The wildlife of Simien Mountains National Park
Apart from the Walia ibex, Simien Mountains National Park contains other rare species that you may come across. It is home to the Ethiopian wolf, the most endangered carnivore in Africa, which is also known as the Simien fox. Another animal you’re likely to see here is the gelada, as the park is a stronghold for this grass-grazing monkey.
Other mammals that can be found here include the olive baboon and Hamadryas baboon. Klipspringers, bushbucks, hyenas, golden jackals, and leopards can sometimes be seen, but they are rare. There are 180 bird species to see here, with six of those being endemic to the park, like the Ankober serin, the Abyssinian catbird, and the thick-billed raven. Impressive raptors worth whipping out your binoculars for include the bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the tawny eagle. Dedicated birdwatchers can use Avibase, the World Bird Database, to mark off the species that can be seen gliding across Simien’s undulated vistas.
How to find wildlife in Simien Mountains National Park
Just like in any national park, some of the wildlife is easier to find than others, but the more days that you spend here, the more you’ll discover. Going with a guide is your best bet of spotting wildlife, as their professional knowledge and expertise will steer you in the right direction. With bird-watching, in particular, it may be more difficult to spot birds during the wet season, from June through August.
Trekking trips usually start from the park headquarters, located in Debark. Guides and other provisions can be booked directly from there. As many of the hikes are multi-day, you will need a tent and other trekking equipment.
While there are not as many animals that will harm you as there are in other national parks, it is wise to exercise caution. This is another reason why you should consider trekking through the park with a guide: Their advice is invaluable as they know how to behave around wildlife and how to avoid any potential dangers that may occur. It’s also a great way to expand your knowledge about Ethiopia’s rare wildlife and creatures that most of the world doesn’t even know exist!
