Simien Mountains National Park

Ethiopia is perhaps the hardest to describe. Ethiopia is an incredible blend of natural beauty, history and culture. The natural beauty of the country is obvious, you can’t escape the sweeping views and mountain peaks. The history is all around you; staring up at a crumbling castle ruin you know immediately you’re standing somewhere with a long and deep history.

The culture is something else. It’s less tangible, but even more powerful.

In some sense, everything you do in Ethiopia could be labelled a cultural experience. Wandering the sprawling markets, visiting the ancient churches and monasteries, hiking across the plateaus, and sampling the local cuisine. Everything you experience in Ethiopia is shaped by its culture, and you’ll be constantly in tune with how local way of life differs to your own, in both positive and negative ways.

There is no separating an experience in Ethiopia from the cultural fabric from which it’s borne. That’s what makes Ethiopia so hard to describe. It’s incredibly diverse, and a single destination can be described a thousand ways.

Ethiopia’s northern highlands offer some exceptional trekking experiences. The Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains are common favourites, and the Community Trekking trails set up in the North offer world-class treks while supporting local communities.

Northern Ethiopia is an ancient land etched by fertile, well-watered mountains that birth the Blue Nile and cradle a rich tapestry of history and culture. For centuries, this region has served as a crossroads, where influences from Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean have intermingled, leaving behind a unique legacy. This vibrant mix is best exemplified by its four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each a testament to the region’s enduring heritage:

• Aksum: The ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, a powerful civilization that flourished between the 1st and 8th centuries AD. Marvel at the awe-inspiring stelae, the largest monolithic obelisk ever erected, and the ruins of royal palaces and temples.
• Lalibela: Renowned for its 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches carved into the volcanic tuff during the 12th and 13th centuries. These architectural wonders are still used for worship today and offer a glimpse into Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Christian faith.
• Gondar: This 17th-century city was the capital of the Gondarine Empire and boasts a fascinating collection of castles, palaces, and churches, showcasing a blend of Ethiopian and European architectural styles.
• Yeha: The ruins of an ancient city, believed to be the capital of the D’mt Kingdom, a precursor to the Aksumite Empire.
• Bahir Dar: A charming city on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Home to monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls.

Northern Ethiopia is a destination that will captivate history buffs, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich past, explore its breathtaking landscapes, and discover the warmth and hospitality of its people. Your adventure awaits!

A climbing peak may refer to a mountain or hill peak or a rock formation that has to be ascended by climbing. In Ethiopia’s desolate northern Tigray region, the unique Gheralta mountains reach out to the heavens, the formidable peaks guarding almost inaccessible ancient churches hewn into the rock itself. Climbing may not be the first thing that comes to mind here, but doing so barefoot alongside the faithful hoping to get closer to God is a spiritual, as well as an adrenaline fuelled adventure.

Gheralta is a majestical area of northern Tigray famous for its red sandstone cliffs and rock hewn churches. Gheralta is less known and therefore less touristy than the Lalibela rock churches.

These are other trips.