Simien Mountains National Park is named after the Simien Mountains. The mountain is the fourth highest peak in the African continent. Besides being the highest peak, it is also among the major highlands in Africa. The Simien Mountains National Park is one of the major tourist attractions near Addis Ababa, to where excursions are arranged from the city. Tours from Addis Ababa to the Simien National Park are conducted by the travel agents. The hotels also arrange for tours to this national park from Addis Ababa.
There are three botanical gardens in the Simien National Park, the highlands, alpine region and lowlands. The highlands of the park are mountain grasslands. Red hot Pokers, Giant Lobelia and heathers are mostly found in the highlands of the national park.
The Simien National Park was established with the
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primary aim to protect a species of wild goat, the Walia Ibex. The park is home to about 1000 Walia Ibexes. Apart from the wild goat, Simien fox and Gelada baboon also inhabit the park. Visitors to the park may observe about 50 species of birds.
Apart from Addis Ababa, the Simien National Park can also be reached from Debark and Gonder, which are located to the north of Addis Ababa.
The contact detail of the Ethiopia Tourism Commission, which also conducts excursions to Simien Mountains National Park from Addis Ababa, is mentioned below:
Ethiopia Tourism Commission
P.O. Box 2183
Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
Tel. 5514838/5512923
Fax: 251-1-5513899
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