The best months to visit Simien Mountains are Oct – Mar. 10–20°C at altitude, dry and clear.
Quick facts
Currency Ethiopian Birr (ETB) 1 USD ≈ 57 ETB
Language Amharic / English Guides speak English; locals speak Amharic
Timezone EAT (UTC+3) Ethiopia uses a 12-hour clock starting at dawn
Best Months Oct – Mar 10–20°C at altitude, dry and clear
Daily Budget ~$30–50 USD Including mandatory guide & scout fees
Visa e-Visa required Most nationalities 30-day e-visa $82 USD
When to go
The Roof of Africa: dramatic escarpments, endemic wildlife, and multi-day treks through one of the continent's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Visa & Entry in Simien Mountains
- Most nationalities need an e-visa before arrival, applied for at evisa.gov.et. 30-day tourist visa costs $82 USD. Processing takes 1–3 days
- Visa on arrival is available at Addis Ababa Bole Airport for some nationalities but queues are long, so e-visa is strongly recommended
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Keep your passport and visa printout with you at all times
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Simien Mountains travel guide.
Timezone: EAT (UTC+3) (Ethiopia uses a 12-hour clock starting at dawn)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Simien Mountains?
The best months to visit Simien Mountains are Oct – Mar (10–20°C at altitude, dry and clear), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Simien Mountains budget breakdown.
