Ethiopia
Vast Valleys, Deep Soul
Top Experiences
- Lalibela
- Simien Mountains
- Rock-Hewn churches of Tigray
- Gondar
- Bale mountains
- Danakil Depression
- Axum
- Festivals
- Lower Omo Valley
- Lake Tana
- Tissisat Falls
- Lower Valley of Awash
- Addis Ababa.
Addis Ababa and the Vicinity
A cosmopolitan modern city steeped in ancient Ethiopian traditions, it boasts world-class tourist amenities and a lively nightlife, some fine museums, atmospheric old churches, and lush montane forests and other green areas. Other urban attraction includes Africa’s largest market, a thrilling live music scene embracing traditional azmari bands and contemporary Ethio-funk, and several traditionally styled ‘cultural restaurants’ restaurants that celebrate the country’s diverse and unique cuisine.
Places to See:
Historic churches on the Entoto Hills, National Museum of Ethiopia, the central Selassie (Trinity) Cathedral, The IES Ethnographic Museum , The mysterious Tiya UNESCO World Heritage, The resort town of Bishoftu, Merkato and Cultural Restaurants.
The Historic North and the Simien Mountains
Located at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, the Simien Mountains are a unique landscape shaped by traditional agriculture and nature. Wildlife is known to roam freely in the deep and vast canyons, cliffs and gorges. The Mountains attract visitors from near and far because of its biosphere and cool climate, a welcome respite from the heat.
Places to See:
Axum, blue Nile falls, Lalibela, Siemen Mounrains, Gheralta Escarpment, Gondar, lake tana biosphere reserve, Yeha and Negash
The Serene Nature of the West
Western Ethiopia is a wildlife-lover’s paradise, where colobus monkeys swing though roadside trees, elephants and buffalos lurk in forest glades, and an alluring bird checklist includes many forest endemics along with the spectacular shoebill and Egyptian plover. It is also the natural home of the arabica coffee bean and the origin of the world’s favorite hot brew.
Places to See:
Gambella National Park, Jimma, Kaffa biosphere reserve, Wenchi Crater Lake, Bebeka Coffee Estate
The Cultural Medley Of The South
The ethnic diversity of this astonishing region embraces modern cities such as Hawassa and Arba Minch, but also the walled hilltop warrens of the Konso Cultural Landscape, the remote tribes of South Omo, towering Dorze homesteads and thousand year old island monasteries.
Places to See:
Great Rift Valley, Konso, Lower Omo Valley, Lake Ziway, Nechisar Park, and Hawassa
Contrasts Of The North East
North Eastern Ethiopia is a land of astonishing contrasts. In the far northeast, the austere lavascapes and salt-flats plunges to 116m below sea level in the Danakil. The historic city of Harar is the spiritual heart of the predominantly Muslim inhabitants of Ethiopia’s exotic east.
Places to See:
Dankil Depression, Erta Ale Volcano, Harar, Fentalle Crater, and Awash National Park.
The Astounding South East
South Eastern Ethiopia is a full of astounding geographic extravagances. The Bale Mountains rise to above 4,300m and support a wealth of highland wildlife including Ethiopian Wolves and Mountain Nyala.
Places to See:
Bale Mountains Park, Harenna Forest, and Sof omar Caves.
"The entire trip was very memorable. The churches were beautiful, the historical sites were interesting, the people were warm and friendly. I loved being in the midst of the gelada baboons. The visits to the tribal villages were extremely interesting. I was also able to spend time with a daughter whom I had sponsored 10 years ago and hadn't seen since that time, so that was exciting and memorable as well."
Sheryl Padjen
"The most exciting was seeing the Wallia Ibex and the open-heart monkeys. The most memorable is the image of the people on the move, herding their cattle and livestock, walking on the roadside, carrying heavy loads, everything from water containers, sacks of grain, wood, hay and even stones. Every day was a moving tableau."
Sue Todd
"Every day brought new and exciting sights, sounds and experiences - from the vast numbers of people and livestock that walked the roads, to the stunning scenery to the awe-inspiring churches. My most memorable experience was the opportunity to sit alone in Bet Giyorgis in Lalibela soaking up the atmosphere whilst listening to a local musician and singer serenading a couple celebrating their wedding outside - so moving."
Karina Wild
Travel Tips
currency
Ethiopian Birr
language
Amharic
capital
Addis Ababa
popular dish
Injera and several kinds of wat
Sample Itineraries
The itineraries below are just a few examples of the incredible trips our travel designers could plan for you. All trips are custom-made to your needs and preferences. Speak to a travel consultant today to start planning your dream vacation.
History & Civilization
Addis Ababa – 1 Day
Bahar Dar – 2 Days
Gonadr – 1 Day
Siemen Mountains – 1 Day
Axum – 2 Days
Mekele – 1 Day
Lalibela – 3 Days
Addis Ababa – 1 Day
The Astounding South East
Addis Ababa – 1 Day
Bale Mountains National Park – 2 Days
Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest- 1 Day
Sof Omar Cave – 1 Day
Addis Ababa – 1 Day
The Danakil Depression
Addis Ababa – 1 Day
Hamed Ela- 1 Day
Dallol- 1 Day
Eart Ale – 1 Day
Mekele – 1 Day
Culture & Nature
Addis Ababa- 1 Day
Hawassa – 1 Day
Arba Minch – 1 Day
Turmi – 2 Day
Jinka – 1 Day
Konso – 1 Day
Yirgalem- 1 Days
Addis Ababa- 1 Day
The Gheralta Cluster
Addis Ababa – 1 Day
Hawzien – 1 Day
Mariam Kokor – 1 Day
Dugum Selassie – 1 Day
Mekelle – 1 Day