| 'The Hidden Empire'
The only nation on the continent not to be formally colonised by a Western power, Ethiopia offers the discerning, adventurous traveller a spectacular and rewarding African journey unlike any other.
One of the world’s last ‘Hidden Empires’, Ethiopia was for a long time closed off from the international community. However, after the 30-year civil war came to an end in 1991, the newly elected federal government embarked on a programme of investment and development, in the process opening up the country’s borders to those eager to explore the land of the Queen of Sheba, the Blue Nile, King Lalibela and the Ark of the Covenant.
Journeys By Design have successfully run itineraries and managed the challenges of travelling here for decades, and are rightly considered the UK's leading specialist tour operator to what is an incomparable, challenging and truly fascinating destination.
With few top end lodges, restricted air charters and travel conditions which can be testing at times, Ethiopia is not for first-time visitors to Africa, nor travellers searching for boutique luxury or a relaxing getaway. That said, while the tourism network is undeniably naïve, there are endless positives and superlatives about this totally unspoiled country which, perhaps like no other, allows visitors to be transported back in time on what is an awe-inspiring and often, very moving, travelling experience.
A Christian land before much of Europe, to visit Ethiopia is like stepping into the pages of the Old Testament. Abundant in ancient historical and religious treasures, the medieval monuments here, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are some of the world’s finest, including the island monasteries of Lake Tana, the obelisks of Axum and the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, considered by many the Eighth Wonder of the World.
With more highland areas than Kenya and Uganda combined, Ethiopia is a mountainous country of dramatic beauty. Two national parks in particular, Simien & Bale, offer breathtaking vistas and trekking opportunities which are unique in East Africa. As there is little big game here, Journeys By Design does not sell the country on its wildlife, but even still Ethiopia boasts some of the planet’s highest levels of endemism and the jagged mountain ridges of the Simiens are home to the last endemic populations of Walia Ibex, Mountain Nyala Antelope and Abyssinian Wolf.
The lowlands of Ethiopia are equally compelling with a string of beautiful Rift Valley lakes, the fire-cracked plains of the Danakil Depression, the lowest point on earth – and one of the hottest, and the enormity of the Omo Delta, home to some of the most remarkable indigenous groups in Africa including the masters of body decorating, the Hamer, the crocodile-hunting Dassanech tribes and the lip-plated Mursi.
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