Dashen

Dashen, commonly referred to as Ras Dashen, is the highest peak in Ethiopia and the highest point in the Simien Mountains. It rises to about 4,550 meters (14,930 feet) above sea level. The mountain is located in the northern Ethiopian highlands, in the Amhara Region, within the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geography and environment are defining features of the peak. Ras Dashen sits in the rugged terrain of the Semien range, characterized by steep cliffs, scree slopes, and Afro-alpine ecosystems. The region experiences a cool to cold alpine climate, with strong winds and temperatures that can fall below freezing at the summit even in the dry season. Snow and frost are possible during winter months.

Ecology in the area includes notable endemic and protected species. The Simien Mountains support animals such as the Walia ibex, gelada baboon, and the Ethiopian wolf, along with a variety of high-altitude plant communities adapted to the harsh conditions.

Access and climbing information. The usual bases for expeditions are towns such as Debarq in the park’s vicinity, and treks to the summit commonly involve guided routes that may take several days. Visitors typically arrange permits, guides, and porters through local tour operators. The best trekking seasons are generally October to February when weather is more favorable and daylight hours are longer. Climbers should be aware of altitude-related risks and variable mountain weather.

Name and significance. Ras is a royal title in Ethiopia, and Dashen is the mountain’s name. Dashen has a long-standing role in Ethiopian mountaineering and tourism and remains a centerpiece of the Simien Mountains’ UNESCO-listed landscape.