Just a few of my memorable moments were experiencing the procession of the Ark at Lalibela, being fed holy honey by a priest in an ancient church, sitting surrounded by gelada baboons and interacting with the Hamar people.

Also memorable was shopping in the market in Turmi and photographing Muris ladies with their lip plates. But also the care, professionalism and simple pleasantness of our guides at every location.

Ethiopia is a big country and if you want to see it all, and you will, you must put up with long days travelling. Any hassles from children and young men are mild. Ethiopians are generally polite and friendly and you will enjoy interacting with people.

Forget your preconceptions about famine and desert. Fortunately famine is infrequent and localised. Much of the country is green, lush and productive. Rural people are able to support themselves and their families and have hope for the future. It is a beautiful country with varied terrain. Generally warm to hot but cool at times in the highlands.

Tourism is bringing foreign currency that is much needed for development. Even people such as the Hamar and Mursi need some money and tourists provide this without necessarily having a profound impact on their way of life.

The company’s guides provide good advice on how to behave to minimise negative impacts on the people and places visited.

A wonderful country to visit and an excellent tour company to visit it with. In particular Highway Tours is managed in a very hands-on way by a man dedicated to making the experience as enjoyable and trouble free as possible.

The level of service he provides is fantastic and all the guides who work for him strive to achieve the same standard. He’s very willing to amend the itinerary as new opportunities arise. Just ask and he tries as best he can to make it happen.