- Address: Wag Hemra, Ethiopia
- Area: 22500 hectares
- Year of foundation: 1969
In the northern part of Ethiopia there is the National Park of Mount Simen or Semien Mountains National Park. It is a unique natural monument that is located in the Amhara region and attracts tourists with a diverse flora and fauna.
General information about the protected area
In the northern part of Ethiopia there is the National Park of Mount Simen or Semien Mountains National Park. It is a unique natural monument that is located in the Amhara region and attracts tourists with a diverse flora and fauna.
General information about the protected area
The National Park was founded in 1969 to protect the stunning nature of the Szymenski Mountains located in the Ethiopian Highlands. The territory of the protected zone covers an area of 22 500 hectares. The landscape here is represented in the form of savannas, mountain deserts, semi-deserts and Afro-Alpine vegetation with a tree-like heather.
The highest point in the National Park Syumen reaches a mark of 4620 m above sea level, the peak is called Ras-Dashen . In size, it ranks first in Ethiopia and the fourth - on the continent. It often contains snow and ice, and at night the air temperature drops below 0 ° C.
Significant erosion on the plateau created a stunning landscape, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The territory of the protected zone consists of a rocky massif that crosses the riverbeds and gorges. They are replaced by broad valleys and grassy plains.
In 1996, Mount Simen was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a protected site, but in 2017 the organization decided to exclude a national park from its registry. This is due to improved management of the protected area and a reduction in pasture exploitation.
Flora of the National Park Syamen in Ethiopia
The most common plant here is a giant lobelia. It grows rather long and dissolves not earlier than in 15 years. The territory of the protected zone is represented by 3 botanical regions:
- The lower slopes are located at an altitude of less than 1500 m. They are intended for grazing and cultivation of fields. Here prevails a hot humid climate, so the plant world is represented in the form of shrubs and evergreen forests.
- The middle reaches - is at an altitude of 1500-2500 m. This is the most populated part of the mountain massif, which is represented in the form of wooded alpine meadows and eucalyptus plantations.
- Highlands - is above 2500 meters. This is a grassy area with wastelands, where the cold climate prevails. In this area there are thickets of bushes and dwarf forests.
Fauna of the National Park Simen
Here lives a large number of various animals, some of them are endemic. During the tour of this natural reserve, tourists will be able to see servalov, Ethiopian jackals, wolves, Syumen foxes, leopards and birds of prey, for example, a thick-cocked crow and a bearded man.
Most visitors to the national park are attracted by the monkey gelad. It has a characteristic bright red chest. Also very popular are the Abyssinian mountain goats (walia ibex). This animal does not occur anywhere else on the planet, but looks like wild goats.
Features of visit
Most tourists come here to enjoy the picturesque nature and conquer the mountain peaks. Special routes are laid out in the National Park of Szymen, guides, guides, mules, equipment and even food are provided for an additional fee.
On the territory of the protected area are campsites and small settlements. They can be reached by SUVs and special buses, however, it is necessary to agree on transportation in advance at the entrance.
How to get there?
Prior to the National Park, Syunam is the most convenient way to get from Debark. The distance is about 40 km. Through the village there are buses following the route Axum- Shire- Gonder .