1. Agreement to Terms & Conditions
These Terms of Service constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“Traveler”) and Simien Mountains Tour (“SMT Tour”), registered and licensed in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, with operations headquartered at Bole Hayahulet, Addis Ababa, and field headquarters in Debark.
By submitting an inquiry, paying a booking deposit, or using our website, you explicitly agree to be bound by these Terms. If booking on behalf of multiple travelers, you confirm you possess legal authority to bind all participants.
2. Booking, Inclusions & Payment
Every SMT Tour expedition is customized to meet exacting logistical and safety standards. To guarantee guide allocation, national park permits, and wilderness transport, the following payment terms apply:
Deposit Requirement
A 20% to 30% deposit is required upon itinerary confirmation to secure EWCA permits, armed park scouts, and expedition pack animals.
Balance Settlement
The remaining balance is payable prior to departure via wire transfer, online payment, or cash at our Addis Ababa or Gondar office before trek briefing.
What Our Pricing Includes: Park entrance fees, armed scout fees, certified mountain guide, camp chef & meals, mules & muleteers, and all camping & cooking gear.
3. Cancellations & Refunds
Because park permits and community staff are reserved in advance, our cancellation tiers balance traveler protection with community fairness:
| Notice | Refund | Credit |
|---|
| 31+ days notice | 85% refund | 100% transferable |
| 15–30 days notice | 60% refund | 80% transferable |
| 7–14 days notice | 30% refund | 50% credit |
| Less than 7 days | No refund | Case-by-case |
Non-refundable government park fees and pre-issued domestic flight tickets cannot be refunded once stamped by Ethiopian authorities. Comprehensive travel cancellation insurance is strongly advised.
4. High-Altitude Safety & Guides
Trekking in the Simien Mountains involves elevations from 3,200m to 4,543m (Ras Dejen). While our itineraries are engineered for gradual acclimatization, mountain safety remains paramount.
Lead Guide Final Authority: Your lead guide and EWCA scout reserve absolute authority to alter routes or initiate immediate descent for safety reasons.
5. Fitness & Mandatory Insurance
Mandatory High-Altitude Travel Insurance — Every traveler must possess personal travel and medical insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to 4,600m), mountain rescue, and helicopter emergency evacuation. Proof is verified prior to departure.
Trekkers are responsible for assessing their physical fitness. Those with pre-existing conditions must consult their physician prior to booking.
6. Park Rules & Conservation
Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. SMT Tour is dedicated to zero-impact sustainable tourism:
- Wildlife Distance: Maintain minimum 5 meters from wildlife. Feeding or disturbing animals is prohibited by law.
- Waste Management: All non-organic trash is packed out. No littering.
- Flora Protection: Felling trees or taking specimens is illegal.
7. Equipment & Belongings
SMT Tour provides high-grade tents, sleeping mattresses, kitchen tents, and culinary service. Travelers are responsible for personal clothing (down jacket, thermal layers, rain gear, trekking boots). Mules are limited to 15 kg per trekker. Sleeping bags can be rented.
8. Limitation of Liability
Wilderness trekking involves exposure to remote environments, rugged terrain, changing weather, and wild animals. SMT Tour exercises the highest professional diligence but shall not be held liable for injury, loss, or delays caused by events beyond our reasonable control (Force Majeure), including severe weather, landslips, government closures, or flight cancellations.
9. Cultural Respect & Photography
We hold deep bonds with the highland communities. Travelers are asked to:
- Always ask for polite permission before photographing local residents or ceremonies.
- Avoid handing candy or money directly to children. Ask our guides how to support local schools or clinics constructively.
10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Addis Ababa, following good-faith mediation.
Simien Mountains Tour — Legal & Booking Support
