Once almost synonymous with poverty due to the widely televised famine in the 1980’s, this is an old country rich in culture, fascinating tribes, people, and numerous historical sites that also boasts stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes. Addis Ababa, the country’s capital, is a good starting point for a number of excursions. It is host to large markets, beautiful cathedrals and mausoleums. AXUM, considered the ancient royal capital of the earliest Ethiopian Kingdom shouldn't be missed. To the north of the city, the Blue Nile waterfalls offer a picturesque excursion, while the Bale Mountains National park to the south, is perfect for the adventurous. Rising over 4000 metres in height, it is one of the few places for high altitude horseback riding and trekking. Here, you can see the endemic Simien Red fox, the Mountain Nyala (a type of large mountain antelope), Anubis baboons among others. It is the largest afro-Alpine habitat in the world. Spelunkers will be thrilled to visit Sof Omar Cave – a massively extensive underground network of caverns. The Rift Valley Lakes are another interesting destination. It is a network of 7 in a volcanic backdrop – one of the best places for birdwatching, within which lake Abiata is one of the only lakes in Ethiopia where it is safe to swim. On the food side, Ethiopian cuisine is a delicious experience, characterized by a medley of meats and vegetables served on top of injera, a type of flatbread that is eaten by hand. This is a place that is still developing its tourist infrastructure, but offers memorable authentic experiences for the hardy traveller.
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