Ethiopia78At 4,000 metres, the World Heritage listed Simien Mountains lie in Ethiopia's northern region. This highland area which encompasses much of the region of Begemdir is one of dramatic scenery resulting from the erosion of basalt lava some 3,000 years old. From a wildlife point of view, there are three key mammal species of note here - walia ibex, gelada baboons and a small number of Ethiopian wolves. The area is also home to the gigantic lammergeier - the largest of the vulture species.Simien Lodge MIDSituated at over 3,000 metres, Simien Lodge is a beautifully and sympathetically constructed lodge in the Simien Mountains National Park. It consists of 20 rooms and two safari suites. The lodge offers the highest standards of accommodation and food in the area. This is the highest lodge in Africa at an altitude of 3,260 metres above sea level.Ethiopia is a mythical land that is home to some of Africa's most magnifi cent mountain scenery and to a staggering array of wildlife and birds. 800 or more species of birds have been recorded here, 29 of which are endemic, and there are 80 species of large mammals. Amongst the most notable of the mammals is gelada baboon, walia ibex and the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf which survives in small pockets in both the Simien Mountains and the Bale Mountains. It is home to acacia woodland, pretty traditional villages, and, of course, this is where the Great African Rift begins so there is a string of beautiful, fl amingo-fringed Rift Valley lakes.Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982My fi rst visit to Ethiopia was in 2009 and I was amazed by the scenery, wildlife and diversity of the country. As a wildlife destination, it has unique highlights, such as seeing gelada baboons; a fantastic experience for anyone wanting something a little different.Chris Osborn, Senior Sales ConsultantSimien Mountains

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com79GondarBetween 1632 and 1855 Gondar served as Ethiopia's capital city and it remains one of the country's richest areas in terms of culture, history and natural beauty. There is plenty of Islamic and Christian infl uence in the architecture of the city which is built at around 2,500 metres above sea level. Gondar is also a city noted for its many castles which have been built over a period of 236 years by various emperors.Goha Hotel MIDThe Goha Hotel stands at the crest of a hill with a commanding view of the city of Gondar with its enchanting and mysterious castles. The hotel consists of 60 rooms and four suites.LalibelaLalibela in northern Ethiopia is set 2,600 metres above sea level. It is home to 11 monolithic churches all built in the 12th century, and each hewn from the characteristic pink granite of the area. It is an entire city superbly carved in a unique architectural style and most of the buildings are decorated with well-preserved paintings. Lalibela is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the world.Mountain View Hotel MIDMountain View Hotel is on the edge of the Lasta Mountains. It has magnifi cent panoramic views and is the ideal place from which to enjoy the surrounding countryside. The sunsets from here are particularly stunning.Lake LanganoFreshwater Lake Langano, located in the Rift Valley system, is naturally red in colour. The lake area is rich with wildlife; ibex, monkeys and baboons are all resident here and the birdlife is excellent.Nearby are lakes Abiata and Shalla. The two lakes are very different, Lake Abiata is surrounded by gentle, grass-covered slopes, and swathed in acacia woodland. It is a shallow alkaline lake and pink with thousands of fl amingos that feed on the algae of the windward edge. Large numbers of both greater and lesser fl amingos gather here with white pelicans and a host of other waterbirds. Lake Shalla is mysterious and foreboding, surrounded by steep black cliffs and peaks that refl ect in its deep waters. The lake contains nine small and rarely visited islands, providing breeding grounds for many birds.Sabanna Lodge MIDSabanna Lodge is a collection of attractive cliff-top bungalows each with a beautiful view over Lake Langano and the distant Arsi Mountains. Individually designed to ensure a relaxing and home-like atmosphere, all the bungalows are built with local materials in a simple design. Thatched roofs and large verandahs create ideal conditions for guests to spend tranquil time in the cool afternoon breeze.Bale MountainsThe Bale Mountains form an area of high altitude plateau broken by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands below. The high Sanetti Plateau is home to the world's rarest canid - the Ethiopian wolf. Nearby Harenna Forest is the place to fi nd bushpig, giant forest hog, grey duiker and occasionally lion and leopard. Menelik's bushbuck, mountain nyala and giant mole rat, all endemic to the Bale Mountains, may also be seen.Dinsho Lodge MIDThis is a simple, clean, down-to-earth lodge surrounded by juniper trees and plenty of wildlife.SUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Gondar via Addis Ababa Day 3 Simien Mountains, Simien Lodge, 2-nights. Explore the park looking for Walia ibex (BLD - only dinner included on day two) Day 5 Gondar, Goha Hotel, 1-night. Explore palaces and cultural wonders (BLD) Day 6 Lalibela, Mountain View Hotel, 2-nights. Hike to wonderful churches (BLD) Day 8 Lake Langano, Sabanna Lodge, 2-nights. Relaxing beach and wildlife stay (BLD) Day 10 Depart Addis Ababa for the UK. Day 11 Arrive UK.HIGHLIGHTS OF ETHIOPIAA delightful look at the highlights of Ethiopia - from the world-famous Simien Mountains, to the fascinating culture of Lalibela and, fi nally, a relaxing stay at a Rift Valley resort.TAILOR-MADESUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Gondar via Addis Ababa Day 3 Simien Mountains, Simien Lodge, 2-nights. Explore the park looking for ibex and gelada baboons. (BLD - only dinner included on day two) Day 5 Gondar, Goha Hotel, 1-night. Explore the castles, and natural beauty of Gondar. (BLD) Day 6 Lalibela, Mountain View Hotel, 2-nights. Visit the amazing churches in one of the wonders of the world. (BLD) Day 8 Lake Langano, Sabanna Lodge, 1-night. (BLD) Day 9 Bale Mountains, Dinsho Lodge, 2-nights. An opportunity to seek out the Ethiopian wolf. (BLD) Day 11 Depart Addis Ababa for the UK. Day 12 Arrive UK.WILDLIFE EXTRAVAGANZAThis is a wonderful introduction to the wildlife of Ethiopia and offers the opportunity to see not only all of the country's key wildlife highlights, but a chance to see one of the world's rarest mammals - the Ethiopian wolf. Other species highlights include Menelik's bushbuck and mountain nyala.TAILOR-MADEAFRICA | ETHIOPIADeparture dates Daily, throughout the yearCost per person From £2450 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Nov), £2575 (end Aug, Dec), £2695 (Jul - Aug, Christmas) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights hotel accommodation, guided activitiesDeparture dates Daily, throughout the yearCost per person From £ 2535 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Nov), £2665 (end Aug, Dec), £2780 (Jul - Aug, Christmas) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, nine nights hotel accommodation, guided activities