ETHIOPIA E
thiopia is a simply mind-boggling historical destination. Whichever way you point yourself out of Addis Ababa there’s evidence of ancient culture and religion in an easy-to- explore, safe and affordable package.
Many of Ethiopia’s finest attractions can be seen by following the Historic Route through the north of the country. Bahir Dar, from which the Blue Nile Falls and Lake
Tana’s timeless monasteries are accessible, and Gonder, with its incongruous royal castle, are the usual first two stops flying north from the capital. A hop on from here is
Lalibela, which although known for its astonishing rock-hewn churches, must be the world’s most overlooked great wonder. A day’s hiking to more remote churches is one of the great historical adventures anywhere in Africa. The last stop on the route is Axum, home to an ancient empire and the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Convenient flights link this itinerary.
But it’s venturing off this route that really reveals the depth of Ethiopia’s attractions. There are remote churches and monasteries in Tigray to track down. In the east, the holy city of Harar was a refuge or prison for the poet Arthur Rimbaud, and today its ancient walls contain dozens of mosques and tiny lanes to wander. In the south and elsewhere there are national parks offering wildlife encounters including the chance to see the endemic simien wolf.
You’ll probably pass through Addis Ababa more than once. Ethiopia’s lively capital has a host of fascinating museums to put everything in context. IF YOU LIKE THIS… • The lesser-known emirate of Ras al Khaimah has a traditional desert culture that’s slowly opening to the world just a short journey from Dubai.
• Egypt’s ancient wonders and Christian heritage make for an interesting comparison down the river Nile.