An Ethiopian Adventure

Start your Ethiopian adventure in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains, in the capital of Addis Ababa. Spend the day exploring the high altitude city, visiting the National Museum to see the world-famous 3.2 million-year-old Lucy, the Ethnographic Museum, its beautiful churches and the Merkato Unity Park in the Grand Palace. In the evening, enjoy listening to some classic Ethiopian jazz and sampling your first injera, before spending the night at the grand five star Sheraton Hotel. The hotel offers beautiful views over the city as well as first class amenities such as its spa and pool, making a relaxing and luxurious first night in Ethiopia.

From Gondar, explore the historic 16th century Fasilides fortress castle before continuing your journey to the Simien Mountains for your three night stay at the Limalimo Lodge. This unique and sustainable lodge has some spectacular panoramic views over the landscape which can be enjoyed with your breakfast or a sundowner on the balcony. During the day, drive through the Simien Mountains spotting its endemic species – the Ethiopian wolves, gelada monkeys and walia ibex. Explore the plateau on foot, trekking up to the Simien peaks or across the lowlands, spotting some of Ethiopia’s fantastic birds and flora. A trip to a rural Ethiopian village can also be arranged, where guests can take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and try local dishes, as well as learn about local beekeeping.

Discover the ancient city of Axum, Ethiopia’s historic imperial centre and the supposed residence of the Queen of Sheba, before driving through the Gheralta Mountains. Stay at the KorKor Lodge in the Eastern Tigray Region, surrounded by the mountains where some of the 140 rock hewn churches and archaeological sites can be explored. These include half day excursions to the Debre Maryam Korkor and Abba Daniel. Most of these sacred cave churches were carved in the mountains before the 14th century, and to explore them, you must have a strong sense of adventure and a head for heights as you trek through the remote rocky landscape.

Head to the hottest place on earth – the Danakil Depression in the Dallol Desert. Stay two nights at the Saba River Camp to explore this volcanic crater surrounded by sulphur springs and lava pools. The tented mobile camp is in the ultimate location to explore the Danakil, and you can walk through this otherworldly landscape, past brightly coloured sulphur pools, alien-like sculptures, salt pillars and hot springs. Stroll up the Saba River to visit the small Afar communities who harvest the salt in the Danakil’s lakes and salt pans. Spend an evening watching the sunset over the lake, with a sundowner to hand, watching the camels as they carry their loads of salt to the distant market.