Ethiopia is unique among modern African nations. With ancient churches, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and some of the continent's highest mountains, Ethiopia has a dazzling array of attractions for visitors. Ethiopia is increasingly popular amongst birdwatchers: the country's diverse terrain and the Rift Valley Lakes are home to hundreds of species. The north of the country is well known for its historical treasures.

Set in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains, Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world. At 2,400 meters, the city has a pleasant climate and is a good base for excursions to rock hewn churches and historical towns in the surrounding region. Within the city, the Merçato is one of Africa's largest markets. The National Museum contains the famed fossilized skeleton of Lucy, mankind's oldest ancestor.

The rock hewn churches of Lalibela are eminently worthy of their UNESCO World Heritage status. Once Ethiopia's center of religious authority, Lalibela's churches are an awe-inspiring sight. The churches are connected by narrow paths and tunnels. Bieta Giorgis ' dramatic cross shape is well known, while nearby Bieta Medhane Alem is the largest rock-hewn church in the world. Lalibela is a superb destination at Timket , the Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 19th each year.

Set in the foothills of the Simien Mountains, Gondar is one of the highlights of a visit to Ethiopia. Its magnificent castles drew the praise and attention of ambassadors of the Moghul and Ottoman Empires, and the court of Louis XIV. From the mid-17th to the mid- 19th century, Gondar was Ethiopia's capital. Fortresses and castles bear a resemblance to Moorish architecture. The Castle of Fasilades reflects a wide range of stylistic influences. Gondar's Church of Debre Birhan Selassie is beautifully painted: its roof is covered with images of angels, each one with a different face. Nearby is Falasha Village, believed to be the historical center of Ethiopian Judaism.

Axum is Ethiopia's oldest city, and has played a key role in the region's history. This was the Queen of Sheba's capital city, 1,000 years before the birth of Christ. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was founded here in the 4th century BC. Today Axum's glories are seen in the remains of a series of elaborately carved granite stela, some still standing, and others lying in the dust. Nearby is the Church of St. Mary of Zion , Ethiopia's most sacred Christian sanctuary. The church is rumored to be the repository of the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets on which Moses wrote the Ten Commandments. Just outside town are the remains of the Palace of Sheba , whose floor plan shows the remains of 50 rooms. North of Axum is the ancient town of Yeha , with some of Ethiopia's oldest buildings. The church of Abba Afse is noted for its stone ibex heads -- the ibex was sacred in pre-Christian times.

Bahir Dar's natural and historical attractions make it one of Ethiopia's most appealing destinations. Set on the banks of Lake Tana , the area is the traditional homeland to the Christian Amharic people, whose language was the national dialect of Ethiopia for years. Lake Tana is dotted with islands that are the site of ancient churches and monasteries. Priceless icons, manuscripts and wall paintings are found in the churches (not all are open to women). At the southeast corner of the lake is the source of the Blue Nile . Tissisat Falls are the largest falls on the river and is located at nearby Tis Abbay, 30 km from Bahir Dar.

Dramatically situated on the eastern escarpment of the Rift Valley, Harar was a "forbidden city" for centuries, closed to outsiders. Today, visitors can explore this sacred city, whose 99 mosques make it one of Islam's holiest cities. Harar's past visitors include the explorer Sir Richard Burton and the French poet Rimbaud, who made the city his home. Today, Harar is renowned for its high quality silverwork and basketry.

Travel south from Addis to a realm of overwhelming beauty and natural splendor. The town of Debre Zeit makes a convenient introduction to this region: surrounded by five crater lakes, which attract flamingoes, and monasteries in the surrounding hills. South of Addis is Rift Valley National Park , whose stunning lakes are home to some of Ethiopia's most diverse birdlife. This is also the site of some of Africa's most stunning natural scenery. Each of the major lakes in the valley has its own unique ecosystem. Lake Abyata 's shallow waters are surrounded by grassy shores and acacia woodland. Its alkaline waters attract flamingoes, pelicans, cormorants, ibis, and migratory winter birds from Europe and Asia. Nearby Lake Shala is much deeper, and is surrounded by peaks and cliffs. The lake is an important site for white pelicans, as well as storks and white-necked cormorants. Further south are Lakes Abayo and Chamo , known for the crocodiles, baboons, and wealth of birdlife that flourish in this remote region.

Bale Mountains National Park is a vast region of juniper and heather moorlands in the foothills, leading up to woodland in the higher reaches of the park. With its fast-flowing streams, alpine climate, and several mountains over 4,000 meters, the park is an idyllic realm that hosts several endemic species of flora and fauna. Simien red fox, leopards, lions, baboons, and giant lobelia are all found in the park. This is a lovely area for walking, relaxing, and birdwatching. Over 200 species of birds are found here.

Northern Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with high peaks, steep gorges, and several of the country's endemic species: Walia ibex, Simien Red fox, and the Gelada baboon are found here. The Simien range is one of the major mountain massifs in Africa. The landscape and its people are eloquently described in Dervla Murphy's In Ethiopia With a Mule. The park can be easily explored from Gondar, on a day excursion or a more extensive mountain trek.

The Omo National Park is the largest in the country, with Ethiopia's largest concentration of wildlife: zebra, elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and cheetahs throughout this wild region. This is also an important area for fossils, with hominid remains dating over 4 million years found here. Running through one of Africa's wildest regions, the Omo River is a land of pastoralists and subsistence farmers, living amidst hunter-gatherers. The region is home to some of the last surviving tribal people in the Horn of Africa.