Rolling hills, rocky cliffs, massive waterfalls, and rare wildlife await your eyes in Ethiopia. Hike in the mountains, visit with local tribes who still live off the land, or sip cardamom coffee in one of Addis Ababa’s cafes. You’ll never be bored in this fascinating country.

The oldest independent country in Africa, Ethiopia is one of the safer countries to travel in on the continent. However, certain areas, like the area east of Harrar, should be avoided (or at least approached with caution) as some separatist groups commit guerrilla attacks from time to time. Still, Ethiopia’s crime rate is much lower than that of many surrounding countries so most travelers bring home everything they left with plus some new memories.

The Semitic language of Amharic is the official language and spoken by nearly every Ethiopian citizen. However, English is the most often taught second language and almost all young Ethiopians speak some English.

Red-fronted gazelles, spotted-necked otters, cheetahs, Ethiopian water mice, warthogs, lesser woolly bats, spotted hyenas, butterfly bats, zebras, and giraffes are just a few of the incredible animals you might spot in Ethiopia. Visit the Bale Mountains National Park to spot many of these animals and hike along the rocky cliffs or swim in the alpine lakes. Make it a day trip or the focus of your vacation. Several companies offer multi-day treks through the mountains.

Bird watchers delight over seeing many of the endemic species of Ethiopia. Found nowhere else, birds like the wattled ibis, white-collared pigeon, and black-winged lovebird are a treat to watch as they cross the Ethiopian sky or perch in a fig tree.

Injera, a spongy bread made from teff, is the backbone of Ethiopian cuisine. Thin, like a crepe, injera is traditionally served on a round platter and topped with many flavors of stewed meats and vegetables. A second plate of injera is served alongside and is used as the utensil for eating the stews. With the right hand only, tear yourself a piece of injera and dig into spiced chicken or legumes cooked with berbere.

Ethiopians take their coffee seriously. The drink may even have originated in Ethiopia. Coffee is often consumed after meals. The coffee ceremony is an Ethiopian ritual of preparing and drinking coffee. First, the coffee is roasted and then brought around for the participants of the ceremony to smell. The beans are ground and brewed and then the coffee is served. Traditionally, each honored participant in the ceremony drinks three cups of coffee.

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