Simien Mountains National Park — Chenek Escarpment Rim Dispersed Camp

Chenek sits at roughly 3,600m on the northern escarpment wall of the Simien Mountains, and the dispersed camping area just above the established campsite is where overlanders and trekkers alike pull in when the main camp fills. You’re parking on short-grass afroalpine moorland with walia ibex and gelada troops wandering through at dawn. The views off the edge are violent — straight down into the Tigray lowlands. Wind hammers this ridge at night. Bring every layer you own. No formal facilities beyond the immediate Chenek area below; this is wide-open ground managed under the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority permit system.

Access from Debark on the Simien mountain road is achievable in a high-clearance 4WD — the track climbs steeply past Sankaber and Gich before reaching Chenek. Wet-season travel (June–September) can make sections impassable. A park entry permit and scout are mandatory — the scout gets hired at Debark park HQ. Verify current permit fees and scout requirements before departure.

Escarpment rim camp at 3,600m, ibex included.