Historic Northern Ethiopia Holidays

Northern Ethiopia is a treasure trove of historical capitals, where religious customs from the Middle Ages continue to thrive, including in the Queen of Sheba's Axum; in Lalibela, with its 13th century rock-hewn churches; and in Gondar, which was the country’s capital in the 17th and 18th centuries. Discover each city’s ancient monasteries, legendary churches and historic monuments, before exploring the region’s more remote areas and appreciating the unique beauty of its landscapes. Northern Ethiopia holidays should always include guided trekking into the Simien Mountains – nicknamed 'God's chess set' after their weather-eroded shapes – to explore the habitat of gelada baboons, endangered ibex and rare Simien foxes. Included in UNESCO’s list of heritage sites, the Simien Mountains National Park is one of the continent’s most magnificent ranges.

Historic Northern Ethiopia holiday ideas

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Historic Northern Ethiopia Guide

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What can you find in Northern Ethiopia that you won't find anywhere else?

Northern Ethiopia is known as the Historical Circuit for good reason, as every crevice of this region contains ancient treasures waiting to be uncovered. For history buffs, Northern Ethiopia holidays offer a truly ancient form of historical education, with rock-hewn churches dating back to the 12th century in Lalibela, the twin tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel from the sixth century in Axum and the temple ruins from 700BC at Yeha, claiming the title of Ethiopia's oldest standing structure.


Begin in Lalibela at the legendary UNESCO-listed rock churches, which have been a focus of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians since the 12th century. Next, explore Axum – Ethiopia’s holiest city – and home to the Axum Obelisk, the tallest of the city’s many decorative stone pillars, dating from the fourth century. Equally wondrous are the natural charms of the landscape and our travel experts can design Northern Ethiopia holidays which perfectly combine the region’s storied past and present environment. Trek through the Simien Mountains or venture to the Danakil Depression, an otherworldly landscape featuring a lava lake and fluorescent yellow sulphuric plain, which appeals to the most adventurous of travellers.

Best places to go in Ethiopia



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