Ethiopia

This “New Jerusalem” of monolithic churches and rock-hewn architecture draws Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims from the farthest corners of the country. Carved straight down into Lalibela’s red volcanic rock hills, the holy city’s 11 monolithic churches are ringed by trenches, courtyards, graves and hermit cells, connected by a tangled maze of tunnels and passageways.

Home to an incredible number of ethnic groups, the tribes around the Omo Valley have lived there for centuries and follow many ancient practices. Explore their villages, learn about local customs and wander through bustling markets which are a unique way to observe the social interaction and commercial dealings between the different groups.

Gondar, nicknamed the “Camelot of Africa,” was founded in 1636, and its stone castles, churches and monasteries are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn from an expert how these citadels were later reimagined in the Baroque style by Jesuit missionaries. Then, continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church to admire the frescoes on its walls and ceiling depicting magnificent biblical and medieval scenes.

Simien Mountains National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — features terrain dotted with deep valleys, escarpments and a high plateau. Explore this rugged homeland of the walia ibex and lion-maned gelada monkey on a guided hike. Survey dramatic basalt lava landscapes, watching for unique flora and keeping your camera ready for sightings of rarities like the Ethiopian wolf and the lammergeier, an impressive bird of prey.

The distinctively hot and piquant flavours of Ethiopian cuisine are derived from the variety of spices used in its wots (stews) and tibs (curry). Learn to cook these popular local dishes in a cooking class with tips from a chef in Addis Ababa. Then, taste what you helped create, eating as Ethiopians do from communal plates lined with injera, a traditional fermented bread, savouring a moment that captures the spirit of everyday life in this ancient land.