Ethiopia

This conglomeration of ancient kingdoms is full of abundant traditions and customs. In the southern Omo Valley, you’ll witness some of the last unique tribes on earth; where men and women adorn their bodies with bright beads, lip discs and headwear made of fresh flowers and bird feathers or paint their bodies each morning in intricate tribal patterns. In the northern reaches lies Lalibela, where the famous rock-hewn churches dating back almost a thousand years stand majestically. According to local beliefs, the famous Ark of the Covenant is said to rest in this region, too. The Simien Mountains provide a lush region begging for hiking amongst Gelada monkeys, Ethiopian foxes and incredible birdlife. Ethiopia reached archaeological fame when a 3.2-million-year-old hominid (and possibly our oldest ancestor), named ‘Lucy’ was discovered. You can visit her remains in the National Museum in Addis Ababa. There are many wonders waiting for you in this incredible country with some of the warmest and welcoming people in all of Africa.

Large clay plates inserted in the lower lips of women, leather skirts decorated with shells, hair dyed with red ochre or headpieces crafted with flowers, bird feathers and twigs invoke awe. This cultural melting pot is home to over a dozen traditional tribes and is one of the most fascinating crossroads on the African continent. For anyone wishing to witness authentic traditions as they were hundreds of years before, this is the place to do so. You’ll witness the bull jumping ceremony of the Hamer, peruse markets for traditional wears, and if you are lucky you may observe a local dance performance. While a very remote area with no bells and whistles, you’ll be immersed amongst the hundreds of small tribal villages peppering the landscape, each with their unique customs and language, coexisting in varying degrees of peace.

Ancient Rock-Hewn Churches, a Place of Pilgrims— A UNESCO heritage site, the 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of Lalibela date back to the 13^th century and are truly wonderous. Located in the Ethiopian highlands these breathtaking churches carved out of the earth make Lalibela one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities and the destination of thousands of pilgrims each year. Discover the area with specialist guides who are well versed in the history and religious importance of each church. Most visitors choose to split the churches into two groups, spending at least half a day at each. We highly recommend attending either a dawn service or experiencing a night vigil here surrounded by hundreds of white-robed pilgrims during one of the major religious festivals.

Home of the Gelada Monkey – The first national park in Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains National Park sits largely at an altitude above 1,000 feet (3,000 meters) and delivers stunning mountainous views. Days spent surrounded by craggy peaks, tumbling waterfalls and deep valleys provide visitors with spectacular hiking experiences. There are several animals that call the Simiens home including the endangered Walia Ibex, endemic Gelada Monkey (until recently thought of as baboons), the elusive Ethiopian Wolf and for the birdwatchers among us, the Lammergeier Falcon. While the days are mild with beautiful clear blue skies, the evening temperatures can plummet, so we advise packing several layers and enough warm clothing, particularly if you are doing a multi-day trek.

Hidden Gem- Located in northern Ethiopia approximately 2.5 hours away from the Simien Mountains the small city of Gondar is often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. An incredible collection of crumbling castles, fortifications and palaces stand within its boundaries. This regal and ancient historical city of Ethiopia is absolutely worth a visit, as it was the home of many royals who led the country from the 12^th to 20^th century. For those visiting in January, there are many celebrations and Gondar throngs with people wanting to witness the colorful and vibrant processions. Our piece of advice… book far in advance!

• We recommend at least 7 days each for the historical circuit of the north and the cultural circuit of the southern Omo Valley. If you want to combine the two, we recommend at least 12 – 14 days.
• Ethiopia is an excellent destination for all travelers who are seeking history, culture and adventure. It is also recommended for those who have been to Africa several times for wildlife focused trips and are looking for something different.
• Visas are required for most international visitors and can be obtained upon arrival in Addis Ababa. We advise visiting a travel health clinic to ensure your inoculations are up to date.
• There are regional flights allowing for convenient connections between Addis Ababa and the cities in the north. By contrast the south relies predominantly on road or river transfers unless you are willing to private charter a helicopter from place to place.
• Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia however English is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry and amongst the youth.
• Guides are very knowledgeable and are often required to access various destinations such as the Simien Mountains or Omo Valley. Most speak excellent English.
• Ethiopian food is very flavorsome and mostly consists of injera (local flat sour bread) combined with a variety of curries and sauces. Many dishes are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Ethiopia also has excellent coffee which is served the country over.

The highlands rarely rise above 68°F (20°C) and have been known to see snow whereas the Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, driest places on the planet. This said, the country enjoys a mild climate with two distinct seasons defined by the rains. October through June coincides with the dry season and is generally considered the best time to visit the country. For those interested in attending a festival, Ethiopia hosts a variety of jubilant celebrations – from the Timkat festival in January, celebrated by orthodox Christians to the Hidar Tsion; a pilgrimage to Axum by Ethiopians from all over the country.

However, once this is understood, you will find that the friendly and polite locals are enchanting, and their history fascinating. Ethiopia will provide a truly “off the beaten path” experience we guarantee you’ll never forget that is well worth the journey.