Ethiopia is a land that has always fascinated the westerner. Culturally and geographically diverse, outstandingly beautiful, welcoming, yet with its secretive side, it has been a place that has drawn explorers like a magnet for hundreds of years. This is the home of Amharic, Africa's only written language with its own distinctive script, yet there are more than eighty other languages in use and a plethora of dialects. The state religion is the Ethiopian Orthodox Church yet there are also Muslims, Jews and other sects. Centuries-old rock-hewn churches contrast with the modern capital city, Addis Ababa. "Diversity" is a word custom-made for Ethiopia and this is one of the characteristics that makes it such a rewarding place to visit. Many come to the country in a spirit of exploration rather than for luxurious relaxation, this is a very different destination - inspirational and intriguing. Most travelers have heard of the wonders of Ethiopia's Orthodox Church and of the wonderfully colorful and ancient ceremonies and festivals. The amazing rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the Tigray Region are world-renowned and a glorious testament to the Ethiopian faith. 

Ethiopia's history is no less a thing of wonder than its landscape. Complex power struggles took place and Gondar became the capital in the 17th C.. Since called the Camelot of Africa, Gondar was famous for the sophistication and rich culture of its court and for its merchants who traded wide and far. Ethiopia is, and has been, many things. Once thought to contain the source of the Nile, European explorers would visit regularly from the 16th C. onwards. Resting place of the Ark of the Covenant it is also the land of the fabled city of Gondar, of the Queen of Sheba and of the son of Solomon. It has had vast wealth and terrible poverty. Fantasy, truth, beauty and mystery combine to make a country that once visited is never forgotten.

Ethiopia's peoples are the country's greatest assets. The people of Harer, in the south-east of the country, have ties with Arabia reflected in style of the city's architecture, in the ornamentation of the women, and in the Muslim religion and law. Warlike nomadic tribes haunt the area between the mountains and the coast. The Tigray in the north and the Amhara of the central region are Christian and have a high regard for their culture, considering it infinitely superior to other Ethiopian ways and interestingly, calling themselves "white" and Europeans "pink". Decorative traditions are very strong and we highly recommend that visitors beg, borrow or steal a copy of Angela Fisher's "Africa Adorned", a book of fascinating text and stunning photographs.