Ethiopia

The briefing

Ethiopia is the most culturally distinct country in Africa - the only nation to have maintained its own script, calendar, and cuisine for millennia, sitting on a highland landscape of extraordinary geological drama. Lalibela's eleven medieval rock-hewn churches, carved monolithically from red volcanic rock in the twelfth century, are one of the world's great architectural wonders. The Simien Mountains above them offer day hikes through gelada-baboon territory to viewpoints at over 4,000 metres. Ethiopia rewards an early start and a loose afternoon, not a packed checklist.

Lalibela's eleven medieval rock-hewn churches, carved monolithically from red volcanic rock in the twelfth century, are one of the world's great architectural wonders. The Simien Mountains above them offer day hikes through gelada-baboon territory to viewpoints at over 4,000 metres.

The Omo Valley in the south holds some of the most culturally intact tribal communities in the world. Access requires a guide and genuine respect - but the depth of encounter available here, with communities whose lives have remained largely unchanged for centuries, is something found nowhere else.

How to get there

Gateway airports: ADD. Build the rest of the trip around the arrival.

Book first

Flights - ADD → Stay close to the trailheads, not an hour of extra desert driving in Ethiopia → Operator - 4WD, permit, or canyon outfitter after the stay