Africa + Indian Ocean

Ethiopia

The destination that should be at the top of any adventurer’s wish list

Ethiopia has emerged as one of Africa’s most exciting destinations – a land of contrasts that is home to some of the oldest civilisations in the world, but also a thrilling developing art and culture scene.

The country has so much to offer from the moment you arrive. Addis Ababa alone boasts the remains of ‘Lucy’, the world’s oldest known almost complete hominid skeleton as well as the Mercato – Africa’s largest market.

For adventurers we recommend hiking through the Simien Mountains in search of its endemic mammals, while culture fans can delve deep into its more recent history by exploring its emperors’ castles in Gondar and visiting the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, which are often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.

Luxury tourism is still a relatively new concept for Ethiopia and hotels tend to be comfortable rather than lavish, often with a faded grandeur charm. This is part of the adventure, and what they lack in facilities the staff make up for in kindness, living up to their reputation as some of the most friendly people in Africa.

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An online magazine by the experts at cazenove+loyd

Read our curated collection of travel notes and stories from our experts, clients and friends on the ground who will give you the inside track on our thrilling destinations.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK MOUNTAIN-TOP MONASTERY MISSION

For those who like to work a little before being rewarded with a treat – climbing up a mountain path for half an hour to reach a tiny little monastery is for you. Just outside Lalibela and its numerous well known underground churches, we can arrange for your private guide to take you away from the town on a much more private and off the beaten track experience.

An Introduction to Ethiopia

The country is still best known in the UK for Live Aid – 27 years ago, astonishingly. But there’s so much more to the country than pain and poverty; although yes, visitors will encounter that aspect. Addis is Africa’s political capital, sophisticated as well as ramshackle, and this city of teeming blue taxis and large squares is worth a day or two of anyone’s time.

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Area in Focus

Addis Ababa is a capital on the rise. Firmly re-capturing its ‘swinging sixties’ heyday, the exciting city has a burgeoning jazz scene and emerging coffee culture that will thrill the most discerning travellers

Testimonials

Stories from Ethiopia

"A travel destination to put on your bucket list is Ethiopia, that is if your tastes run to places that are distinctive, authentic, and rich civilizations with centuries old history with their own culture, food, music and dance."

Karen Escalera

"We went from the capital city of Addis Ababa with its buoyant Ethio - jazz scene and museums, to the Simien mountains where we viewed up close and personal the red-breasted gelada baboon, dramatic natural scenery, and historic sites including one of the eight wonders of the world."

Karen Escalera

"The diet is heavily reliant on vegetables and legumes with an absence of sweets; low on carbs; and a two day a week fasting plus normal religious fasting periods during the year. We felt as if we were at a wellness retreat!"

Karen Escalera

"In travelling around the country for over a week, never once did we feel unsafe or insecure. Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming, with big smiles complementing their oversize sparkling eyes."

Karen Escalera

"It was through seeing a photography exhibit of the Omotic peoples by Hans Silvester at the Marlborough Gallery in New York , that I first came to put Ethiopia on my list. I recommend our tour operator from the UK, cazenove+loyd. They’re very good at customising a trip to special interests, are responsive, reliable, and offer quality and value."

Karen Escalera

PHOTO GALLERY

Our snapshots of Ethiopia

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Each of our dedicated experts has extensive knowledge of the destinations they specialise in. They are continuously re-visiting, trying and testing so that they can offer you up to date and little-known insights into the regions they are so passionate about.