Ethiopia boasts a rich and diverse culture alongside beautiful and remote wild places.

The views and vistas of the Ethiopian highlands are incomparable; they include two of the country’s best known national parks: the Simian Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Bale, and are home to Ethiopia’s orthodox Christians and their rock hewn churches in Lalibela.

The south of the country is home to the Omo and Mago National Parks as well as a series of Rift Valley lakes and the Danakil Depression. Many different tribes inhabit the south, the most famous of which are the Mursi who are renowned for their clay lip plates.

This is a destination for well seasoned travelers rather than first time visitors to Africa or those who value luxury and creature comforts. It is of particular interest for its cultural heritage rather than its wildlife.

Want to read up on Ethiopia before you go? Lowis & Leakey and Longitude Books have partnered to create lists of classic, new and hard-to-find books and maps to help you get the most out of your adventure. Click here for suggested reading on Ethiopia.