Why we went:Archaeological, cultural and natural riches await travellers keen to delve into this ancient yet often overlooked destination. Trek rugged ranges, visiting simple mountain villages, marvel at time-worn relics dipped in mysticism. In the north there's Simien Mountains, the Timkat festival held end January when the Ark of the Covenant is paraded through northern Ethiopian towns. Southern Ethiopia has the OmoValley tribes with their lip plates, elaborate body decorations, Bull jumping initiation rites etc.