{
  "name": "Simien Mountains Road",
  "slug": "simien-mountains-road",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/simien-mountains-road/",
  "summary": "The gravel road from Debark into the Simien Mountains traverses one of Africa's most dramatic highland landscapes, sheer escarpment cliffs dropping 1,500 m, gelada baboons, and views toward Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak.",
  "location": {
    "country": "Ethiopia",
    "region": "North Gondar, Amhara",
    "start": {
      "name": "Debark",
      "lat": 13.158321,
      "lon": 37.899181
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Sankaber",
      "lat": 13.234132,
      "lon": 38.144719
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 28.4,
    "lengthKm": 45.7,
    "driveMinutes": 60,
    "corners": 111,
    "hairpins": 9,
    "maxGradientPercent": 15,
    "summitMetres": 3769.9,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "demanding",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 6
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "autumn",
      "winter"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {
    "hasUnpavedSection": true
  },
  "hazards": [
    "Gravel and rocky surface",
    "4x4 essential",
    "Extreme cliff edges",
    "Gelada baboons on the road",
    "Altitude sickness above 3,500 m"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "mountain",
    "valley",
    "moorland"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Jin Bahir Falls"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 292
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "Routes - bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line, not copied from other lists; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-08-03"
}