Ethiopia (overview)
- Culturally, streets ahead of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. Ancient kingdoms and empires for fascinating historical tours.
- World Heritage site at Lalibela: eleven incredible rock-hewn 12th-century churches with dimly lit passages and grottoes. One of the great historical sites of the Christian world and a centre of pilgrimage. Lalibela and the other main sites –Axum, Gondar and Bahir Dar – make up the classic historic circuit. Usually a mixture of flying and driving to visit.
- Simien Mountains for some of the most dramatic scenery on the Continent. Native species such as gelada baboon, Simien wolf and walia ibex. Trekking possibilities.
- Bale Mountains National Park: There is a luxury eco-lodge here. Pristine wilderness with Afro-Alpine moorland. Black-maned lions, giant forest hogs, mountain nyala and Ethiopian wolves.
- Omo River trips for ethnic tourism. Some areas have been over-exploited, hence the need for more remote trips with mobile camps.
- Wildlife not on the scale of other East African countries, but it is a top birding destination, with over 800 species of which 16 are indigenous and a further 14 shared with Eritrea.
- Few luxury hotels, so focus is on what you are going to see rather than where you are going to stay. Coffee is the main export and is especially good.
