As one of the main draw cards for nature lovers, Jelada Monkey is a good reason to travel to Ethiopia. Monkeys are one of the few life experiences you can encounter to meet primates in such proximity. Below is a guide showing how to visit the Jeradamonkeys in northern Ethiopia. It includes everything you need to know to plan your visit, as well as our top tips for your trip.
Visiting Jeladasal
Jeladamonkey is an indigenous of Ethiopia Simien Mountains. To this day, the area is protected by the national park’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as the Jelada Baboon, these primates are extremely sociable and can be seen in her big girlfriends, up to 1,000 feet or more. The bleeding heart monkey has only been found here in northern Ethiopia, making it a huge tourist drawer. Other indigenous animals to the Simien Mountains include Walia Ibex.
How to visit Jelada Monkey
To visit Jeradamonkey you will need to head to the Simien Mountains. Your first calling port is GondA city in northern Ethiopia. This is the ancient capital of Ethiopia and is worth a stopover, but if you are willing to skim the surface, you can see the highlights of Gonder within a few hours. There is a rather touristy atmosphere in the city, and there is no shortage of locals offering to sell you what you pay for.
There are multiple flights per day from Addis Ababa to Gondar. If you are flying to Addis Ababa (most international flights take place), you can connect to Gondar that night or after a short stopover on Addis. Unfortunately, the capital doesn’t have much to offer to tourists. It’s best to spend time elsewhere.
Landing at Gonder
Once you land in Gonder, the easiest way to reach the Simien Mountains Please book your transfer in advance. There are many companies offering pickup services from Gonder Airport to the mountains, and most often book this as part of a camping package on Mount Simien.
All the businesses that take you to Simien Mountains can ensure that you include Jelada Monkeys, whether you’re staying one, two, three or more in the mountains. We saw the monkey on the first day about 40 minutes after the hike. The monkeys we encountered were used to human visitors as they had been studied at American universities for many years. This means we were able to enter the monkey metres without fearing or affecting their space.
Simien Mountains: Things you need to know
Simien Mountain Security
Everyone entering the park must hire security. This is about job creation, so while it’s not too much for physical risk, it also adds value to feeling safe inside the park. Each vehicle entering the park requires an X1 Security Guard and an X1 Tour Guide (speaking English). This is charged daily and is often included in estimates with travel agencies.
Camping at Simien Mountains
The best way to experience the mountains is to camp for a few days. There are many companies offering guided camping trips at Simien Mountains. Prices can vary dramatically, so you should always barter at the best prices. If you’re staying overnight, or you can also book your last minute moments in Gondar. Book a camping trip before landing in Ethiopia and you will pay a premium.
Other locations in Simien Mountains National Park
Jeradasal is one of the national park draws, but they are not alone. If you’re interested in wildlife, you can follow the path to higher elevations and find the elusive Walia Ibex. I had the opportunity to see these at 4,500m above sea level. A major draw card for travelers visiting the park is to hike for several days at elevation. The view is incredibly incredible, especially when you see the fog clearer and the colour brighter at sunset.
