Ethiopia

Ethiopia is unlike almost anywhere else in Africa. It has ancient cities, rock-hewn churches, dramatic mountains, distinctive wildlife, extraordinary food and a coffee culture that is deeply woven into everyday life. This is a country where history is not confined to museums. It lives in churches carved into rock, ancient cities, religious ceremonies, coffee ceremonies, markets and communities across the country. With nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and landscapes ranging from the Simien Mountains to the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia offers an extraordinary amount to discover.

Our Take

Ethiopia is for travellers who want more from a trip than beautiful scenery.

It is one of Africa’s great cultural destinations, but its appeal goes much deeper than its history. Ethiopia gives you a sense of place that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Start in Addis Ababa. The capital combines museums, contemporary culture, restaurants, coffee houses, markets and nightlife with the history and traditions of the wider country.

Then head north and the landscape changes completely.

Lalibela’s churches appear almost impossible when you first see them. Gondar introduces castles and royal history. Aksum takes you further back into Ethiopia’s ancient past. The Simien Mountains replace cities with dramatic cliffs, highland landscapes and endemic wildlife.

Further south, the Omo Valley offers another side of Ethiopia, while the Bale Mountains and Danakil Depression demonstrate just how varied the country’s landscapes can be.

Ethiopia is not always the easiest destination. That is part of what makes it rewarding.

Give it time and you get something that feels increasingly rare: the sense that you are discovering somewhere rather than simply consuming it.

What to look out for

We Love

The depth of Ethiopian culture, the food and coffee, the country’s ancient history and the huge contrast between its landscapes.

Key Locations

Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, Aksum, Simien Mountains, Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, Harar, Omo Valley and the Bale Mountains.

Key Experiences

Explore rock-hewn churches, trek through the highlands, experience Ethiopian coffee culture, discover ancient cities, taste Ethiopian cuisine and meet communities across the country.

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