10 reasons Ethiopia stands out from the crowd

What makes Ethiopia unique compared to its African neighbors?

Is it the world-renowned coffee?

Could it be that it was never colonized?

Or perhaps it's the fact that Rastafarians consider it their spiritual homeland?

Or perhaps it's the impeccably smooth, well-maintained roads – a rare sight across the continent – that make a road trip through Ethiopia so enjoyable?

After traveling 1,430 kilometers across Ethiopia's Northern Circuit – through mountains, otherworldly landscapes, and ancient kingdoms – we uncovered 10 defining aspects of this remarkable country.

1. The best Italian restaurant in the world (at least, according to Bob Geldof)

The lively chaos of Mahatma Gandhi Street in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, is home to Castelli’s – widely considered the finest Italian eatery outside of Bologna.

Founded by Italian soldier Francesco Castelli at the close of WWII, this unassuming restaurant has gained international fame, attracting high-profile diners like Bob Geldof, Bono, and Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie.

Despite its celebrity endorsements, it's the exceptional food that truly makes Castelli’s a must-visit before venturing into Ethiopia’s rugged wilderness.

Ristorante Castelli, Mahatma Gandhi Street, Addis Ababa. Tel: +251 1 563 580, +251 1 571 757

2. Italian-style coffee

Just like excellent Italian cuisine, coffee is one of the enduring legacies of Italy’s brief occupation of Ethiopia during WWII.

Though Mussolini’s forces were ineffective colonizers (defeated by the Allies in 1943), their presence did leave behind one lasting mark: Italian-style espresso machines became a fixture in cafes, restaurants, and even in humble roadside shacks for tired travelers.

Ethiopians have a deep love for their coffee, proudly acknowledging that the stimulating properties of the coffee plant were first discovered in the Oromia region (as explored in the 2006 documentary Black Gold).

3. Chinese-built roads

Made in China? More like made by China. The nation is investing hundreds of millions into upgrading Ethiopia’s infrastructure.

Beyond coffee and pasta, Ethiopia is also a standout in road quality.

Other African countries have roads, but few match the quality of Ethiopia's network.

Anyone who's driven into Ethiopia from Kenya along the treacherous Marsabit route (full of bumps, robbers, and danger) will know how much of a difference a smooth road can make.

Ethiopia’s breathtaking mountain highway views are another highlight.

MORE: Lalibela, Ethiopia’s New Jerusalem

4. Tanks... and plenty of them

Turning swords into ploughshares... or in Ethiopia's case, turning tanks into unique climbing frames for kids.

Don't worry: unless you get completely lost and end up in Somalia, the tanks you'll see along the roads are the burnt-out remnants of the Eritrean-Ethiopian War (1998-2000).

Scattered across the country, these retired war machines serve as both stark reminders of Ethiopia's troubled past and makeshift climbing frames for local children.

5. Underground churches

Lalibela’s monolithic churches continue to awe visitors even after nine centuries.

Ethiopia is burdened by its wealth of cultural treasures, like the ones found at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela.

In the late 12th century, Gebre Mesqel Lalibela had 13 churches – a remarkable feat for one of the world’s oldest Christian nations – carved from solid rock.

His achievement (along with the work of his stonemasons and slaves) remains incredibly impressive, even after nine centuries.

Lalibela – the first major stop on the Northern Circuit – is a 10-hour drive from Addis Ababa.

Head north along Route 1, passing through Debre Birhan, Kombolcha, and Dessie. At Weldiya, leave the main road and follow the path west to Gashena.

From Gashena, take the road north to Lalibela.

6. Martian landscapes

"The cruelest place on Earth?" Yet still stunningly beautiful.

Nestled in the volatile Afar region along the Eritrean border, the Danakil Depression is dotted with volcanoes and salt lakes, and ranks as one of the hottest spots on the planet.

So why would anyone visit what National Geographic dubs "the cruelest place on Earth"?

Because it’s also one of the most striking natural wonders you'll encounter in Africa – or anywhere else on Earth.

With a harsh, rugged terrain that’s tough to navigate, the Danakil Depression is one of the few places in Ethiopia where traveling alone is not recommended – most visitors go with a guide or in a convoy.

7. Monasteries for men only

Debre Damo is home to some of Africa's oldest Christian scriptures. Gentlemen: you’ll need to describe them to the ladies.

Just off the main road connecting Lalibela and Aksum, you'll find Debre Damo, a monastery that can only be accessed by climbing a 15-meter-high cliff face.

However, there's a selective entry policy: only men are allowed to undertake the dangerous climb to the monastery.

And this rule doesn’t apply only to women – even female livestock are banned, likely to avoid distracting the monks from their sacred duties.

Men who conquer the climb are rewarded with breathtaking views and a chance to see some of the oldest Christian manuscripts in Africa.

Beware of unofficial 'guides' who may try to charge exorbitant fees before allowing you to descend – it's best to negotiate the price upfront.

Visiting Debre Damo is a practical detour on the way to Aksum.

The monastery is located just outside the small town of Bizet, a 12-hour drive north of Addis Ababa, and around 50 kilometers west of Adigrat, the last stop on Route 1 before turning onto Route 15.

Drive towards Bizet and watch closely for the turn-off to Debre Damo on your right.

MORE: Rare color images of a lost North Africa

8. The Ark of the Covenant

The Lost Ark? In Ethiopia?

Someone should have tipped off Indiana Jones before he ventured to Cairo.

According to passionate local legends, the ancient town of Aksum – once the heart of the Aksumite Empire (AD 100-940) – is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.

The twist? No one is actually permitted to see it.

The closest you can get is by handing a few dollars to one of the tracksuit-wearing men posing as guards outside the temple where the Ark is said to be stored.

Fortunately, Aksum is also home to numerous ancient tombs and other historic sites, making the journey to this remote northern town worth the trip – Ark or not.

Although Aksum is accessible via a small road to the west of Mek'ele, those wishing to visit the Debre Damo monastery should take Route 1, turning west onto Route 15 at Adigrat, and then joining Route 3 at Adwa.

9. Roadside Rastafarians

The Rastafari movement is closely linked to Jamaica, but it was Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie who sparked the faith.

Ethiopians take great pride in their former leader’s revered status as the incarnation of Jesus, and some have embraced the dress and lifestyle of their Jamaican counterparts – making encounters with them in the Simien Mountains feel all the more surreal.

The roadside Rastas you’ll meet are generally warm and welcoming, eager to share local tales (often about Italian soldiers being thrown off cliffs) and sell you red, green, and yellow hats and trinkets.

10. A fairy tale kingdom

While British and Dutch colonial architecture often takes the spotlight in East Africa, Ethiopia uniquely boasts its own fairy tale castles.

Beyond a handful of striking art deco buildings left from the Italian occupation, the castles of Fasilides, Iyasu, and Mentwab in Gondar – the former imperial capital – are the ones that truly linger in the memory.

Gondar is located five hours southwest of Aksum. Take Route 3 through the Simien Mountains.

Debark, with its breathtaking mountain views, makes for an excellent stop along the way.