When it comes to the best places in Ethiopia, it's impossible not to mention Aksum. If you go to Aksum, you will see more old history than you can imagine. Aksum is one of Africa's oldest towns, steeped in legend and mystery. Believed to have been the home of the Queen of Sheba and the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

The biggest obelisk was recently returned to Ethiopia by the Italian government, where it had been residing for decades after being transferred to Italy during WWII. Its ruins and old stories will captivate any history buff. In addition to the stories of Sheba and the Ark, many think that King Bazen's coarsely hewn tomb of solid rock was really Balthazar, and that the magi brought word of Christ's birth to Ethiopia.

Visit the Northern Stelae Field to witness the ancient Aksumite Obelisks and look over the walls of the St Mary of Zion Church Complex, where the Ark is said to be preserved. Explore the city's treasures, visit mountainside monasteries, and journey underground to see Aksumite imperial graves. Don't forget Mai Shum, a massive rock-hewn pond that local tribes think the Queen of Sheba frequented as a bath

• Location: northern Ethiopia
  

The Simien Mountains are located in northern Ethiopia's highlands. With its amazing rock-hewn cathedrals and ancient castles, this treasure of a region transports you back in time. These breathtaking mountains appear to have been hand-shaped by nature and are home to a rich cultural legacy. They now entice visitors to learn about old holy sites and to admire the craggy peaks and apparently limitless panoramas.

The Simien Mountains also contain a distinct but endangered ecology, filled with uncommon and odd creatures like the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolf, a wild goat found nowhere else in the world.

Millions of years of erosion have created a jaw-dropping landscape, the Simien Mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is appropriately recognized as God's playground.

Surreal Afro-Alpine vegetation clings to the 3,600m-high rocky slopes. Treks with native guides, whether single or multi-day, provide an insight into life on the "roof of Africa."

• Location: North Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, northern Ethiopia

No wonder Lalibela is on the list of the best places in Ethiopia. It pretty much blows the mind of everyone who visits. Lalibela is one of the holiest places in Ethiopia after Aksum and is also a pilgrimage center. This medieval hamlet was intended to be a sort of second Jerusalem, and its current residents are proud of their heritage.

Lalibela is perched in the middle of a broad church complex made entirely of rock. There are 11 medieval churches, monolithic and grand, all built by King Lalibela as early as the 12th century. The churches are notable for their architectural design since they are sunk into the earth. The most fascinating historic churches are Saint George's House and Biete Ghiorgis. This church is well-known for its cross-shaped architecture and network of tunnels and ceremonial routes that link it to the other churches. An awe-inspiring sight.

Lalibela remains very much a living cultural site; 1,000 of its 10,000 residents are priests, and the churches are the focal points for ceremonies, vigils, and processions. If you’re so inclined, there are several monasteries in the nearby area that are worth visiting.

• Location: Amhara, Ethiopia

Harar is a city in Northeast Ethiopia near the border with Somalia and a great seat of Islamic culture. It was once the commercial link between Africa and the middle east and today is an enchanting lost-in-time city that’s famous for the impressive walls and centuries-old buildings.

This sacred, medieval, and fortified city is a fascinating maze of little lanes. Its walled city, called "Africa's Mecca," is home to more than 100 mosques and is also regarded as Islam's "fourth holy city.". It is Africa's oldest Islamic city, having been built in the early 16th century.

You will be welcomed by friendly Harari ladies dressed in vividly colored clothes as you walk along the city's cobblestone and tiny lanes.

It won't be long until the legend of Harar's "hyena man" is recounted. The "hyena guy" will address the hyenas by name at the Fallana Gate. They came up one by one, each taking a chunk of flesh from the stick he holds in his mouth. You may even take turns hand-feeding these stunningly beautiful but deadly African predators if you have the courage.

• Location: Eastern Ethiopia
  

The mythical city of Gondar is nestled in the mountains of Northern Ethiopia. After reaching Ras Dashen, the highest peak in the beautiful Simien Mountains, you will be able to gaze at Gondar, the "Camelot of Africa." The castle was the historic residence of Ethiopian Emperors and Princesses who ruled the country for approximately 1000 years. Once you've arrived at the main site, check out the Royal Enclosure, which houses the city's principal attractions.

Fasiladas' Bath is yet another must-see. This is the location of the yearly Timkat festival. The bishop blesses the water, which is then poured on the multitude of pilgrims who have come to reaffirm their faith and participate in the ceremonial that recreates Christ's baptism in the Jordan River. Don't miss Debre Berhan Selassie, one of Ethiopia's most magnificent churches. Despite its size, Gondar is quite walkable — begin in the Italian plaza in the city center and take a stroll among the tin-roofed stone houses. Great shopping, restaurants, and hotels are all available here. In nearby Gorgora you’ll find a small but impressive Christian monastery.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a wonderful museum complex that showcases the last centuries of the country’s emperors.

• Location: the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, is north of Lake Tana on the Lesser Angereb River and southwest of the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia.

Addis Abeba - is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia and is Africa's fourth-biggest city and the African Union's diplomatic headquarters (all but one of Africa’s 57 countries belong to the AU). That is why Addis Ababa shouldn’t be forgotten to put on the list of best places in Ethiopia.

This bustling city, perched atop the Entoto Mountains, offers an African and multinational vibe. Addis has a magical atmosphere that appears to be a doorway to the past. It's a destination where you may go sightseeing and see the gorgeous orthodox churches and museums.

Addis Ababa has the largest market in Africa, incredible cathedrals, churches, and mosques, and the National Museum, which houses the 2.3 million-year-old fossilized hominid "Lucy." Also, pay a visit to Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market. The aroma of spicy spices and roasting coffee will awaken your senses here.

The city is a magnificent destination for the surrounding residents, with streets paved with gold; for visitors, it is the perfect combination of traditional and contemporary Ethiopia.

The city comes alive at night with a buzzing nightlife with eateries selling distinctive Ethiopian cuisine. Day excursions from Addis should include the Entoto Mountains, Debre Zeyit's crater lakes, and Awash National Park's hot springs. Pamper yourself by staying at the Sheraton Addis, one of Africa's few 5-star resorts, where you will be treated like royalty.

• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Close to the city of Bahir Dar you will find the incredible Blue Nile Falls. It is the third-largest city and the first stop on the historic circuit in Ethiopia is Bahar Dar.

Tis-Isat Falls (translated as "Smoke of Fire") is the most magnificent sight on either the Blue or White Niles. During the flood season, the falls extend a quarter-mile wide and descend into a valley more than 150 feet deep. It's easy to understand how the falls earned their name since they produce a never-ending mist that drenches visitors from half a mile away. The rainbows created are breathtaking, resulting in an Eden-like permanent rainforest of lush verdant flora. In this paradise, you will not be alone; the forest is home to a vast variety of monkeys and exotically colored birds.

The village has a laid-back attitude, which is accentuated by the neighboring lake and monastery.

If you haven't spent time relaxing by the lake, you haven't truly experienced Bahar Dar. You'll be amazed by the tank canoes, which appear to be frail watercraft made of woven papyrus yet are completely unsinkable.

• Location: on the Blue Nile river in Ethiopia
  

Arba Minch is a natural wonder and beauty on the banks of Abaya Lake in Southern Ethiopia. It is named after the Amharic term for "forty springs," a region of many small springs that pop out from the ridge below them. Many of these may be seen when hiking through Nechisar National Park.

The cliff-top holy place of Abuna Yemata Church is the most magnificent sight in Arba Minch. This rock-hewn church is only accessible after a rather difficult trek up the high cliff face. It takes some guts and a lack of vertigo, but your efforts will be amply rewarded.

The views from the cathedral are spectacular, and within this old holy church are stunning and well-preserved murals that adorn two cupolas.

It’s lovely to walk through Nechisar National Park to reach the springs. If you use this area as a stop on the southern Ethiopian circuit, you won’t be disappointed.

• Location: Southern Ethiopia.
  

The Danakil is one of the most bizarre and unforgiving locations on the earth, with Africa's lowest point, at 155m below sea level, as well as one of its warmest; temperatures may reach 45°C in July. Visiting Danakil is an adventure in and of itself; you may hike up an active volcano, camp on the crater rim, and explore the bizarre landscapes of Dallol, complete with geysers and rainbow-colored mineral deposits.

The lava lake in Erta Ale is one of only six on the planet and will take your breath away. The multi-colored geothermal boiling lakes and vast salt pans will astound you and make you wonder whether you are still on Earth. The location is also rich in ancient hominid remains. In 1974, the famous "Lucy" fossil was discovered in this area.

It is Africa's lowest point and the world's second lowest point, at below sea level (after the Dead Sea).

Plan ahead of time because the weather might be severe if you aren't prepared. However, the beauty and mystery of this location make any preparation worthwhile.

• Location: the remote Northeastern part of Ethiopia
  

Plan a vacation to the Lower Omo Valley if you want a cultural experience you will never forget. You can make contact with one of the regions more than a dozen indigenous peoples.

The valley's survival is based on the Omo River, which supplies the dry savannah that sustains the local people. Each hamlet has its own customs and language and has followed the same way of life for generations. The Mursi and Hamar are proud people who adorn themselves with distinctive body art and jewelry, and cattle are essential to their survival. They are also incredibly territorial and would fight tooth and nail to maintain their territory and way of life. Despite the region's remoteness, several travel firms operate there. Despite the region's remoteness, various travel organizations provide treks to the Lower Omo Valley and several of its settlements. Just be prepared for a costly and physically demanding journey.

• Location: South-western Ethiopia