The 10 best places to visit in Ethiopia

The bustling capital of Ethiopia is the economic and cutural heart of the country. It is an essential detour for souvenirs from the city's famous market, Addis Merkato. As it is for the country's cuisine and culture. At the National Museum, you will discover Lucy, the oldest hominid ever to be discovered.

In the extremely secluded south of Ethiopia, nearly 500 miles from the capital, Mago National Park includes an interesting mix of deserts, savannah and mountains, Mount Mago among them. Giraffes, hippopotami, crocodiles and elephants inhabit this immense park (1,250 square miles). You may even encounter the Mursi, a semi-nomadic ethnic tribe.

Located in northern Ethiopia, the city of Lalibela is renowned for its 11th and 12th century churches carved into the rocks. This monastic city, at 2,630 metres is home to eleven of these churches, the most impressive of which is the Church of Saint George. These churches hewn from the rock, with their incredible frescoes date from medieval times and have given Lalibela the epithet "Jerusalem of Ethiopia." They are a magnificent journey back in time.

Located almost over 300 miles from Addis Ababa, in the country's south-eastern desert, Harar is the fourth holy city of Islam. A UNESCO world heritage site, this historic fort town has retained its authentic character. Walking the colourful, narrow backstreets is a visual delight - you could almost be in Morocco. It is also the place where Arthur Rimbaud spent his last years and a former residence makes a pleasant location to discover more about the life of this French poet.

Perched at over 2,200 metres altitude, the former capital of Ethiopia houses many treasures and was classified as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. It is still possible to discover the historic remains of this ancient imperial city. There are fortifications, a place, ruins of a medieval castle, incredible frescoes and dozens of churches to visit, as the mood takes you. It's a surprising setting which makes you think you could almost be in Europe.

Classified by Unesco as one of the "most beautiful landscapes in the world," Simien National Park is without doubt one of Ethiopia's true gems. Endowed with exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking scenery, the area provides shelter for a number of endemic species such as the Walia ibex, a wild mountain goat, and Canis simensis, the Ethiopian wolf. It is also here that you will find Ras Dashan, Ethiopia's highest point at 4,550 metres. To make the most of this incredible park in northern Ethiopia, don't hesitate to go trekking. From a simple walk to multi-day trekking, there are several options available to you.

Located in the very north of Ethiopia, the city of Axum was, from the 4th to the 10th century AD, the capital of the Axumite kingdom, one of the most important states on the horn of Africa at that time. The city is full of archaeological treasures including the unmissable 23 metre obelisk, symbol of Axumite majesty. Other sights in the area which shouldn't be missed are the monastery of Saint Panteleon, the Dongar Palace and the tombs of King Khaled and King Gebremeskel.

Described by Ethiopians as one of the most attractive cities in the country, Bahar Dar is in the north west, over 500 miles from Addis Ababa. The unmissable attraction of the area has to be the Blue Nile falls, a breathtaking landscape in the heart of the countryside. The 45 metre falls can't fail to impress. While you are in the area, take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest in the country to discover the monasteries on the lake's islands.

In the heart of Ethiopia is Mount Bale, a paradise for walkers and hikers. Not without good reason, as this is where the highest points of the country are located. Although it is little visited, the area offers breathtaking settings, such as the ascent of Mout Batu at 4,600 metres. Look out for several species of endemic bird, the Ethiopian wolf, olive baboons, nyalas and giant forest pigs. Don't miss a tour of Dinsho market at the entrance of the park for some shopping.

The majority of the Rift Valley's lakes can be found in Ethiopia. They are an impressive collection of lakes which extend from north to south across the eastern north Africa, thought to be the cradle of civilisation. Among the area's splendours is the Abijatta-Shalla National Park where you will find natural hot springs and pink flamingoes. Lakes Chamo and Abaya, close to the city of Arba Minch, will captivate you with their colour: the first is blue and the second copper red.