Discover Ethiopia on a Tailormade Wildlife Holiday

Ethiopia is a land of extreme contrasts and many historians believe it to be the earliest home to man. It has a deep and rich history, incredible scenery and boasts some of the highest and most beautiful places on the African continent. It is the perfect destination for a tailormade wildlife holiday, to combine excellent wildlife watching and a rich cultural experience.

The people of Ethiopia are of mixed religion and many have tribal routes or indeed still co-habit in a tribal environment. On a tailormade wildlife holiday you will have the opportunity to meet the people, experience their way of life and appreciate how they live in harmony with their natural environment and the incredible wildlife of the country.

Highlights of Ethiopia

As interesting as the capital city of Addis Ababa is, you may only need a few days to explore before heading out to the surrounding countryside. There are five roads that lead away from the city, and each offers plenty to experience. You can visit incredible gorges, ancient monasteries and numerous crater lakes. Debra Libanos and Jemma Gorge are among the most famous attractions. Debra Libanos is an important figure in Ethiopian history, and the cave in which he is believed to have prayed for seven years while standing on one foot is a place frequented by pilgrims from all over the world.

Situated about 400km to the southeast of the capital, the Bale Mountains National Park is a must-visit attraction in Ethiopia. This diverse area is currently protected and noted for its huge range of fascinating wildlife and wonderful scenery. The high altitude Sanetti Plateau reaches over 4000m and is home to the highest Ethiopian peak. The plateau is stunningly beautiful and the glacial lakes, swamps and volcanic ridges are home to many wildlife species, including the Ethiopian Wolf. This area is perfect for those who love to hike and explore off the beaten track places.

Lake Awassa is the smallest lake in the Great Rift Valley and is an idyllic place for relaxing, wildlife spotting and simply soaking up the beautiful scenery. The lake is an ancient volcanic crater and is famous for its healthy fish population and its resident hippo clan, which congregates close to the village of TikurWoha. There are plenty of birds, including Pelicans, Storks, Herons and Sea Eagles to be spotted here, and lots of walking opportunities around the lake too.

A tailormade wildlife holiday to Ethiopia has the advantage of being flexible, so you should ensure you try to include a trip to Lake Langano. Bordering the eastern shore of the lake is East Langano Nature Reserve, which is a stunning forest providing the habitat for over 300 birds and many mammals – including the famous and very entertaining Colobus Monkeys. You can explore on foot or on horseback.

Ethiopia is a prime destination for a tailormade wildlife holiday that perfectly combines wildlife, culture and a touch of history.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for a tailormade wildlife holiday, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.