Simien National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park, Ethiopia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Semien_Mountains_02.jpg
Author: Andro96


Simien National Park is a plateau in Ethiopia with a spectacular landscape. Among the features here includes jagged mountains, craggy ravines and sharp precipices. The national park includes 4550-meter (14,928 feet) Ras Dashen, the tallest mountain in Ethiopia.

Simien National Park is home to many rare and endangered species of animals and plants. Among the wildlife found here includes the Ethiopian wolf, the Gelada Baboon and the Walia Ibex. There are also some 50 species of birds in the national park includeing the bearded vulture, which has a 10-foot long wingspan.

The vegetation of Simien National Park ranges from grassland in the lower region right up to alpine plants in the upper region.

Simien National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 2nd session of the World Heritage Committee which met in Washington, D.C., USA, on 5-8 September, 1978.

Simien National Park was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1996. This is due to the deterioration in the Walia ibex population as well as other large mammals in the park.

Spectacular landscape of Simien National Park
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Simiensk%C3%A9_hory.jpg
Author: Ondřej Žváček


Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Semien_Mountains_01.jpg
Author: Giustino


Imet Gogo peak at the Simien Mountains
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Imet_Gogo.jpg
Author: Ondřej Žváček

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 13 10 60 E 38 4 0 in Gondar Region, Ethiopia
Inscription Year: 1978
Type of Site: Natural
Inscription Criteria: VII, X

Visiting Simien National Park

To reach the national park, you can take a bus that runs between Shire and Gonder. It passes through Debark, the gateway to Simien National Park. Debark is about 3 hours from Gonder and 7 hours from Shire.

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips