Ethiopia

Split dramatically by the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia is marked by otherworldly, rocky landscapes, an astonishing wealth of ancient relics, including archaeological finds dating back more than three millennia, and a fascinating, rich culture. Set in the Horn of Africa, it’s an incredible destination with much to offer any traveller.

Its sprawling capital, Addis Ababa, is a hotspot for commerce, culture, and dining – some of the best restaurants in the country are to be found here. Try dishes such as savoury injera or spicy kitfo, and don’t forget to wash your meal down with tej, a traditional sweet honey wine. Head to the city’s National Museum to learn more about the country’s culture and history, including reconstructions of Lucy, the country’s famous early hominid. Visitors to Ethiopia can’t miss Lalibela, an awe-inspiring World Heritage site where Christian churches dating from the 12th to 13th centuries are hewn from rock, and linked by subterranean tunnels. Lalibela is still an important pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians. Some of Africa’s most beautiful mountains can be found in the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, where gelada monkeys and walia ibex roam free on the park’s vast, rugged plateau. The walls of Gondar Castle, often called “Africa’s Camelot”, are full of history.