark Trapp basalts and bright, soft tuff.
Surrounding people: Amhara
Major human threats to the park: high altitude settlement, cultivation and livestock grazing.
Tours
The main attraction of the Simen Mountains National Park is its biosphere such as steep-cliff, escarpments, landscape, cool climate and endemic wildlife. These spectacular attractions can be largely discovered through trekking. So, trekking is one of the main reasons to visit the park.