Learn about the stelae at Axum with your private guide
Discover the fascinating rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Why choose Ethiopia for your next luxury adventure?
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most captivating destinations, offering an extraordinary mix of history, culture, and landscapes that will leave even the most seasoned travellers in awe. After my first Ethiopia holiday many years ago, I returned home full of wonder – and admittedly, a little overwhelmed! With every subsequent trip, the country continues to surprise me, revealing yet more layers of its beauty and complexity. The truth is, you simply can’t experience all that Ethiopia has to offer in one trip. It’s not a place to ‘tick off the list’ in a week; it’s a destination that will keep drawing you back!
Ethiopia holidays can be summed up as ‘luxury adventure travel’ and ‘exclusive and privately guided safaris’. Luxury in this case refers to space and exclusively – having vast areas to yourself without hordes of visitors – as Ethiopia simply doesn’t have mass tourism. Privately guided safaris are the best and most meaningful way to explore this extraordinary country.
To help you plan your journey, I’ve compiled a guide to some of Ethiopia’s most fascinating destinations, focusing on unforgettable experiences and the sights you simply can’t miss.
Northern Ethiopia: exploring the historic route in style
The historic part of northern Ethiopia to consider for your holiday includes Lalibela, Axum, Bahir Dar, Lake Tana and Gondar. The terrain is extremely varied, so whilst you are focusing on culture, religion and history the landscape is quite stunning too.
Lalibela: Ethiopia’s spiritual heart
Start your journey in Lalibela, often called the ‘New Jerusalem’ for its incredible rock-hewn churches, carved directly into the ground in the 12th century. Each church is a masterpiece of architecture and devotion, connected by narrow tunnels and passageways. The most famous, St Giorgis, has a “roof” which has been carved into a beautiful cross shape, and is considered the best preserved of the monolithic churches.
Walking through Lalibela feels like stepping back in time. During your visit with a private guide, you may witness a religious ceremony taking place and hear the mesmerising and melodious chanting of the monks. My favourite moment? Standing in silence during a service, listening to the rhythmic chants of priests echoing through these ancient walls. It’s a humbling and deeply moving experience.
Where to stay in Lalibela
High-end lodges such as Mezena Lodge offer a relaxing base to return to after a day of exploration.
Axum: Ethiopia’s ancient imperial capital
Next, head to Axum, the former capital of the Aksumite Empire, which ruled from around 80 BC to AD 825. Once one of the world’s great powers, Axum is renowned for its ancient stelae fields, with the largest, the Obelisk of Axum, standing 79 feet tall. These carved obelisks mark the burial sites of ancient nobility. The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is another highlight, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, guarded by a monk appointed for life.
Visiting Axum offers a deep dive into Ethiopia’s ancient history. The lessons you learn walking in Axum with your private guide and visiting the stelae fields are extraordinary, especially with some of the top Ethiopian guides I have been led by.
Gondar: castles of the Camelot of Africa
Gondar is a city steeped in history and known for its majestic 17th-century castles. Once the capital of the Solomonic rule, Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasilides, who constructed his castle beside the Angereb River around 1635. The Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) is still standing, a testament to Ethiopia’s rich heritage, and the ruins are mesmerising to explore.
Don’t miss the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with its iconic ceiling adorned with painted angels. I vividly remember standing under this masterpiece, completely speechless alongside my travel companions. Moments like this, when history comes alive in such an intimate way, are why I keep returning to Ethiopia.
Watch the hairy gelada baboons grazing on cliff tops in the Simien Mountains.
Spot the rare Walia ibex with your private guide on the mountainous terrain of the Simiens.
Visit ancient monasteries and see their well-preserved treasures at Lake Tana’s islands.
Meet the Afar people with their camel caravans trekking across the Danakil Desert.
"You simply can’t experience all that Ethiopia has to offer in one trip—it’s a destination that will keep calling you back!"
Bahir Dar & Lake Tana: monasteries and the Great Smoke
Located on the shores of Lake Tana, Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia’s prettiest towns, with tree-lined avenues and picturesque lake views. The lake itself is dotted with 14th-century island monasteries, such as Ura Kidan Mihret and Azwa Mariam, which house priceless treasures like ancient crosses and crowns.
A boat cruise across the lake is a must, offering a peaceful journey to these sacred sites. While in Bahir Dar, make time to visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), about 30km downstream. Known as ‘The Great Smoke,’ these roaring falls are particularly breathtaking during the rainy season, with water cascading over a width of 400 metres.
The Simien Mountains: a luxury wilderness experience
For nature lovers and adventurers, the Simien Mountains are a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts jagged peaks, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife like the gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves.
Seemingly on top of the world at an altitude of around 3500–4350 metres, the mountains are simply stunning. You can see for hundreds of miles and there are canyons plunging into valleys with rivers and waterfalls. Explore during daily walks with a specialist guide and interact with the shepherds that live in these high altitudes. You can see the highest point in the Simiens including Ras Dashen at 4533 metres. Private trekking here is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re taking a short hike or embarking on a multi-day expedition.
I’ll never forget watching the sunrise over these rugged landscapes, with the calls of geladas echoing in the distance—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Where to stay in the Simien Mountains:
Simien Lodge, the highest lodge in Africa, offering private chalets and breathtaking landscapes. For a more intimate stay, consider luxury tented camps with personal guides and staff, or private boutique hotel Limalimo Lodge, offer comfort, privacy, and stunning views.
Omo Valley: cultural immersion in complete privacy
The Omo Valley is a living tapestry of cultures and home to over 80 ethnic tribes such as the Mursi, Hamar, and Karo tribes, each with unique customs, dress, and traditions. Spend time with a private guide who has built authentic connections with the Omo Valley tribes. Head off the beaten track for unique insights, ensuring a respectful and exclusive interaction.
Visiting this region offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity. Whether you’re witnessing a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony or visiting the painted Karo tribes along the Omo River, the experiences here are profound!
Where to stay in the Omo Valley:
Stay in a small tented camp with private guide Graeme Lemon, or at Lale’s Camp. Both offer exclusive, authentic insights to the tribal communities and cultures of the Omo Valley.
Search for the endangered Ethiopian wolf in the Bale Mountains.
Ascend to the Sanetti Plateau to explore the arid landscape.
Bale Mountains: a hidden gem for exclusive wildlife and adventure
The Bale Mountains are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering exclusive safaris to see rare Ethiopian wolves, mountain nyalas, and a dazzling array of birdlife. There are approximately 300 Ethiopian wolves here on the Sanetti Plateau, as well as over 60 mammal species and 265 bird species. The Harenna Forest with its juniper and hygenia woodland lies on the southern side of the Bale Mountains National Park and is home to the Bale monkey, black and white colobus monkey and other wildlife.
The lush forests, grasslands, and alpine landscapes provide a sharp contrast to the arid Danakil or the rugged Simien Mountains. On my first visit, my birdwatching list grew exponentially—I couldn’t believe the diversity of species I encountered! Activities include private horse trekking, bird watching, or hiking with expert guides. For any wildlife lover, the Bale Mountains are an unmissable paradise.
Where to stay in the Bale Mountains
Bale Mountain Lodge, a luxury eco-lodge offering secluded, sustainable stays deep within the wilderness.
The Danakil Depression: an adventure into Earth’s hottest place
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most alien landscapes on Earth, sitting at more than 100 metres below sea level. Here, sulfuric springs bubble in vivid shades of yellow and green, salt flats stretch endlessly, and volcanic activity shapes the land.
Despite its harshness, the Danakil is utterly mesmerising. Experience the awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes with expert guides on a private tour, and explore the salt flats and sulphur springs in a tailored itinerary that ensures privacy and safety. Here also is a volcano called Irta Ale, which has been continuously erupting since 1967. This volcano holds a permanent lava lake in its small southern crater.
Visiting feels like stepping onto another planet, and the local Afar people who have adapted to this extreme environment offer insights into life in one of the world’s most inhospitable places. If you’re lucky, you may see one of these nomadic tribes bringing their camel trains to the Depression’s salt pans.
How to plan your Ethiopian adventure
Ethiopia is a land of contrasts, where ancient history, diverse cultures, and diverse landscapes come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover.
If you’re ready to explore this incredible country, I’d love to help you plan your journey. Get in touch to embark on a personalised itinerary that brings Ethiopia’s wonders to life.
