Yama Tours: Premier Travel Agency in Addis Ababa & Ethiopia Tour Operator

Addis Ababa is Ethiopia's capital city and a diplomatic hub for Africa. In fact, it's home to the African Union headquarters and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, along with many other international organizations.

Northern Ethiopia has two very different landscapes. To the west are the highlands, home to Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's tallest peak. Meanwhile, to the east are the Afar lowlands, home to the Danakil Depression, the country's lowest point. As a result, the Highlands don't look like typical East Africa the scenery here is one of a kind.

The Lower Omo Valley, in southwest Ethiopia, is home to eight tribes and around 200,000 people who've lived there for centuries. It's a stunning area, with grasslands, volcanic outcrops, and one of the last untouched riverine forests in semi-arid Africa home to a wide range of wildlife.

The Danakil region is one of the most geologically active places on Earth. It holds more than 30 active or dormant volcanoes roughly a quarter of Africa's total, according to the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program. In fact, most formed within the last million years, and many took shape in just the last 10,000.

This region blends rainforest, coffee plantations, and savannah grassland, including well-known coffee areas like Limu Kaffa, Jimma, Illubabor, and Wellega. For example, Limu has grown washed coffee for about 30 years, starting with the state-owned Kossa farm making it one of Ethiopia's best regions for a coffee tour.

These custom itineraries suit travelers who don't have time for the full Ras Dashen trek but still want a serious summit. Even so, Bwahit Ras, the park's second-highest peak at 4,440m, is the goal here it still requires a good level of fitness.