Daily costs per person in USD. The Simien Mountains are affordable by trekking standards — mandatory guide and scout fees are the biggest expense but split well in groups.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB) (1 USD ≈ 57 ETB)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–8 | $20–40 | $80–180 | Camping → Debark guesthouses → Simien or Limalimo Lodge |
| Food | $4–8 | $12–20 | $30+ | Local injera & market food → restaurant meals → lodge dining |
| Transport | $3–5 | $10–20 | $40+ | Local buses → shared minivans → private 4WD transfers |
| Park & Guide Fees | $10–15 | $15–25 | $30+ | Fees split in group of 4 → group of 2 → solo trekker |
| Extras | $2–5 | $8–15 | $25+ | Mule hire, tips, snacks → equipment rental → premium gear |
| Daily Total | $24–41 | $65–120 | $205+ | Budget trekker → comfortable → luxury lodge trek |
Money-saving tips
Group up for fees
Guide and scout fees are per group, not per person. A guide costs 1,500 ETB/day and a scout 1,000 ETB/day — split between 4 trekkers, that is only $5–6 USD each. Ask at hostels in Debark or Gondar to find other trekkers to share costs with.
Hire a camp cook
A cook costs around 500 ETB/day and buys ingredients at local prices in Debark market. Self-cooking requires carrying fuel and equipment. A cook saves weight, provides hot meals, and supports local employment — all for under $9 USD per day.
Rent gear in Debark
Tents, sleeping bags, and camping mats rent for 200–500 ETB per item per day in Debark. No need to carry expensive trekking gear across Africa. Quality varies so inspect before renting and test zippers on sleeping bags.
Eat injera everywhere
A full plate of injera with multiple wats costs 150–300 ETB ($2.50–5 USD) at local restaurants. It is filling, nutritious, and delicious. Skip tourist-priced restaurants in Gondar and eat where locals queue — the food is better and a fraction of the price.
Bus from Gondar
Local buses from Gondar to Debark cost 150–200 ETB ($2.50–3.50) and take 2.5 hours. Private minivans cost $15–20 USD. The bus is perfectly safe and runs multiple times daily — save the difference for activities.
Skip Simien Lodge
Simien Lodge inside the park charges $80–120 USD per night. Camping at Sankaber or Geech costs $5 USD per tent. The camping experience under the Simien stars is far more memorable than any lodge room — embrace the adventure.
