Amhara Region
The core of Ethiopia's northern historic route, with Lalibela, Gondar, Lake Tana and the Simien Mountains all in one region.
Amhara Region lies on the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia, and the Blue Nile rises from Lake Tana within its borders. It brings together the country's most famous historical and natural attractions: Lalibela's churches carved from single blocks of rock, Gondar's royal castle compound, Bahir Dar's island monasteries on Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls, and the canyons, peaks and geladas of Simien Mountains National Park, many of them World Heritage sites. The dry season (roughly October to March) is the best time to visit, and the Epiphany (Timkat) celebrations in January are especially grand. Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela all have airports. The region has been unstable in recent years, so be sure to check safety advisories before you go.