History soaked Ethiopia. Home of the Queen of Sheba, where fact and legend blur. The second oldest Christian nation in the world, reputed to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant. In the long and disturbed history of the African continent Ethiopia remains the only country that has never been colonised. A journey through Ethiopia offers a unique and distinct experience. Ethiopia is home to a truly diverse landscape and peoples. The otherworldly volcanic landscape of the inhospitable Danakil Depression, the lush peaks of the Simien Mountains and the bleak deserts bordering Somalia are populated by a range of ethnic groups. Christian, Muslim and Pagan rituals and practices blur providing Ethiopia with unique cuisines and cultures. Whether it is visiting a Jazz club in Addis Ababa, feeding wild hyenas outside the walls of Harar or watching the salt caravans of the Afar people, Ethiopia will stimulate even the most jaded African adventurer.
DANAKIL DEPRESSION
In the far north east of Ethiopia is the Danakil Depression. The region is at times over one hundred metres below sea level and the scenery can best be described as otherworldly. An inhospitable landscape of sulphur springs, acid pools and colourful rock formations. These harsh conditions are home to the Afar people who mine salt and make the Danakil Depression the hottest inhabited place on earth. The highlight for many of our guests is camping on the rim of Erta Ale and sleeping within spitting distance of the boiling lava of the world’s only permanent lava lake. An experience you will never forget.
HARAR
Harar sits at a crossroads between the Christian kingdoms of Ethiopia and the Islamic coastal regions of the Somali tribes. Considered by some to be the 4th holiest city in Islam, the old city is famed for its medieval townhouses and has 82 mosques including three built in the 10th century. The walls surrounding the sacred city of Harar were built between the 13th and 16th centuries and it is a great joy to simply get lost in its winding streets. African and Islamic traditions combine creating a particular unique character. One of Harar’s more unusual traditions is the nightly feeding of wild Hyenas that wander the streets.
AXUM
Ethiopia is a place where history and myth blur together and nowhere is this more prevalent than in the capital of the great classical Axumite Empire. Believed to be founded by the Queen of Sheba and the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, Axum is a UNESCO world heritage site that is still being explored and excavated. Each year throwing up new treasures.
Highlights of Axum include the Axum Stelae Fields, where 120 stelae (giant granite pillars) are found, dating back to around 300-500 AD. Like the Pyramids in Egypt they were built by ancient rulers to mark their achievements so they would be remembered after their death.
TIGRAY ROCK CHURCHES
The northern Tigray region is home to some of the most outrageously located religious buildings on the planet. In caves, sometimes hundreds of metres above the ground, are churches carved out of the cliffs. Built between the 9th and 15th centuries they are the perfect place for the fit and adventurous culture seeker. Getting to them is half the fun as they are reached by strenuous and sometimes hair raising paths. It may be tough walking but the locations are truly spectacular.
LALIBELA
The eleven 12th century churches in the Lalibela area were built by the King of Ethiopia. He sought to recreate Jerusalem, and structured the churches’ landscape so the churches at Lalibela are clustered in two major groups. One representing the earthly Jerusalem and the other representing the heavenly Jerusalem. A UNESCO world heritage site, the churches are carved from volcanic red rock and are without doubt the most well known tourist attraction in Ethiopia. Time spent inside these structures epitomises Ethiopia’s distinct form of Christianity and spiritualism.
AND MUCH MUCH MORE…
Ethiopia offers an almost endless stream of adventures. The Simien and Bale mountains offer some of Africa’s best high altitude trekking. The Omo Valley is a treasure trove of pagan tribal groups. The Castles of Gonder tell of an ancient African Kingdom. Just contact us if you want to delve further into this beguiling nation.
VISAS
E-visas can be obtained in advance here. It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa.
WEATHER
While Ethiopia falls in the equatorial region the climate changes dramatically from region to region. There are rains from late April to September which make travel to rural and high altitude areas very difficult. The East and South of the country can be extremely hot while the highlands have a temperate climate. Contact us for best seasons for different activities.
ELECTRICITY
Two prong European style system (type C and L)
WIFI
Internet speeds are slow even in major cities. In rural areas it is very poor.
FOOD
Ethiopia food is. The staple is Injera, a sourdough flatbread which people seem to either love or hate. It is served with various dishes of meat (often spicy) and vegetables. Often in the form of wats (stews). Coffee is big in Ethiopia and the coffee ceremony is not to be missed. Also look out for Tej, local mead.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is permitted and is widely available.
LANGUAGE
Amharic is the most common spoke language but there are multiple minority languages.
RELIGION
Orthodox Christian and Muslim.
DRESS CODE
No special dress code, remove shoes when prompted to enter churches or mosques, women should make sure shoulders are covered.
SAFTEY & SECURITY
The FCO considers most of Ethiopia to be a low risk region to travel. The exceptions are some border areas due to political tensions between its neighbours. There is also a risk of civil unrest in certain regions. Contact us for information on how we work to minimise risk for our guests and staff.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Emperor: Downfall of an Autocrat – Ryszard Kapuscinski
Eating the Flowers of Paradise: One Man’s Journey Through Ethiopia and Yemen – Kevin Rushby
The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears – Dinaw Mengestu
Cutting For Stone – Abraham Verghese
Beneath The Lion’s Gaze – Maaza Mengiste
Notes From the Hyena’s Belly – Nega Mezlekia
Mountain Biking in the Danakil Depression
In 2017 we assisted with the first ever mountain bike crossing of the Danakil depression in Ethiopia for the WOAM (Women on a Mission) team. They wanted something to push them out of their comfort zone and boy did they get it.
They’ve embarked on many projects and expeditions around the world, ranging from Siberia, Iran, Bhutan, Mongolia and more, but their journey across the Danakil was their toughest to date seeing them cover 200km over 6 days, with temperatures up to 50℃. You can read more about WOAM’s remarkable work and the fundraising they do at https://www.womenmission.com.
Trips in Horn of Africa
Mogadishu Add On
CulturalExplore the city of Mogadishu with an experienced English speaking Somali guide/translator and a four-man security detail.
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Somaliland Marathon
MarathonsThis package offers travel and entrance to the Somaliland Marathon, which takes place in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital. Contact us for more details about the 2024 package.
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Mogadishu Marathon
MarathonsThis package offers travel and entrance to the 2024 Mogadishu Marathon. Contact us for more details about the 2024 package.
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