Ethiopia

Ethiopia, Africa’s oldest independent nation, is a land of extraordinary diversity, home to 31 mammal species and recognised as one of the world’s premier avian havens. With its magnificent architecture, rugged alpine peaks, and a rich tapestry of culture and history, Ethiopia offers discerning travellers a uniquely immersive African adventure.

From the medieval rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the baroque-style royal palaces of Gondar, and the cultural terraces of the Konso Highlands, Ethiopia’s millennium of Christian history has shaped a vibrant and enduring cultural heritage. The islands of Lake Tana house some of the world’s oldest churches, while Axum, fabled home of the Queen of Sheba, is adorned with monumental granite obelisks that testify to the country’s ancient architectural genius.

Ethiopia’s highlands teem with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, including the Ethiopian wolf, walia ibex, and gelada baboons. The Bale and Simien Mountains are natural wonders that beckon every intrepid explorer.

Bale National Park, with its dramatic alpine peaks and sweeping plains, evokes scenes straight from a classic Western. Experiencing the park on horseback, particularly across the Sanetti Plateau at sunrise, offers an unforgettable perspective on Ethiopia’s wild beauty.