Older, stranger and more historically dense than anywhere else in the region.
Rock churches, highland escarpments and the Omo Valley
Ethiopia is the outlier in East Africa — never colonised, with its own alphabet, calendar and church, and a history that runs continuously for three thousand years.
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are carved down into the ground rather than built up from it, and are still in daily use. The Simien Mountains hold escarpments over a thousand metres deep, and gelada — found nowhere else on earth.
This is a cultural and landscape journey rather than a wildlife one. Travellers who want both usually pair it with a Kenyan safari.
Highlights
- The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
- Simien Mountains and gelada troops
- The castles of Gondar
- Tigray's cliff churches
- Lake Tana monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls
Best time to visit
October to March, after the rains, when the highlands are green and clear. Timkat in January is the most spectacular festival in the country.
Experiences here
What you'll actually spend your days doing.
Journeys in Ethiopia
Where to start.
Wherever you're going,let's plan it properly.
A short call, a handful of questions, and a first draft itinerary within 48 hours.