Ethiopia is both breathtaking and extraordinary, a country perched on a high plateau in a region known as the Horn of Africa. This land of striking natural beauty, isolated by its geographical features for centuries, has culture and traditions which date back over 3 000 years. Long known as Abyssinia, it stands between the cultures of the Mediterranean and the tribal people of the African heartland who inhabit areas that boast the origins of humankind. The rich history of the country dates back to the Queen of Sheba and is visible today in ancient tombs, rock-hewn churches and colourful festivals. The "Historic Route" north of Addis Ababa will take you to these ancient areas. The vast Simien Mountains constitute one of Africa’s largest ranges and several of the continent’s highest peaks are here. One, Mt Ras Dashen, is Africa’s 4th highest. Mule trekking is the way to get around much of the Simien National Park, as terrain is challenging. Views over the valleys and mountains from some high-lying vantage points are awe-inspiring. Commencing at the Sankabar campsite, the mule trek covers the most impressive part of the trip in terms of scenery. As Gondar has the closest airport to the mountains, you will have chance to explore the castles there. Explore the remote Omo Valley in south-west Ethiopia. This area is virtually free from human habitation, except along the banks of the Omo River, and we visit many of the small villages learning the customs of the local tribes. The Omo National Park, the largest in the country with an area of 3 450 sq km, is a vast expanse of true wilderness. It is one of the richest and least visited wildlife sanctuaries in eastern African.

Historic Route - This is the most popular circuit for those visiting Ethiopia - the 'Cradle of Mankind'. See a range of fabulous constructions, such as the enchanting castles in Gondar; the imposing obelisks at Axum and the incredible, rock-hewn churches around Lalibela. Be amazed by the thundering Blue Nile Falls and enjoy a boat trip on the splendid Lake Tana. Aside from the awe-inspiring constructions at each of these sites, you'll be able to take in a fine blend of scenic delights, natural history (birding is great along this route) and you'll get to know the charming Ethiopian people, who add that much more quality to any visit of their country.

Omo Valley - The Omo National Park, the largest in the country with an area of 3 450 sq km, is a vast expanse of true wilderness. It is one of the richest and least visited wildlife sanctuaries in eastern African. The Omo Valley is situated in south-west Ethiopia. This area is virtually free from human habitation, except along the banks of the Omo River, and we visit many of the small villages learning the customs of the local tribes.

Simien Mountains - The vast Simien Mountains constitute one of Africa's largest ranges and several of the continent's highest peaks are here. One, Mt Ras Dashen, is Africa's 4th highest (for those keen on summiting Ras Dashen please see our 11 day Simien Mountain Ras Dashen Ascent trip). Mule trekking is the way to get around much of the Simien National Park, as terrain is challenging. Views over the valleys and mountains from some high-lying vantage points are awe-inspiring. Commencing at the Sankabar campsite, the mule trek covers the most impressive part of the trip in terms of scenery.

ETHIOPIA COUNTRY INFORMATION:

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
At the centre of Ethiopia lies a mountainous plateau, roughly twice as big as Great Britain, bisected by the Rift Valley and isolated on three sides by desert. Frequently referred to as the Ethiopian Highlands, the plateau has an average altitude of above 2000m and has 20 peaks topping 4000m. Particularly dramatic ate the Simien Mountains to the north of Gonder, and the Bale Mountains southeast of the Rift Valley. The highlands are the source of four major river systems, including the Blue Nile, which rises at Lake Tana in the northwest. Other major river systems are the Wabe Shebele, Omo and Awash. At one extreme, Ethiopia encompasses peaks in Bale that receive periodic snowfall; at the other is the Danokil Desert, with regular daytime temperature of over 50'C. As a rule, however, the country has a pleasant, temperate climate, particularly the highlands and Rift Valley lake region, the areas most often explored by backpackers. The lowlands in the east are dry and hot, while the moist western lowlands around Gambela are one part of the country to feel truly tropical. The rainy season in the highlands runs from late June to early October. The northeastern highlands are prone to rainfall failure (such as the one which caused the ntotrious famine of 1985), but in normal years roughly 1000mm falls over three months.

POPULATION & PEOPLE
The population is about 53 million with a growth rate of around 3.2% per anum. Almost 90% of the people work on the land. There are numerous tribes, the main ones being the Amharas, Oromos and Tigreans. About 40% of the population are Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, another 40% are Muslim, while the rest are mainly animist.

LANGUAGE
There are more than 70 languages spoken in Ethiopia. Amharic was the only official language until 1991, but Tigrinya, spoken in the Northern AREAS, AND Orominya ( also known as Gallinya ), spoken in the South have achieved a semi-official status since then. All three languages use the same script, which is related to ancient Phoenician, with an Alphabet made up of 33 consonants. Speakers of Amharic, Tigrinya and Orominya form about two-thirds of the population. English is the language of higher education and there are some Italian and French speakers in and around Addis Ababa. Arabic is spoken as the common language of the Muslim population.

AMHARIC
Some Amharic words and phrases that you may find useful include:

GREETINGS & CIVILITIES
Hello = Tenaystelegn
How are you? ( to men ) = denaneh?
( to women ) = denanesh?
Response ( to men or women )OK = ishi
Please = ibakih
Thank you = amesegunalhu