World / Africa / Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, tourism is still in its infancy. Synonymous with famine and war, Ethiopia's charms are little known to all but the most adventurous travellers; and most business visitors rarely venture outside the capital, Addis Ababa. Yet the combination of stunning, otherworldly landscapes, ancient traditions and rich cultures give holidays in Ethiopia a sense of discovery that's hard to beat. History buffs flock to the medieval rock-hewn churches at Lalibela, explore the ruins of Gondor, known as ‘Africa's Camelot', and learn the secrets of one of the world's oldest Christian civilizations at Axum, Ethiopia's most holy city. Outdoor types can trek the Simien Mountains or head for the eerie Danakil Depression, a vast basin that looks like the surface of another planet.

While some 80 per cent of the population work in agriculture, Addis Ababa is a modern capital city and the centre of government, business and industry. Home to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, the city caters well for business travellers, who'll find good quality restaurants to modern well-equipped business hotels; and a multitude of coffee shops in which to sample Ethiopia's finest produce.