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Ethiopia

Ethiopia tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Ethiopia is a land of breathtaking historical landmarks and compelling cultural traditions played out across an incredibly powerful landscape. It's a wonder Ethiopia isn't spoken of in the same breath as Egypt or Greece more often, so important is it as a centre of civilisation, so numerous are its ruins of tombs and obelisks, the remains of an ancient African society.

In Ethiopia you can trek in the towering Ethiopian Highlands and visit the weird and wonderful Danakil Depression, a tectonic hotbed 100 metres below sea level. Travellers can also meet Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of one of the world's oldest hominids ever found, discovered in the country and now on display at the Ethiopian National Museum in Addis Ababa, Africa's highest capital city.

Other Ethiopia travel options include wandering around the cool walls of the famous Lalibela rock churches and discovering the historic cities of Gondar and Axum. Being entertained by local azmaris - wandering minstrels - and spotting zebras, ostriches, crocodiles and flamingos in Nechisar National Park, one of the least visited national parks in East Africa, are other highlights on a tailor made Ethiopia holiday.

In southwestern Ethiopia, the pastoralist tribes of the Omo Valley maintain a way of life that has existed by the Omo River for centuries. The Mursi, Hamar, Suri and Nyangatom and some of the better-known tribes in this region, part of the Great Rift Valley, and tours can be arranged to some villages - giving visitors an illuminating insight into tribal culture.

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
7½ hours

Time zone
GMT +3

Currency
Ethiopian birr = 100 cents

Language
Amharic

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Where to go in Ethiopia

Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is the relaxed tonic to the frenzied spirit of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Located near Lake Tana and the Blue Nile, the city of Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia's most picturesque cities and a breath of fresh air to many travellers.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is Ethiopia's boisterous capital and Africa's fourth largest city. Many people consider their first encounter with the city overwhelming, but thanks to a comfortable climate, fine restaurants and some of Africa's most interesting museums, it's a real urban gem - a vibrant and culturally…

Ethiopia's National Parks

Ethiopia has nine national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries. These are some of the least visited parks in Africa, but offer the chance to see some spectacular scenery and the diverse Ethiopian wildlife.

Highlands

The Ethiopian Highlands, a vast area of thick wooded valleys, striking peaks and grassy plains, is known to many as the Roof of Africa. Nowhere else on this vast continent does the land stay so high for such a wide area, rarely dropping below 1,500 metres. Its great summits reach heights of over th…

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Ethiopia articles

New Year's Day in Ethiopia

Today, 11 September, is New Year's Day according to Ethiopia's calendar. We take a look at the history and significance of this date.

A Journey of biblical proportions

For as long as 5,000 years, stelae – stone obelisks – have been used in north-east Africa as tombstones and monuments to local rulers.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0611 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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