With its fabulous 3,000-year history, diverse peoples, vibrant culture, varied wildlife and fauna, and magnificent scenery embracing every landform from high mountain plateaus to parched deserts, Ethiopia is a destination without peer. Add to this one of the finest climates in Africa ("thirteen months of sunshine!"), and you have so many reasons to visit this incredible country.

Located in the northeast Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the oldest nation in Africa. Ethiopia has extraordinary archaeological sites, a country with one of the richest histories on the African continent. In the North of the country are the seventeenth-century castles and the Imperial Compound of Gondar, the monasteries of Lake Tana and the thirteenth-century monolithic rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela in the Wollo Region – the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The wildlife found in Ethiopia is quite different from that of the rest of East Africa. It shows some affiliations with the Middle East and includes the native Walia ibex, Gelada baboon, Simien fox, and mountain nyala. However, the people of Ethiopia truly round out the character of this land of enormous ethnic diversity.

Finally, no trip to Ethiopia is complete without witnessing the remarkable Timkat ceremonies, celebrating the Baptism of Jesus. The colours are spectacular, and it ranks as one of the world’s greatest street festivals.