I had wanted to go back to Africa for some time, but I couldn't decide between Malawi and Ethiopia. I was having doubts about Ethiopia because I wanted a sub Saharan African experience rather than a North African one, but I was drawn to Ethiopia because I knew it would offer a very different experience to other African countries I had been to. It also boasted spectacular mountain scenery and unique wildlife.

Ethiopia has lots to offer and is very diverse. From the green and tropical south to the mountainous north, there is history as well as African culture, not unlike that I found in East Africa.

I booked my flights in October 2003 along with one domestic flight, and I booked another three the week before I left, once I had decided on my itinerary. With the limited time I had, there was no choice but to fly between the northern towns. There's a good service connecting the major towns on the historic circuit, and Ethiopian Airlines is very reliable. Flights were cheap too; the four flights cost me less than 150 GBP.

I had one day in Addis before going on a three day trip to the south for Nechisar national park, said to be one of the most beautiful in Africa. Then to Gondar for one day before doing a four day trek in the Simien Mountains. I then returned to Gondar for one more day and then to Lalibela for three days. The final day and a half was spent in the lakeside town of Bahar Dar.