Ethiopia

Home to the world’s rarest canid, a unique species of grass-eating monkey, wild hyenas and a myriad of bird species, Ethiopia may not be a traditional African safari destination but it’s home to some enthralling creatures. A luxury wildlife and safari holiday to this beguiling country offers a unique insight into African fauna.

Africa’s only wolf species, the Ethiopian wolf lives in the Bale Mountains, and a sighting is much sought after. Gelada baboons – grass-eating monkeys with a red hairless patch on their chest – live in the Simien Mountains, alongside the endangered walia ibex.

Elsewhere, wild hyenas feed from locals’ hands in Harar, and rare antelopes live in the Omo Valley, along with numerous colourful bush tribes. Over 800 species of birds have been recorded in Ethiopia, including the Abyssinian catbird, Rouget’s rail, the white-cheeked turaco and Heuglin’s bustard, along with 22,000 butterfly species.