Lalibela, Ethiopia is named for an Ethiopian king who reigned from 1189 to 1229. Originally called Roha, the town was renamed in honor of King/Saint Gebre Mesqel Lalibela. Christianity became established in Ethiopia during the 4th century AD, long before Europeans ever set foot in the country. King Lalibela is famous for building a "new Jerusalem" in the town that was later named after him, after Jerusalem itself was taken by a Muslim army led by Saladin in 1187. Depending on the source, King Lalibela is said to either have spent time in Jerusalem as a young man, before he ascended to the throne, or to have seen it in a vision. As a result, many of the landmarks in the town of Lalibela are named after areas in Jerusalem.  King Lalibela also commissioned many stunning cross-shaped ch

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Ethiopia is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but it is actually  a treasure trove of history, archaeology and natural attractions. One of the major national attractions is the Semien Mountains, in the north of Ethiopia. Rugged and isolated, the Semien Mountains offer incredible opportunities for hiking and backpacking. The tallest mountain in the range is Ras Dashen, which towers 15,159 feet above sea level. Campsites in the Semien Mountains are basic, but what the mountains lack in luxury, they make up for in scenery and solitude.  Due to the unique geological processes that formed them, the mountains are filled with interesting rock formations. They are also home to a variety of interesting wildlife, such as the Gelada baboon, the lynx-like caracal and the endangered

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