5 Incredible Places in Ethiopia for Nature lovers

Known as the "Camelot of Africa" for its jagged peaks and dramatic valleys, the Simien Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ethiopia's premier trekking destination. More than a dozen of its peaks top 4,000 meters, including Ras Dejen, Ethiopia's tallest mountain. The park is a sanctuary for endemic wildlife, including the Walia ibex, Gelada baboon, and the Ethiopian wolf. Hiking and mule treks are the best way to explore this breathtaking landscape. The park is situated on the northwestern side of the Simien mountains massif in northern Ethiopia, roughly 900 km north of Addis Abeba. Situated on the northern edge of the central plateau of Ethiopia, the region overlooks the lowlands of the Tekeze River (also known as ‘Mare’ in Sudan).

Chebera Churchura National Park: If you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to this stunning and relatively unknown park in the Omo Gibe basin. It's home to over 500 elephants and is considered one of the least-disturbed ecosystems for African elephants and buffalos in the country. With high hills, rolling plains, and dense forests, it's a haven for wildlife and a perfect spot for trekking.

Bale Mountains National Park: This is a true hidden gem and a land of giants. Bale Mountains National Park contains the largest expanse of Afroalpine habitat in the world and is home to more endemic mammals than any other similar-sized area on the planet. Here, you'll find over half of the global population of the rare Ethiopian wolf, the world's rarest canid. The park is also home to the endangered mountain nyala and provides water for over 12 million people downstream. The Bale Mountains National Park is located in southeastern Ethiopia, 400km southeast of Addis Ababa and 150km east of Shashamene in the Oromia Regional National State. It belongs to the Bale-Arsi massif, which forms the western section of the southeastern Ethiopian highlands.

The Afar Triangle: For a truly otherworldly experience, explore the geological marvel of the Afar Triangle. This is one of the hottest places on Earth and a site where three tectonic plates meet, resulting in a landscape of active volcanoes, salt lakes, and lava lakes. You can witness the permanent lava lake at Erta Ale Volcano, explore the multi-colored springs of Dallol, and see how local people cut salt into slabs at Lake Assale. It's a surreal and unforgettable journey into the raw power of the Earth.

Blue Nile Falls & Gorge: Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer power and beauty of "Tis Isat," or "Water that Smokes". Particularly during the rainy season, this sensational waterfall crashes over a 45-meter cliff, kicking up a thunderous wall of spray. It's a magnificent sight that has captivated travelers for centuries. The nearby gorge also offers breathtaking scenic views and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.