Simien National Park

A stupendous landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Featuring 1,000m high escarpments, rugged pinnacles and towering buttresses, this park is home to the endemic Gelada Monkeys, Walia Ibex and the Ethiopian Wolf and to the World’s highest density of Lammergeyer, the huge bearded-vulture. The park is a scenic gem, the short walks are exciting and wildlife viewing is rewarding.

Lake Tana / Blue NileFalls

Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake and primary source of the Blue Nile. Walk to the Blue Nile Falls where the river drops over an impressive 45m high escarpment on its way to join the White Nile.

Rift Valley and the Lakes Region

South of Addis, enter the gigantic East African Rift Valley that slices the African continent from the Red Sea to Mozambique. Enjoy the lakes – swim in Lake Langano and go boating on Lake Chama to find the hippos, gigantic crocodiles and a huge variety of birds; 800 bird species are found in Ethiopia and many of these are found in the Rift.

Amazing Historical and Cultural Heritage Axum

The oldest city in Ethiopia and the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. According to Orthodox Christian belief, Axum is the home of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit Stelae Park and observe ancient religious rituals.

Rock Hewn Churches of Tigray

More than a hundred rock-hewn monasteries are clustered in the cliffs and promontories of the Tigray region. Climb/hike along incredible pathways to discover cliff-face rock-hewn churches and tiny chapels that are filled with medieval paintings and sacred artifacts. Some fantastic short walks are optional participation.

Lalibela

Unofficially recognized as the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World, the 12th and 13th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are unique. Totally carved below ground level, the churches have been a focal point for the devout highland people for eight centuries and today are living Christian shrines. People come to services and prayers each day and colourful traditional ceremonies can be observed. Behind the town is Asheton Maryam Monastery at almost 4,000m, the hike takes 4 hours return, it’s a fabulous morning walk for those who make the climb as the views are stunning

Lake Tana Monasteries

The Tana islands and peninsulas are home to a host of 14th Century Ethiopian Orthodox Monasteries, where the amazing untouched murals and artifacts are a visual encyclopedia of Ethiopia’s religious heritage.

Tigray

Tigray is Ethiopia’s best-kept secret. This northernmost region of the country was the birthplace of Ethiopia’s Axumite Empire, and among the first regions to have embraced Christianity, a heritage still visible in the numerous rock churches that dot its rugged landscape.

Harar

Harar is an important Muslim holy city, home to no fewer than 90 mosques. Though it lacks the historic marvels of Gondar and Axum, Harar is one of Ethiopia’s liveliest, most welcoming cities.

Gondar

A medieval Capital city and Royal Compound of the 17th and 18th Century kings, Gondar is often referred to as the “Camelot of Ethiopia”

Danakil Depression

Dallol in the Dannakil Desert is one of the lowest places on earth at 116 meter below sea level, where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formations in the hottest and deepest part of the Danakil depression where salt is excavated, cut salt into slabs and loaded on to caravans of camels. Volcano Erta Ale is globally recognized as one of the most alluring and yet physically challenging natural attractions.

The South Omo Valley

The Omo Valley is home to a dozen or so animist tribes whose striking body adornments and traditional lifestyle scarcely acknowledge that the modern world exists. This region is a living anthropological museum, where the tribes still practice body scarring and body painting and create amazing ochre-coated hairstyles. To visit the Mursi, Hamer, Konso, Ari, Karo and Dorze people in their traditional villages, is a true once–in-a-lifetime experience