Ethiopia

Ethiopia: general info for travelers

Ethiopia is a country situated in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to the northwest. Ethiopia is the second-most populous country in Africa and has a diverse population with more than 80 different ethnic groups speaking 90 different languages. The country has a rich history and culture, with unique religious traditions, ancient ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Lalibela, the rock-hewn churches, and the ancient city of Aksum. The landscape is also varied, ranging from highlands and plateaus to the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest points on earth. The capital city, Addis Ababa, is the political and economic center of the country. Ethiopian cuisine is one of the most distinctive and flavorful in the world, with unique dishes such as injera, a sourdough flatbread, and wat, a spicy stew or curry.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Ethiopia, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Ethiopia: places to visit

Sure, here are the main places to visit in Ethiopia and their descriptions: 1. Addis Ababa - This is the capital city of Ethiopia and offers a vibrant mix of modern and traditional culture. Some of the highlights of the city include the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato, one of the largest markets in Africa.
2. Lalibela - This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in rock-hewn churches. Lalibela features 11 rock-hewn churches carved out of solid rock and dating back to the 12th century.
3. Gondar - This city houses some of Ethiopia's oldest and most important historical monuments, including the Fasil Ghebbi, which is a fortress-palace that was once the residence of Ethiopia's emperors. Also worth seeing are the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, the Bath of Emperor Fasilidas, and many other landmarks in the city.
4. Axum - This is considered to be the holiest city in Ethiopia and has a rich history and culture. The city is home to many ancient Obelisks (the tallest of which is almost 24 meters high) and numerous palaces and archeological sites.
5. Simien Mountains National Park - This is one of UNESCO's Global Heritage Sites that lies in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. It is home to many endemic species of wildlife such as Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada Baboon, and is also known for its beautiful landscapes.
6. Harar - This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient monuments, various traditional houses, and rich Islamic culture. Harar was once an important center of Islamic scholarship and is one of the most interesting and unique destinations in Ethiopia.
I hope this helps you in planning your trip to Ethiopia!
There is more to see and do in Ethiopia: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Ethiopia: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Ethiopia, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Ethiopia has two main seasons: the dry season from October to May and the rainy season from June to September. In general, the best time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the landscape is green. The months of October to February are particularly popular for travel, as they are part of the dry season, and the temperatures are relatively cool. The months of March to May are also part of the dry season, but temperatures tend to be warmer. If you want to see the country's lush landscapes, the rainy season is the ideal time to visit, as the landscape is at its greenest. However, some areas may become inaccessible due to floods. Overall, the best time to visit Ethiopia depends on your interests, budget, and travel goals. It's important to research and consider these factors when planning your trip.

Ethiopia: activities and what to do

Ethiopia offers a wide range of activities and sports for tourists to enjoy during their holiday. Some of the popular activities and sports to try include: 1. Hiking and trekking – Ethiopia has several national parks and mountains that are perfect for hiking and trekking, such as the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains.
2. Cultural tours – Ethiopia is home to diverse cultures and traditions, and visiting historical sites such as the rock churches of Lalibela can give you remarkable insight into the country's rich history.
3. Safari – Ethiopia has numerous national parks and wildlife reserves, where tourists can go on a safari and spot some of the country's unique wildlife, like the Ethiopian wolf and the Gelada baboon.
4. Watersports – Ethiopia is also home to several lakes where visitors can indulge in water sports activities like swimming, kayaking, and boating.
5. Rock climbing – For those looking for an adrenaline rush, rock climbing is available at some locations like Wench Agro or Tigray region.
6. Cycling – Ethiopia is an ideal destination for cyclists with good road networks, varying terrain, and amazing landscapes that provide scenic cycling routes.
These are just a few of the activities and sports on offer in Ethiopia. There are many more options to choose from, and your travel agency or the local tourist information center can give you more details about what you can do in different parts of the country.

Ethiopia: few words on history and culture

Ethiopia has a rich and diverse history and culture that spans over several millennia. The country is known for being one of the oldest Christian nations in the world, with a long tradition of Orthodox Christianity dating back to the 4th century AD. Ethiopia is also home to some of the oldest human civilizations, including the Aksumite Empire, which flourished in the first century AD and was famously known for its sophisticated architecture, trade, and military conquests.
The country is also known for its unique cuisine, which features spicy stews and dishes such as injera, a fermented flatbread made from teff flour. Ethiopia is also famous for its coffee, which is believed to have originated in the country and is still a vital part of its cultural heritage.
Additionally, Ethiopia has a rich artistic and musical tradition, with unique styles of dance, poetry, and music that reflect the country's cultural and religious diversity.

Ethiopia: how to move around on holiday

The most common ways to reach Ethiopia are by air and road. One can easily fly into the capital city, Addis Ababa, which has the largest airport in the country, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Several international airlines operate flights to and from Addis Ababa.
If you are coming in from neighboring countries, you can also access Ethiopia by road. Ethiopia shares borders with Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea.
Once you are inside Ethiopia, there are various means of transport to move around. The most common modes of transport are buses, minibuses, and taxis. If you want to explore the countryside, you can also hire 4x4 vehicles or travel on domestic flights. To hire a car to visit Ethiopia, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Ethiopia: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Ethiopia with a full stomach:D
Sure, here are some of the typical foods of Ethiopia and their descriptions: 1. Injera: A large, flat, sourdough bread made from teff flour that is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. It is used as a utensil to scoop up stews and other dishes.
2. Doro Wat: A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice blend, which includes chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and other herbs and spices. It is often served with injera.
3. Tibs: A dish of sautéed meat or vegetables that is usually served with injera. The meat can be beef, lamb, or goat, and it is often cooked with onions, garlic, and other spices.
4. Kitfo: A dish of minced raw beef that is marinated in spices and often served with injera. It can be served raw or lightly cooked.
5. Shiro: A thick stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils and spices. It is usually served with injera and can be made with or without meat.
6. Firfir: A dish made from shredded injera that is soaked in a spicy sauce and mixed with meat or vegetables.
7. Atkilt wot: A vegetable dish made with carrots, potatoes, and cabbage that is cooked with ginger, garlic, and other spices. It is often served with injera.
8. Awaze: A spicy sauce made from berbere spice blend, chili peppers, and other spices. It is often used as a condiment or marinade for meat dishes.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Ethiopia! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Ethiopia: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Ethiopia is generally considered an affordable country for tourists when compared to other African destinations. However, the cost of a trip can vary depending on the level of comfort you seek and the type of activities you plan to do. Accommodation and food costs can be relatively cheap, especially if you opt for local guesthouses and street food. However, prices may increase in more popular tourist areas and expensive hotels. Transportation costs can also vary, but generally, buses and shared taxis are the most affordable options. Organized tours and private transportation can be more expensive but provide more convenience and comfort.
Overall, Ethiopia can be a very budget-friendly destination, especially for those who are willing to rough it a little.

Ethiopia: where to find accodation

There are several options to find accommodation in Ethiopia. You can look for hotels, resorts, guest houses, and lodges on travel websites like Booking.com, TripAdvisor, or Expedia. Additionally, you can check directly with the hotels or resorts that interest you to see if they have availability and to inquire about rates and amenities.
Another option is to look for homestays or local guest houses through websites and apps like Airbnb or Homestay.com. These options can provide a more unique and authentic experience of local culture and hospitality.
Lastly, if you are on a budget, you can also look for budget hotels and hostels, which are generally cheaper than other types of accommodation. You can find options for budget hotels and hostels on websites like Hostelworld or Booking.com.
You can check hotel prices in Ethiopia here:
Booking.com

Ethiopia: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the Ethiopian Tourism Organization, Ethiopia received around 896,000 tourists in 2019. Regarding the crowded periods, the peak tourist season in Ethiopia is from mid-September to early May, particularly during the Christmas and Easter holidays. However, there could still be areas that are less crowded during this time. The rainy season from mid-June through early September sees fewer tourists, but it is worth noting that some regions, such as the Omo Valley, may be inaccessible during this time due to heavy rainfall and poor road conditions.
Ethiopia is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, as with any destination, it's important to exercise caution and common sense to avoid any potential risks. There are certain areas that should be avoided due to security concerns and ongoing conflict. This includes some parts of the Somali and Oromia regions. It's also recommended to avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations as these can sometimes turn violent.
As a rule of thumb, it's always a good idea to stay informed about local events and to check with your government's travel advisory website for any current travel warnings or advisories before visiting Ethiopia or any country.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Ethiopia on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Ethiopia: events for tourists

There are many interesting events and festivals in Ethiopia that attract tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the most popular ones: 1. Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) - this is celebrated on September 11th every year and marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the new year.
2. Timkat (Epiphany) - celebrated on January 19th, this festival commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
3. Meskel - celebrated on September 27th, this festival marks the finding of the true cross by Queen Helena in the 4th century.
4. Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) - celebrated on January 7th, this festival is one of the most important religious festivals in Ethiopia.
5. Bull Jumping Ceremony - this is a traditional rite of passage for young boys of the Hamar ethnic group in the Omo Valley. It is a fascinating event to witness.
6. Great Ethiopian Run - this is a 10km race held annually in November in Addis Ababa. It is the biggest road race in Africa and attracts thousands of runners from all over the world.
These events offer a unique insight into Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage and are definitely worth experiencing.

Ethiopia: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Ethiopia, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Sure, here’s a two-week itinerary for a typical tourist in Ethiopia: Day 1-3: Addis Ababa - Start with the capital city, Addis Ababa. Explore the National Museum of Ethiopia and visit Entoto Hill to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Also, visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato (the biggest outdoor market in Africa).
Day 4-5: Lalibela - Fly to the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and explore the 11 churches carved out of rock, including the St. George Church.
Day 6-7: Gondar - Fly to Gondar, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Fasil Ghebbi, the former royal palace compound, and enjoy a sunset view over the city from the Debre Birhan Selassie Church.
Day 8-9: Simien Mountains - Take a drive from Gondar to the Simien Mountains National Park. Go on a camping trek and spot diverse wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf, Gelada monkey, and the Walia ibex.
Day 10-11: Axum - Catch a flight to the ancient city of Axum. Discover Ethiopia's earliest civilization and visit the Ark of the Covenant, the ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba, and the Axum Stelae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 12-14: Danakil Depression - Lastly, drive to the Danakil Depression, the hottest and lowest place on earth. Witness the geological wonders of salt flats, hot springs, and the Erta Ale volcano, one of the few active volcanoes in Africa.
This itinerary should give you a great overview of Ethiopia's incredible cultural, historical, and natural landmarks.

Ethiopia: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Ethiopia described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Adama, also known as Nazret, is a city in central Ethiopia located about 100 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Addis Ababa. It is the capital of the Oromia Region and is a rapidly growing city... CONTINUE here for a trip to Adama
- Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and the largest city in the country, with a population of over 3 million people. It is located in the central highlands at an altitude of 2,400 meters above... CONTINUE here for a trip to Addis Abeba
- Arba Minch is a city located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region of Ethiopia. Its name means "40 springs" in Amharic, referring to the many springs found in the surrounding are... CONTINUE here for a trip to Arba Minch
- Awasa is a city located in the southern part of Ethiopia, near the shores of Lake Awasa. It is the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNPR). Awasa has a population o... CONTINUE here for a trip to Awasa
- Axum is a historical and archaeological city in northern Ethiopia. It was the center of the Axumite Empire, which was one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. The city is home to many ancien... CONTINUE here for a trip to Axum
- Bahir Dar is a city located in the northwestern part of Ethiopia, near Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country. It is the capital city of the Amhara region and has a population of approximately 330... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bahir Dar
- Bedele is a town located in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. It is situated in the western part of the country, approximately 400 kilometers from the capital city of Addis Ababa. The town is known for b... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bedele
- Bure is a town located in northwestern Ethiopia, in the Amhara region. It is situated in the highlands, at an elevation of about 2,700 meters above sea level. Bure has a population of around 30,000 an... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bure
- Debre Birhan is a city located in central Ethiopia, about 120 kilometers northeast of the capital city, Addis Ababa. It is the capital of the North Shewa Zone in the Amhara region. The city is known f... CONTINUE here for a trip to Debre Birhan
- Debre Markos is a city located in northwest Ethiopia, in the Amhara region. It has a population of around 85,000 people. The city is situated at an elevation of about 2,420 meters above sea level and ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Debre Markos
- Debre Tabor is a town located in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, in northern Ethiopia. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Ethiopian highlands, at an elevation of approximately 2,800 meters above... CONTINUE here for a trip to Debre Tabor
- Dessie is a city located in the northeastern part of Ethiopia, in the Amhara region. It is the capital of the Dessie Zuria district, and it has a population of approximately 300,000 people. The city i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dessie
- Dire Dawa is a city located in the Eastern part of Ethiopia. It is the second-largest city in the country after the capital city, Addis Ababa. The city is known for being a major commercial center and... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dire Dawa
- Gode is a town located in the eastern part of Ethiopia, in the Somali region. It is the capital of the Gode Zone and has a population of around 70,000 people. The town is situated on the banks of the ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gode
- Gondar is a city located in the northern part of Ethiopia, known for its royal castles and historical sites. It was the capital of Ethiopia during the reign of Emperor Fasilides in the 17th century an... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gondar
- Harar is a city located in eastern Ethiopia, about 523 kilometers from the capital city of Addis Ababa. It is known for its unique cultural heritage and is considered one of the most important centers... CONTINUE here for a trip to Harar
- Hosanna is a town located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNP) of Ethiopia, about 240 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. It is the administrative center of Hadiya Zone and ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Hosanna
- Jijiga is a city located in eastern Ethiopia, and it is the capital of the Somali region. It is situated about 640 km from Addis Ababa and has a population of over 200,000 people. Jijiga is an importa... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jijiga
- Jimma is a city located in southwestern Ethiopia, about 350 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of the capital city, Addis Ababa. It is the largest city in the Oromia Region and the administrative center... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jimma
- Kofele is a small town located in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. It is situated in the highlands, surrounded by hills and mountains, and is known for its beautiful scenery and cool climate. The area i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kofele
- Kombolcha is a city located in the northeastern part of Ethiopia, about 380 km from the capital, Addis Ababa. It is the largest city in the Amhara region and has a population of around 200,000 people.... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kombolcha
- Lalibela is a small town located in the northern part of Ethiopia, known for its 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches that are believed to have been created in the 12th century. These churches were carved... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lalibela
- Mekele is a city located in the northern part of Ethiopia and is the capital of the Tigray region. It has a population of approximately 350,000 people and is situated at an elevation of over 2,200 met... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mekele
- Metu is a town located in southwestern Ethiopia, in the Oromia Region. It is situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level and has a population of approximately 40,000 people. The town is kn... CONTINUE here for a trip to Metu
- Nekemte is a city located in the western part of Ethiopia, around 328 kilometers west of the capital city of Addis Ababa. It is the capital of the Oromia region and has a population of about 120,000 p... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nekemte
- The Omo River is located in southern Ethiopia and is one of the primary rivers in the region. The river is approximately 760 kilometers long and is home to a diverse range of indigenous tribes, includ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Omo River
- Semera is a town in northeastern Ethiopia, located in the Afar region. It serves as the administrative capital of the Afar Region and is situated about 120 kilometers east of Mekele, the regional capi... CONTINUE here for a trip to Semera
- Shashemene is a town located in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. It has a population of around 100,000 people and is known for its Rastafarian community, which was initially established there in the 196... CONTINUE here for a trip to Shashemene
- Shire is a town located in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. It has an estimated population of around 100,000 people and is situated at an elevation of 2084 meters above sea level. Shire is known for its... CONTINUE here for a trip to Shire
- Wolayita Sodo is a town located in the southern part of Ethiopia, in the Wolayita Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). It is about 390 km south of Addis Ababa, the... CONTINUE here for a trip to Wolayita Sodo
- Woldiya is a town located in the northern part of Ethiopia, in the Amhara Region. It is situated at an altitude of 2,128 meters above sea level and has a population of about 70,000 people. Woldiya is ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Woldiya


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