1. Addis Ababa

The Ethiopian capital, and by far and away its biggest city, is an unexpected pleasure for the visitor, so much so that Addis was named on of the world's 'Top 10 Cities' by Lonely Planet in 2013. Bursting with the energy of a country on the make, it's a place where Ethiopia's rich past intersects with the vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan urban center. Museums and churches share street space with invariably packed restaurants, and a macchiato is never more than a stone's throw away.

2. Lalibela

Often described as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’, Lalibela is Ethiopia’s most famous attraction and the keystone of its growing tourism industry. The eleven churches that dot the village were commissioned by King Lalibela in the twelfth century and hewn directly into the bedrock, a feat of engineering so extraordinary for the time that popular myth claims the builders were helped by angels. The unusual construction method draws comparison with the Jordanian ruins of Petra. But these are living monuments, which continue to welcome worshippers daily. Being here for one of Ethiopia’s many Christian festivals is unforgettable. 

3. Omo Valley

Located in Ethiopia's south-west corner, the Omo Valley is the heartland of unique tribal cultures that have inspired the curiosity of anthropologists and intrepid travellers for decades. The pastoralist societies that live here are fiercely independent and retain determinedly diverse in their dress, such as the lip-discs worn by Mursi women, and customs, including the Hamer tribe's 'Jumping of the bulls' ceremony (you can check out a video here). Come here to witness an old world persevering. 

4. Simien Mountains

Soaring high among the volcanic outriders of the Great Rift Valley, the Simiens are the ultimate showcase of Ethiopia's spectacular mountain landscape. Often dubbed the 'Roof of Africa', it's an extraordinary highland kingdom where moorland studded with giant lobelias is patrolled by armies of gelada monkies 500-strong. The gradients on the plateaus are relatively gentle, the wildlife is ubiquitous and the views from the escarpment just keep on coming. This is one of the world's greatest trekking destinations.

5. Lake Tana

Ethereal Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, and a great stop-off to break up the journey between Addis Ababa and the far north. Easily accessible from breezy Bahir Dar, the laid-back town that sits on its southern shore, its waters are dotted with verdant islands several of which are home to orthodox churches. Though overshadowed by the marvels of Lalibela, Tana’s churches remain a splendid place to learn about Ethiopia’s deep-seated spirituality, and to see some of the country’s best examples of religious iconic frescoes.

6. Aksum

The most northerly point on Ethiopia’s famous ‘Historical Circuit’ Aksum is a bustling town with a rich history. From 400BC to the tenth century, it was the capital of the Aksumite Kingdom, a wealthy naval empire that was among the first regions in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Today, it is famed as the supposed resting place of the Ark of the Convenant, which resides away from public gaze in a humble chapel, crouched amongst some of the town’s many grand churches.

7. Gonder

Gonder, like so many archeological treasures in Ethiopia, might come as a surprise to those who believe that pre-colonial Africa was devoid of advanced ‘civilization’. Standing proudly in the heart of the today’s pleasant town like a highland Camelot, the spectacular castle ruins that draw people here hark back to an age of medieval empire and courtly intrigue. Most famous of all it sights are the mud-brick buildings of the Royal Enclosure, constructed by King Fasilidas in the mid-sixteenth century, whose empire attained great wealth and influence before political in-fighting led to its decline.

8. Danakil Depression

Occupying Africa’s lowest point, where three tectonic plates converge, the Danakil Depression is an extraordinary sun-baked griddle of salt pans and active volcanoes. Its most celebrated site is Erta'ale, a lava lake which provides one of the few places where you can peer at the tectonic forces that shaped the world. The searing heat, harsh landscape, and ferocious reputation of the Afar tribes-people that live there have earned Danakil the moniker of the ‘cruellest place on earth’. If you like extreme, look no further.

9. Harar

Yep, you’re seeing it right: that’s a man feeding a hyena scraps of meat from his mouth. The eastern city of Harar – where this feeding of wild hyenas is a nightly spectacle – is Ethiopia in the raw. Once one of the Horn of Africa’s principal staging posts for trade with Arabia, it has retained a distinctly Muslim (and in places medieval) character. The old-town, bound by thick sixteenth century walls, is a fascinating labyrinth of mosques, markets and faded glory.

10. Bale Mountains

With its green alpine landscape punctuated with river gorges and rock buttresses, the Bale Mountains National Park in southern Ethiopia is another fantastic trekking destination. The region is particularly popular with wildlife enthusiasts, boasting more endemic species than anywhere else in the country. Many of Ethiopiaæs 500 or so Ethiopian wolves live in these mountains, together with numerous bushbucks, duiker, warthogs and rare Bale monkeys.