Addis Ababa
The schizophrenic character of the Ethiopian capital is something to experience. Priests in medieval robes share the streets with urbane iPhone toting modern yuppies – and stray animals. The architecture is just as varied.
Founded in 1887, the city on the foothills of Mount Entoto is the political, economic and social nerve-centre of Ethiopia. It is as cosmopolitan as any of the world’s great cities with numerous shops, restaurants (with exotic food) and bars.
The Great Omo Valley
This region in the south of Ethiopia is where tribal people still live and dress as they did centuries ago. Visit the Surma and the Mursi tribes where women still wear lip plates and animal skin. But avoid the Omo Valley between mid March and June because rain can make the roads extremely muddy. Rather opt for the dry season from the end of October to mid March.
Gondar
Discover the castle capital of Africa! Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasilidas around 1635. It is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches.
The Simien Mountains
Ascend to an alpine summit. The mountains offer great views and a variety of wildlife, including baboons, Ethiopian wolves and birds of prey such as the rare lammergeyer – a huge vulture.
Mago National Park
The park is east of the Omo River and stretches south towards the Chew Bahir basin. It is rich with wildlife with few human inhabitants. Mammal species total 81, including hartebeest, giraffe, roan antelope, elephant, lion, leopard and black rhino.
