In Ethiopia, the most widespread mountain ranges on the highlands are the Simiens, which lie straight north of Gonder and mount to the fourth highest peak in Africa, Ras Dashen (also known as Ras Dejen), whose height is usually given as 4,620m.
Combined with a visit to Ras Dashen:
• The castles and churches of the ancient capital of Gondar
• The rock carved churches of Lalibela
• The island monasteries on Lake Tana
During the rainy season crops grow well on the rich volcanic soils of the highland plateau but roads are very muddy. From September to June the weather is much drier and so the recommended time to visit Ethiopia is most likely between September and Christmas.