4,550 m
Elevation
3,997 m
Prominence
13.2333°, 38.3833°
Coordinates
1841 — French officers Ferret and Galinier
First Ascent
About Ras Dashen
Ethiopia's highest peak in the spectacular Simien Mountains — a UNESCO site home to endemic gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves.
Climbing Ras Dashen: route, season and difficulty
- How long it takes
- 8–14 hours round trip, or two days using a mountain hut
- Do you need a guide?
- Not required if you are comfortable with exposed scrambling and mountain navigation, but a guide is a good call in poor visibility or early season.
- Best season
- Usually the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months.
- Terrain & gear
- Steep trails with scrambling, loose rock or short exposed sections. Helmet, sturdy boots, wind and rain shell, headtorch, and a via-ferrata set if the route is cabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain in Ethiopia?
The highest mountain in Ethiopia is Ras Dashen, at 4,550 meters above sea level.
How long does it take to climb Ras Dashen?
Allow 8–14 hours round trip, or two days using a mountain hut. Times vary with fitness, conditions and which trailhead you start from.
Can you climb Ras Dashen without a guide?
Not required if you are comfortable with exposed scrambling and mountain navigation, but a guide is a good call in poor visibility or early season.
When is the best time to climb Ras Dashen?
The usual season is the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months. Outside that window expect snow, storms or closed access.
What gear do you need for Ras Dashen?
Helmet, sturdy boots, wind and rain shell, headtorch, and a via-ferrata set if the route is cabled.
How high is Ras Dashen?
Ras Dashen stands at 4,550 meters (14,928 feet).
Where is Ras Dashen located?
Ras Dashen is located in Ethiopia, within the Simien Mountains.
Has Martin climbed Ras Dashen?
Not yet — Ras Dashen is still on Martin's list of remaining country highpoints.