Ethiopia
Captivating history and unique cultures
Ethiopia is an awe-inspiring and intriguing forgotten land. Sitting at the apex of the Great Rift Valley, its story begins in pre-history with the emergence of early human-ape homins including the famous ‘Lucy’. More recently, Ethiopia’s history is laden with the treasures of great empires including ancient tombs and obelisks, pre-Christian temples and 2000 year old rock-hewn churches, some teetering on top of remote mountain spires. It boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any African country and is the only one never to have been colonised.
The landscapes are no less dramatic, and the Simien Mountains are arguably the most spectacular mountain range in Africa, if not the world, providing tremendous trekking and unique wildlife encounters. Meanwhile the Danakil Depression is the lowest, hottest, most inhospitable place on earth yet is home to the Afar people who travel in great camel caravans to cut salt from the earth. In the north you’ll see Arabic influence at every turn, while the south is home to some of Africa’s most fascinating tribes, including the Mursi who are famous for their lip plates.
With an unfathomable history spanning millennia, staggering natural beauty and some of the kindest, proudest and most fascinating people on the planet, Ethiopia is like nowhere else on earth.
You Will Love
- Staggering natural beauty at every altitude
- The Tribes of the Omo Valley and the Afar of the Danakil
- Being way off the beaten track – a real adventure
- The unique, iconic wildlife
- Countless UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Unfathomable history spanning millennia
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
Unforgettable experiences in Ethiopia
Marvel at rock-hewn churches
Marvel at rock-hewn churches
A private guide will unearth the mystifying rock-hewn churches of the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia, many of which are still important pilgrimage sites for Coptic Christians. Lalibela is the site of eleven medieval monolithic...
Meet the tribes of the Omo Valley
Meet the tribes of the Omo Valley
The Omo Delta in southwest Ethiopia is one of the least accessible but most ethnically diverse parts of East Africa. Over ten distinctly unique tribes exist within a 38-mile radius, including the lip plate wearing Mursi, the Hamar...
Encounter rare, endemic species
Encounter rare, endemic species
With 14 major wildlife reserves, Ethiopia is home to over 300 mammals, of which 39 are endemic. The Walia Ibex lives almost exclusively between 2,500 and 4,500 meters high in the northern escarpment in the Simien Mountains Nationa...
Hike the Simien Mountains
Hike the Simien Mountains
The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a rugged and remote chain of mountains that stretch across northern Ethiopia. The highest peak, Ras Deshen, reaches over 4,500 meters. Due to the fragility of ...
A selection of our favourite places to stay in Ethiopia
Limalimo – Simien Mountains National Park
Simien Mountain chic
The first lodge of its kind in Ethiopia, Limalimo is luxurious, design led and sustainable. Architecturally masterminded in clean lines and polished concrete, it perches on the edge of an escarpment in the Simien Mountains National Park with simply stunning views. Rooms are minimal but stylish and communal areas are inviting.... Read More
Gheralta Lodge – Tigray
Gateway to the biblical North
Gheralta Lodge is your launch point for exploring the rock-hewn churches and 'land that time forgot' scenery of the northern Tigray region. Low level and built of rock it blends seamlessly into its stony environment and boasts dramatic views across the vast landscape, especially at sunset.... Read More
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Ethiopia blew me away. Our local guide was a gentleman – perfect English, a kind soul and ex-university lecturer so he really knew his stuff. The whole journey went like clockwork - even losing my passport didn't phase him! - and we couldn’t have asked for a better trip.
Ella Kiddell
Thank you for recommending we head to the Simien Mountains when we did. We got there just after the rains and the whole place was carpeted in wild flowers. Stunning. Watching the gelada baboons playing in all that colour was amazing.
Sam Collins
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
