Ethiopia Vacations

Contrary to widely-held media-generated perceptions, much of Ethiopia is well-watered, verdant and fertile. The ruggedly beautiful ‘Roof of Africa’ has all the ingredients it takes to provide epic and transformative historical Ethiopia tours.

This land-locked north-eastern African country is best known for its northern ‘Historical Route’ in the mountainous regions of Tigray and Amhara. It’s here that you’ll see the awe-inspiring 12^th century Christian rock churches, island monasteries, impressive pre-Christian monolithic stelae and unexpected 17th century castles. Intertwined in the rich history of these regions is a strong spiritual element, which visitors can witness in the form of some truly impressive, annual ceremonies.

For much of its history Ethiopia was ruled by the Solomonic dynasty, which originated in the 10^th century after Menelik I was born to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of Israel. The dynasty was in power from 1270 until 1974, when Haile Selassie, a defining figure of Ethiopia’s history and of messianic significance to the Rastafari movement, was deposed.

Ethiopia has some of Africa’s most mind-blowing scenery, ranging from the vast Simien Mountains to the sweltering Danakil Depression, which, aside from being Africa’s lowest point, has a quarter of the continent’s active volcanoes. Several of the peaks in the mountainous highlands to the north (Simien Mountains) and to the south of the Ethiopian Rift Valley (Bale Zone in Oromia), exceed 4,000 metres in elevation. Adding to Ethiopia’s scenic highlights are its Rift Valley lakes and to the south of these, the Bale Mountains. To the north of the Rift Valley, near Bahir Dar (capital of the Amhara region), additional scenic highlights include the Blue Nile Falls; the Source of the Blue Nile, and Lake Tana.

While 75% of Ethiopia’s population are Oromo, Amhara, Somali and Tigrean, the country has around 80 ethnic groups. The extraordinary tribes of Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (Konso and South Omo) merit special mention as these small communities are about as far away from ‘Western civilisation’ as you can get in Africa.

With the extensive highlands mostly varying between 1,290 – 3,000 meters above sea level, Ethiopia is in some ways almost an ‘ecological island’, with its distinctive assemblage of endemic mammals (39 species) and birds (18 species). Icons include the critically endangered Simien wolf (there are less than 450 remaining) and the unmistakeable Gelada or ‘bleeding-heart’ monkey, the only primate which grazes. Birders will be in their element, with endemics such as Blue-winged goose and Streseman’s bush-crow often being spotted.

With such an abundance of rugged terrain, Ethiopia beckons hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Talk to us about fully equipped mule-trekking trips in the Simien and Bale Mountain National Parks, as well as community village walking holidays which incorporate well-managed home stays in the Tigray and Wollo regions. Whether you wish to take a private, bespoke tour or to join one of our set small group departures, most of which include attendance at significant cultural events, you will be taken care of by our excellent, professional guides and drivers. It is worth bearing in mind that while today there are some very comfortable lodges and hotels, the standard of accommodation in Ethiopia for the most part, does not yet match that in better-known Eastern African destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania.