Simien Mountains

Simien Mountains
Simien Mountains
IUCN category II (national park)
Location	Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Nearest city	Debarq and Mekane Berhan
Coordinates	13°16′N 38°05′E / 13.267°N 38.083°E
Area	220 km2 (85 sq mi)
Established	1969
Visitors	26,000 (in 2016)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Simien National Park
Type	Natural
Criteria	vii, x
Designated	1978 (2nd session)
Reference no.	9
Region	Africa
Endangered	1996–2017[citation needed]

The Simien Mountains^[2]^[3]^[4] (Amharic: ስሜን ተራራ or Səmen; also spelled Semain, Simeon and Semien), in northern Ethiopia, north east of Gondar in Amhara region, are part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They are a World Heritage Site and include the Simien Mountains National Park. The mountains consist of plateaus separated by valleys and rising to pinnacles. The highest Ethiopian mountain is Ras Dejen at 4,550 m with the second highest peak of Kidis Yared at 4,453 m; other notable peaks include Mount Biuat at 4,437 m.

Jin Bahir Falls in the Simien Mountains, falling into the Geech Abyss, near Debarq.

The Simien Mountains are remarkable for being one of the few spots in tropical Africa where snow regularly falls.^[5] Because of their geological origins, the mountains are almost unique, with only South Africa's Drakensberg range having been formed in the same manner and thus appearing similar. Notable animals in the mountains include the walia ibex, gelada, and caracal. There are a few Ethiopian wolves.

^ The characteristics, length of stay and motivation of foreign tourists who visit Simien Mountains National Park, World Heritage Site, Ethiopia
^ "Simien National Park". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 April 2021. part of the Simien mountain massif, which is located on the northern limit of the main Ethiopian plateau and includes the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen. The undulating plateau of the Simien mountains has over millions of years been eroded to form precipitous cliffs and deep gorges of exceptional natural beauty.
^ "Welcome to the official website of Simien Mountains National Park". Simien Mountains National Park. Retrieved 13 April 2021. The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia and abroad with awe.
^ Pozzan, Olivia (22 September 2016). "Trekking Ethiopia's Simien Mountains". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 13 April 2021. Due to its scope and size, the mighty mountain massif of the Simien Mountains is poetically called the 'roof of Africa'. Ras Dashen, at 4543m, is Ethiopia's highest peak and its crowning glory.
^ Discussed further in Frederick J. Simoons, "Snow in Ethiopia: A Review of the Evidence", Geographical Review, 50 (1960), pp. 402-411.

[1] The characteristics, length of stay and motivation of foreign tourists who visit Simien Mountains National Park, World Heritage Site, Ethiopia

[2] "Simien National Park". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 April 2021. part of the Simien mountain massif, which is located on the northern limit of the main Ethiopian plateau and includes the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen. The undulating plateau of the Simien mountains has over millions of years been eroded to form precipitous cliffs and deep gorges of exceptional natural beauty.

[3] "Welcome to the official website of Simien Mountains National Park". Simien Mountains National Park. Retrieved 13 April 2021. The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia and abroad with awe.

[4] Pozzan, Olivia (22 September 2016). "Trekking Ethiopia's Simien Mountains". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 13 April 2021. Due to its scope and size, the mighty mountain massif of the Simien Mountains is poetically called the 'roof of Africa'. Ras Dashen, at 4543m, is Ethiopia's highest peak and its crowning glory.

[5] Discussed further in Frederick J. Simoons, "Snow in Ethiopia: A Review of the Evidence", Geographical Review, 50 (1960), pp. 402-411.

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