ETHIOPIA

Few countries are as culturally and naturally stimulating as Ethiopia. Its mountains, lakes and plains are alive with both familiar species, such as hippos and hyenas, as well as rarer animals, including gelada monkeys – the only primate to eat mostly grass. Arabica coffee is also endemic to this region too, and is honoured in the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a ritualistic roasting and grinding of fresh beans that makes for an engaging spectacle and an invigorating cup.

In the south lies the Omo Valley, an archaeological site that has yielded some of the earliest hominin remains. In the north sits Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, as well as the crenellated castles of Gondar; the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; and the ancient settlement of Axum, final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, according to local myth. This final claim is yet to be substantiated, but Ethiopia’s undying sense of beauty and mystery remains undeniable.