Ethiopia

Known colloquially as Addis, the capital of Ethiopia is perched high in the hills at the footsteps of the Entoto Mountains. Addis is rich in culture with various history and art museums, architectural landmarks, cathedrals, and a bustling city center with Africa’s largest open-air market. Authentic Ethiopian cuisine and rich coffee are a highlight of any trip to this city along with the wonderful shopping for fabrics and silver in the shops and bazaars.

Travel to Bahir Dar brings you to Ethiopia’s largest body of water, the beautiful Lake Tana. On the southern shores of the lake, you will find wide avenues lined with palm trees and colorful flowers reminiscent of the French Riviera. The lake itself is home to 37 small islands to explore, most of which shelter monasteries and churches, some dating back to the 13th century. Because of their isolated locations, many houses, priceless murals, artworks and illuminated manuscripts from around the country may be viewed with the priest's assistance.

Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia from the mid-17th to mid-19th century, and today it still retains the regal stature of its former glory. Situated on a high ridge at 7,500 feet, the city is populated with fascinating medieval castles, churches, and palaces. Once the home of emperors, princesses, and other royalty, along with a number of famed explorers, the remaining structures of Gondar weave a rich history, the stories of which are more fascinating than fiction.

In the far northern reaches of Ethiopia, you find one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices. The Simien Mountains are not only a National Park but were also one of the first locations to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This remote location is not easy to reach but will reward nature lovers with its slew of rare and unique fauna including the Gelada (or red hearted lion maned) baboon, the rare Walia ibex, and even the rare Simien wolf. If you’re lucky enough to sight a Walia ibex, rejoice: this species is found nowhere else in the world. The Simiens reach a towering height of 14,900 feet and are a magnificent trekking destination with routes ranging in length from a few hours to several days. 

Though the entire country of Ethiopia is well known for its century’s old churches, the church of St. George is perhaps the most fascinating of them all and is the prize of Lalibela. Hand carved giant blocks of stone carved directly out of the mountain and sunken into a trench in the earth 95 feet down, this architectural wonder can be reached only by a very narrow man-made canyon, which then transforms itself into a concealed tunnel leading to the church. Lalibela’s eleven medieval monolithic rock-hewn churches are so widely revered that they are referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Part of the Ethiopian Highlands and south of the Awash River, Bale Mountains National Park is a high-altitude landscape perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Unique birds and mammals thrive within the Bale Mountains and are easily admired within the wild alpines of the park. This is one of the best sites to spot the rare and endangered Ethiopian wolf and naked mole rat. Both are endemic and highly endangered yet easily spotted here in this rare ecosystem which is reminiscent of Iceland or New Zealand in its purity. 

Hidden in southwest Ethiopia, the Omo Valley offers one of the most immersive cultural experiences in Africa. More than a dozen tribes call this region home, each with its own traditions, ceremonies, and vibrant artistic expression. From the striking body paint of the Karo to the lively markets of the Hamar, every encounter feels authentic, welcoming, and full of character.