What's Hot in Ethiopia

Lale's Camp

With a few higher-end exceptions, accommodation in Ethiopia tends to follow a tried, tested and perfectly acceptable formula of guesthouse style properties offering a very traditional experience. You really do feel like you’re in Ethiopia. Lale’s Camp is a fairly significant departure from this formula, offering a far more traditional tented safari camp feel. Indeed, experienced safari-goers could be forgiven for thinking they have woken up in Tanzania or Zambia such is the feel and style of the camp. Set amidst a grove of trees overlooking a wide sweep of the Omo River, Lale’s Camp is a superb base for visiting the tribes of the Omo Valley. It offers easy access to many of the communities as it cuts out the drive from Turmi where many visitors usually base themselves. Boasting a stunning location, lovely rooms and a very traditional safari feel, Lale’s Camp is a superb choice for those looking to explore the Omo Valley in a little more style.

Stylish Bedrooms at Lale's Camp

Gheralta's Rock Churches

When it comes to Ethiopia and visiting churches, the default position for many operators, guidebooks and specialists is to recommend Lalibela without hesitation. Doubtless, the churches are incredible and their style, history and amazing feat of engineering to construct them mean that no trip to Ethiopia would be complete without a stop here. However, as we enter an age where travellers are looking for experiences away from the “norm” Lalibela can be considered a little mainstream (in Ethiopian terms at least) so it is worth looking elsewhere for something truly unique. Step in the stunning Gheralta region, where a large number of “cave churches” can be found and visited by intrepid travellers looking to explore the region. Some are very accessible, just a short walk from the roads and have a wonderful feel to them, but for a true sense of exploration and exhilaration, the ones perched high on mountainsides, accessed by precipitous walks along narrow ledges are truly spectacular. Granted this isn’t an experience for everyone, you need to be fit and have a head for heights, but those who make the journey here will enjoy a truly incredible experience that is very much away from the crowds.

Visiting a rock church in Gheralta