Axum
Situated in the far north of the historic circuit, this fascinating town is Ethiopia's most ancient capital and the holiest city of…
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Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Ethiopia Holidays
Discover rock-cut churches, trek the Simien mountains and visit the city of Harar, where hyenas stalk the streets. For the more adventurous, camp in the remote reaches of the Omo Valley, meeting traditional tribal communities.
Ethiopia’s landscape is magnificent, the people incredibly welcoming and the sense of history tangible. The old decorative art in the churches, the castles at Gondar, the rock-cut churches at Lalibela and the 1,700-year-old monolithic stelae at Axum are all inspiring.
Ethiopia is fascinating, both historically and culturally, a magical country to visit.
Bale Mountains
This high altitude area is scattered with volcanic peaks, alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on…
Gondar
Gondar was once the imperial capital of Ethiopia situated north of Lake Tana.
Lake Tana
Lake Tana plays host to some of the most spectacular monasteries in Ethiopia.
Lalibela
The small Ethiopian town of Lalibela is the eighth wonder of the world and is home to one of the world's most…
Omo Valley
The Omo Valley is a remote south-western enclave of Ethiopia, home to some of Africa’s oldest and most fascinating tribes.
Simien Mountains
Situated within the world heritage site of the Simien Mountains National Park, the Simien Mountains are located in northern region of Ethiopia
Why we like Ethiopia
The focus of most holidays to Ethiopia is on the natural world, and there are parts of the country to delight any nature lover. The wildlife is truly unique with Ethiopian wolves, Gelada baboons and Walia ibex to be found in the Simien and Bale Mountains. A good starting point is our Highlights of Ethiopia itinerary.
What to expect on your Ethiopia Holiday
If spas, luxury hotels and fine food are high on your list of priorities, then Ethiopia is probably not for you. The standard of accommodation has improved with the emergence of a few new and exciting properties, but a holiday to Ethiopia is about what surrounds you rather than the luxuries in life.
What you will find is a safe, delightfully friendly country of dignified people. A country that will smash all your preconceived ideas. Ethiopia is one of the most unusual countries in Africa, complete with myth, wonder, relics and stories of emperors and queens. It is said to be home to the Ark of the Covenant and Harar is the fourth most important haj city of Islam.
One of the first countries to adopt the Christian faith, northern Ethiopia tells a story of the persecution of Christians by the Arabs and dogged resolution. In the south, the roots of Africa dig deep into a remote and esoteric tribal wilderness.
Discover extraordinary in Ethiopia
- Plan your visit to coincide with a Christian festival
- No visit is complete without seeing the remarkable rock-cut monolithic churches at Lalibela
- Try a few days trekking in the beautiful Simien or Bale Mountains
- If time allows head south to the tribal areas, where women have large lip plates and men indulge in bull jumping and stick fighting
- Soak in the tranquillity of Bishangari Lodge
- Visit Harar, the only predominantly Muslim city in Ethiopia, which was founded in the 7th century
- Venture into the depths of the western Omo (not on the tourist route) or to the hottest place on earth: the Danakil Depression
- For the ultimate holiday, explore Ethiopia by helicopter and visit otherwise inaccessible areas
Explore Ethiopia
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Axum
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Bale Mountains
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Gondar
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Lalibela
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Simien Mountains
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Lake Tana
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Omo Valley
Experiences
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopia – Tribes of the Omo Valley
To travel through Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is to remind oneself that there are ways of life that still exist that are vastly different to our own. The Omo is renowned for the vibrancy and distinctiveness of its people. This trip opens up…
Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Highlands including Lalibela
With an intoxicating mixture of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and heritage, Ethiopia offers unrivalled diversity. Rock-hewn churches, monasteries and castles decorate the landscape, which has been shaped by a long and rich history that this journey aims to uncover.
Idea
Ethiopia
Ultimate Helicopter Journey across Ethiopia
Journey back in time, where the history of the people and the land merge and, at times, it is difficult to determine myth from reality. Explore with the flexibility that a helicopter brings, flying low over Ethiopia’s beautiful highlands, landing in the…
Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Highlands including Lalibela
With an intoxicating mixture of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and heritage, Ethiopia offers unrivalled diversity. Rock-hewn churches, monasteries and castles decorate the landscape, which has been shaped by a long and rich history that this journey aims to uncover.
Idea
Ethiopia
Ultimate Helicopter Journey across Ethiopia
Journey back in time, where the history of the people and the land merge and, at times, it is difficult to determine myth from reality. Explore with the flexibility that a helicopter brings, flying low over Ethiopia’s beautiful highlands, landing…
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Ethiopia
Limalimo Lodge
Spread across a wide ridge in the Simien Mountains, this modern lodge looks out towards an undulating mishmash of vegetation-strewn valleys. It sits high above the surrounding landscape, affording spectacular views of the verdant lowlands. Designed…
Ethiopia
Gheralta Lodge
Located in the heart of the Historic Route, between Axum and Mekele, Gheralta Lodge is a comfortable and friendly base from which to explore this scenically beautiful area. The lodge has great views over the Gheralta…
Ethiopia
Bale Mountain Lodge
Set in a forest clearing, this Eco-lodge features 15 thatched mahogany and stone rooms made from sustainable wood and furnishings. With wood-burning fires and private terraces, all rooms will enjoy wonderful views. Views are taken advantage…
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Illona Cross
Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.
Talk with our experts
- 1 800 571 2985
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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