Ethopia

The adventure begins in Addis Ababa, a magical portal to the mystical land of Ethiopia and a gateway between the diplomatic capital and the ancient sites of Africa. With a base at The Sheraton Addis, you’ll have a calm respite from the chaos of the busy city streets. Settle into your spacious, luxuriously furnished guestroom, then head out to explore the dichotomy of the Ethiopian capital. The National Museum, United Nations Conference Centre, and UNECA headquarters are all nearby. Don’t miss a visit to the Raguel Church or the chance to climb atop Mount Entoto to enjoy the spectacular views. Stay: The Sheraton Addis

This morning you’ll head south to Bale Mountain National Park, home to a staggering 60% of Ethiopia’s wolves, the world’s rarest carnivore. But don’t fret, you’ll stay a safe distance away and encounter plenty of other friendlier wildlife, including 78 species of mammals (like Nyala, the Starck’s Hare, and Bale Monkeys), 310 species of birds (including the Yellow-fronted parrot and Abyssinian longclaw), and many types of reptiles and amphibians. For hikers, nature lovers, birders and wildlife watchers, Bale Mountains National Park is a must. Bale Mountain Lodge will be your home for the night, an eight-room boutique wilderness lodge, nestled deep within the park. Stay: Bale Mountain Lodge

Continuing south you’ll find yourself at Arba Minch, on the doorstep of Nechisar National Park. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot a dizzying array of wildlife, from gazelles and baboons, to zebra and hartebeest. Though it covers just 514 square kilometres, the Park is among the most scenic in East Africa, covering a diverse range of habitats from acacia woodland to thickly grown bush. At Paradise Lodge, your accommodation for the night, you’ll still be in the heart of Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley. Take advantage of the outdoor verandahs and observation deck, offering unbeatable views of the verdant landscape. Stay: Paradise Lodge

Cap off your trip with a thrilling visit to Turmi and the Omo River Valley. Encounter local tribes like the lip-stretching Mursi, the bull-jumping Hamer Village people, and the body-painting Karo tribe, who all appear to be untouched by 21st century life. There are over 50 tribes to discover in all, and an astounding landscape they call home. In the evening, retreat to Buska Lodge, an unpretentious eco-lodge situated in the heart of the Omo Valley. Learn about local culture around the campfire, then turn in to one of 25 comfortable rooms.