Ethiopia

Ethiopia is like nowhere else on the planet, a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, fabulous wildlife and some of Africa's most soulful peoples.

Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, is a rugged, landlocked country split by the Great Rift Valley. With archaeological finds dating back more than 3 million years, it’s a place of ancient culture. Among its important sites are Lalibela with its rock-cut Christian churches from the 12th–13th centuries. Aksum is the ruins of an ancient city with obelisks, tombs, castles and Our Lady Mary of Zion church.

Quick facts

Capital: Addis Ababa
Population: 102.4 million (2016) World Bank
Currency: Ethiopian birr
Official language: Amharic

Best time to go

High Season (Jan–Mar)

• Expect sunny skies and warm days.
• Good for wildlife watching and Ethiopia’s most colourful festivals, including Timkat and Leddet.
• Book accommodation through an agent at festival time.

Shoulder Season (Oct–Dec)

• The country is green, skies are sunny, trekking is great and there are fewer visitors.
• Wildflowers bloom in October and birds arrive en masse in November.
• December is excellent for the Danakil Depression.

Low Season (Apr–Sep)

• The rainy season in southern Ethiopia with scorching hot temperatures in the lowlands.
• Visibility is often poor with overcast conditions and seeing wildlife is a challenge.
• Elsewhere it's uncomfortable rather than impossible to get around