The land that time forgot

Ethiopia

Captivating history and unique cultures

Ethiopia is an awe-inspiring and intriguing forgotten land. Sitting at the apex of the Great Rift Valley, its story begins in pre-history with the emergence of early human-ape homins including the famous ‘Lucy’.  More recently, Ethiopia’s history is laden with the treasures of great empires including ancient tombs and obelisks, pre-Christian temples and 2000 year old rock-hewn churches, some teetering on top of remote mountain spires. It boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any African country and is the only one never to have been colonised.

The landscapes are no less dramatic, and the Simien Mountains are arguably the most spectacular mountain range in Africa, if not the world, providing tremendous trekking and unique wildlife encounters. Meanwhile the Danakil Depression is the lowest, hottest, most inhospitable place on earth yet is home to the Afar people who travel in great camel caravans to cut salt from the earth. In the north you’ll see Arabic influence at every turn, while the south is home to some of Africa’s most fascinating tribes, including the Mursi who are famous for their lip plates.

With an unfathomable history spanning millennia, staggering natural beauty and some of the kindest, proudest and most fascinating people on the planet, Ethiopia is like nowhere else on earth.

You Will Love

  • Staggering natural beauty at every altitude
  • The Tribes of the Omo Valley and the Afar of the Danakil
  • Being way off the beaten track – a real adventure
  • The unique, iconic wildlife
  • Countless UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Unfathomable history spanning millennia

Unforgettable experiences in Ethiopia

A selection of our favourite places to stay in Ethiopia

Thank you for recommending we head to the Simien Mountains when we did. We got there just after the rains and the whole place was carpeted in wild flowers. Stunning. Watching the gelada baboons playing in all that colour was amazing.

Sam Collins

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience