Any one been to Ethiopia recently?
 

Hello Africa expert Foderites.
I am in the early planning stages of a trip to Ethiopia next November, 2016. I can't seem to find any trip reports or information on Fodors that is from the past couple of years on Ethiopia.
Has anyone been recently?

We want to visit the north, Lalibela, Axum and Gondar and also go to the area of Chenek to see wildlife.
Is renting a car a good idea? We would hire guides locally at each destination if that is the case.
We would also be interested in the south area to see the tribes of Omo Valley.
Is it better to do this on a tour?

Any information would be great appreciated.
We are in our 60s, well travelled but more budget travellers. We don't mind a tour as long as it is a small group. No large bus tours for us if possible.

Thank you.

This may be more wildlife-y than your tastes, but do check it out.

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...e-hotspots.cfm

Duh, you beat me to it.

Getting an early start on the holiday cheer, eh, atravelynn?

International Travel News - https://www.intltravelnews.com - had a piece on Ethiopia in the July 2015 issue. The couple had been on a Nat Geo group photography tour in the south, and traveled on a private tour arranged by Host Ethiopia Tour in the north. They did NOT recommend self drive, and thought the private tour a better value than the Nat Geo one. Unfortunately, the article is behind a fire wall, but it might be worth subscribing as there isn't a lot of info around on Ethiopia.

atravelynn I saw that. I was blown away by the photos and wildlife. Which is why I decided to add that to the itinerary. Thanks thursdaysd, I will look into that. I did see something on NatGeo but could not read it. I may subscribe for a bit.
Thanks to you both for your help.