Mt Buahit

Mt Buahit is, at 4,430m, the second-highest in the Simien. Most people walk it from Chenek. This is a long, steady climb of 800m or so, easy enough at normal altitudes but a slog here. Fortunately, there are many excuses to stop and admire stuff. Start fairly early in the morning for better light. 

After a short road stretch, strike right up a startlingly pretty valley, notable for its mixed heather and lobelia vegetation. Everlasting flower bushes, packed thick with their white, papery blooms, glow against the early sun.

After another short road stretch, you reach the escarpment edge for some of the best views in the Simien, enhanced by vivid, slanting early light. Wind just behind the lip for half an hour or so, through gorgeous vegetation, every so often reaching huge views out over the landscape thousands of feet below. You have a decent chance of meeting a group of geladas grazing, playing and grooming.

Rejoin the road for a stretch, then turn uphill for the real test. Trudge straight up the steeper upper slope, looking out for walia ibex, which are rare, but plentiful here and not shy. Everlasting flowers are the main plants here, so these upper slopes are a delicate pale grey. 

Stunning views all round from the peak: Ras Dashen, the highest summit, due east; the amazing escarpment lip behind you.

Your descent takes 1hr 30 or so if you retrace your steps along the escarpment edge, or less if you head straight down.

Note - this is usually walked as part of a longish trek (to give acclimatisation time) and would be difficult without that. 

See our Simien Mts page for more photos and information, including practicalities.