Axum
Situated in the far north of the historic circuit, this fascinating town is Ethiopia's most ancient capital and the holiest city of…
Ethiopia Travel Guide
The Blue Nile begins its journey here, flowing through a land of desert lowlands to alpine highlands.
Welcome to Ethiopia, where ancient Orthodox churches were carved from solid rock and the Great Rift Valley cradles our earliest ancestors.
This Ethiopia travel guide will help you explore the country’s rich history and culture. From Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches to the Danakil Depression’s otherworldly geology, we’ll share how you can best experience Ethiopia’s traditions through an insider’s lens.
Whether you’re planning to track gelada monkeys, witness Timkat celebrations or discover ancient Axum, you’ll find practical Ethiopia travel advice and insider tips throughout these pages.
Bale Mountains
This high altitude area is scattered with volcanic peaks, alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on…
Gondar
Gondar was once the imperial capital of Ethiopia situated north of Lake Tana.
Lake Tana
Lake Tana plays host to some of the most spectacular monasteries in Ethiopia.
Lalibela
The small Ethiopian town of Lalibela is the eighth wonder of the world and is home to one of the world's most…
Omo Valley
The Omo Valley is a remote south-western enclave of Ethiopia, home to some of Africa’s oldest and most fascinating tribes.
Simien Mountains
Situated within the world heritage site of the Simien Mountains National Park, the Simien Mountains are located in northern region of Ethiopia
Why you'll like Ethiopia
The focus of most holidays to Ethiopia is on the natural world, and there are parts of the country to delight any nature lover. The wildlife is truly unique with Ethiopian wolves, Gelada baboons and Walia ibex to be found in the Simien and Bale Mountains. A good starting point is our Highlights of Ethiopia itinerary.
What to expect from Ethiopia
If spas, luxury hotels and fine food are high on your list of priorities, then Ethiopia is probably not for you. The standard of accommodation has improved with the emergence of a few new and exciting properties, but a holiday to Ethiopia is about what surrounds you rather than the luxuries in life.
What you will find is a safe, delightfully friendly country of dignified people. A country that will smash all your preconceived ideas. Ethiopia is one of the most unusual countries in Africa, complete with myth, wonder, relics and stories of emperors and queens. It is said to be home to the Ark of the Covenant and Harar is the fourth most important haj city of Islam.
One of the first countries to adopt the Christian faith, northern Ethiopia tells a story of the persecution of Christians by the Arabs and dogged resolution. In the south, the roots of Africa dig deep into a remote and esoteric tribal wilderness.
Discover extraordinary in Ethiopia
- Plan your visit to coincide with a Christian festival
- No visit is complete without seeing the remarkable rock-cut monolithic churches at Lalibela
- Try a few days trekking in the beautiful Simien or Bale Mountains
- If time allows head south to the tribal areas, where women have large lip plates and men indulge in bull jumping and stick fighting
- Soak in the tranquillity of Bishangari Lodge
- Visit Harar, the only predominantly Muslim city in Ethiopia, which was founded in the 7th century
- Venture into the depths of the western Omo (not on the tourist route) or to the hottest place on earth: the Danakil Depression
- For the ultimate holiday, explore Ethiopia by helicopter and visit otherwise inaccessible areas
Explore Ethiopia
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Axum
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Bale Mountains
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Gondar
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Lalibela
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Simien Mountains
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Lake Tana
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Omo Valley
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