Ras DashenRas Dashen at a Glance
About Ras Dashen
Ras Dashen is the highest mountain in Ethiopia, rising to about 4,550 meters, and forms the high point of the Simien Mountains. It is a prominent destination for hikers and mountaineers visiting the national park.
Routes to the summit include multi-day treks across rugged highland terrain with alpine plateaus and steep escarpments; the summit provides wide views over the Simien massif and deep surrounding valleys. The mountain is part of the volcanic and uplifted terrain that creates the Simien plateau’s dramatic cliffs and ridges.
Ras Dashen is located in the Amhara Region within Simien Mountains National Park and is one of Ethiopia’s principal highland landmarks and protected areas.
- Elevation: At 4,550 meters above sea level it is Ethiopia’s highest peak and a focal summit for trekkers in Simien Mountains National Park.
Best Time to Visit Ras Dashen
Climb Ras Dashen in the dry months (October-February) for the safest and most stable conditions, keeping in mind cold summit temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Ras Dashen
Ras Dashen's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -6°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1124 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | -6° - 14° | 4° | 5 mm | clear | 43% | 0.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.3h |
| February | Very Good | -5° - 14° | 5° | 10 mm | clear | 41% | 0.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.6h |
| March | Good | -4° - 14° | 5° | 45 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 0.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Good | -2° - 15° | 6° | 62 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 0.3 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Acceptable | -2° - 15° | 7° | 107 mm | some cloud | 50% | 0.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.6h |
| June | Acceptable | -1° - 15° | 7° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 0.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| July | Poor | -1° - 12° | 6° | 307 mm | overcast | 76% | 0.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.7h |
| August | Poor | -1° - 12° | 6° | 306 mm | overcast | 79% | 0.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Acceptable | -2° - 14° | 6° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 0.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | -5° - 14° | 4° | 39 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 0.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | -6° - 12° | 3° | 23 mm | clear | 54% | 0.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.4h |
| December | Very Good | -6° - 13° | 3° | 5 mm | clear | 47% | 0.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.2h |
How to Get to Ras Dashen
Ras Dashen is in the Simien Mountains National Park (Amhara Region) with the usual base town being Debark (and the nearby regional hub Gondar). Visitors normally travel by road to Debark from Gondar (road transfer) and then start multi‑day treks into the park; vehicle access reaches the park boundary but reaching Ras Dashen itself requires hiking and often an organised guide or trekking outfit.
Tips for Visiting Ras Dashen
- Start Ras Dashen treks from Debark or the Sankaber/Chenek trailheads and book a licensed guide or trekking company through Debark's park office - these are the established access routes into Simien Mountains National Park.
- Plan for a multi‑day trek (usually two to three days) to reach Ras Dashen and schedule the final ascent for early morning to avoid afternoon winds and to see gelada baboons active on the cliffs below.
- Avoid the main rainy season (June-September) when trails can be muddy and visibility poor; the dry months give clearer views of the dramatic escarpments and are best for camping on the plateau.