The Amhara Region is one of the largest regions of Ethiopia, in the north of the country. It is a destination built around its history and its landscapes, and most visitors come for the historic sites that give the region its reputation.
What draws visitors
- Lalibela's rock churches, carved into the living rock and among the best-known sites in the region.
- Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, which makes a calm and scenic setting for a visit.
- Historic sites spread across a large area, so a trip can be planned around several places rather than one.
Planning a visit
Because the region is large, it rewards a slower pace. Lalibela and the lake are the two anchors most travellers mention, and each makes a clear reason to go. Between them, the wider region offers the chance to see a range of settlements, churches and landscapes, rather than a single attraction.
If you are deciding whether to go, the region suits visitors who are interested in history, religious architecture and natural water landscapes, and who are happy to travel some distance between sites. Check current travel conditions and arrangements before you set out, as these can change.
