Ethiopia things to see and do

According to folklore, Aksum was once home to the legendary Queen of Sheba mentioned in the Old Testament. The local legend says she travelled to meet King Solomon in Jerusalem and bore him a son, King Menilik I, who was raised in Ethiopia but later travelled to Jerusalem and came back to the Kingdom of Aksum with the Ark of the Covenant. Today, the Aksum Stelae Park is the main attraction but you can also peek across the St Mary of Zion Church to see the chapel where the Ark is supposedly kept.

On the first seven days of each month (according to the Ethiopian calendar), there is a procession where St Mary of Zion's replica Ark is paraded through the streets with thousands of pilgrims following the Ark and chanting in unison. The procession, locally known as Mihla or Mehelela, starts at 0500 on Daro Eila (square).

Surreal and otherworldly, the Danakil Depression is one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth, coming in at 125m (410 ft) below sea-level with temperatures that regularly top 41°C (106°F). This geological wonderland is a magical place featuring vistas of swirling orange twisted rock, lava lakes, and fiercely traditional nomads. The star attraction is Erta Ale, an active volcano bubbling at 1,000°C (1,832°F).

The historic walled city of Harar is a labyrinth of dusty alleyways. Once the commercial hub between Arabia and Africa, legendary tales led both explorer Richard Burton and French poet Rimbaud here. Today Harar oozes a lost-in-time ambience that enchants all who visit, while the Muslims consider it the fourth holy city of Islam. The hyena feeding ritual, which takes place every evening on its outskirts, adds to its exotic appeal.

Situated by the Nechisar National Park, this high-altitude lake is home to a healthy population of crocodiles who like to sun themselves on the banks of the lake or glide through the water. Afternoon boat trips on the lake where you can see these massive creatures up close and personal (and maybe hippos too) are a must.

This massive complex of churches, hewn out of rose-pink rock, is a feat of 12th-century ingenuity and sheer willpower. Walking into one of the churches amid the eerily-beautiful chanting of priests will be an abiding memory of Ethiopia. It is highly recommended that you hire a guide who can explain the unique features of each church and how the layout of major churches is a symbolic representation of Jerusalem. The entrance fee to the church complex is US$50 per person. Apart from the churches, there is a good trekking network around Lalibela allowing visitors a cultural insight into village life as well as the chance to see other ancient churches including the cave church Yemrehanna Kristos.

Trekking along the escarpment, surrounded by jagged pinnacles, with the slash of the Great Rift Valley tumbling down before you is one of the finest panoramas on the continent. This is also the home of the Gelada 'bleeding heart' baboons. Coming face-to-face with a troop of them while ambling along is almost guaranteed. Visitors who can spend a few days trekking through its grasslands and deep ravines are likely to see Walia Ibex (mountain goats with arching horns) and Ethiopian wolf, both are endemic to the Simien Mountains. Experienced trekkers may also want to tackle Ras Dashen, the highest peak in the country. Entrance fee is 90 Birr per person with extra for a guide and a ranger.