Ethiopia is a mythical land that is home to some of Africa's most magnificent mountain scenery and to a staggering array of wildlife and birds. 800 or more species of birds have been recorded here, 29 of which are endemic, and there are 80 species of large mammals. Amongst the most notable of the mammals is Gelada baboon, Walia ibex and the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf which survives in small pockets in both the Simien Mountains and the Bale Mountains. It is home to acacia woodland, pretty traditional villages, and of course this is where the Great African Rift begins so there is a string of beautiful, flamingo-fringed Rift Valley lakes.