Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is a country of ancient cultures, diverse landscapes, and coffee. Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the stelae of Axum, or the historic castles of Gondar. The Simien Mountains and the Bale Mountains offer opportunities for trekking and wildlife watching, while the Danakil Depression offers a lunar-like landscape. Don`t miss the chance to experience a traditional coffee ceremony, reflecting the country`s status as the birthplace of coffee. Ethiopian cuisine, known for its spicy stews (wats) and injera (a sourdough flatbread), is a culinary adventure.

Travel Time

January
Okay
February
Okay
March
Okay
April
Great
May
Great
June
Great
July
Great
August
Great
September
Great
October
Great
November
Okay
December
Okay

Highlights, Sights & Attractions

Addis Ababa Museum

The Addis Ababa Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Ethiopia`s capital city. Located in a former palace, the museum showcases the city`s evolution from its foundation in 1886 to the present day. Exhibits cover various aspects of the cit... more

The Addis Ababa Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Ethiopia`s capital city. Located in a former palace, the museum showcases the city`s evolution from its foundation in 1886 to the present day. Exhibits cover various aspects of the city`s cultural and social life, including traditional crafts, costumes, artworks, and historic photographs. The museum is a great place to understand the dynamic history and cultural evolution of Addis Ababa.

Axum Stelae Field

The ancient city of Axum, once the capital of the Aksumite Empire, is famous for its tall, carved obelisks known as stelae. The obelisks, made of single pieces of granite, are ancient grave markers, with some dating back to the 1st century AD. The la... more

The ancient city of Axum, once the capital of the Aksumite Empire, is famous for its tall, carved obelisks known as stelae. The obelisks, made of single pieces of granite, are ancient grave markers, with some dating back to the 1st century AD. The largest standing stele is the Great Stele, measuring 23 meters tall. The most famous one, however, is the Obelisk of Axum, which was returned to Ethiopia in 2005 after being looted by Italian invaders in 1937. Axum is considered a holy city by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and is a place of pilgrimage.

Bale Mountains National Park

The Bale Mountains National Park, located in southeastern Ethiopia, is a stunningly diverse landscape known for its unique wildlife. It`s the best place in Ethiopia to see the Ethiopian wolf, the world`s rarest canid, and the mountain nyala. The park... more

The Bale Mountains National Park, located in southeastern Ethiopia, is a stunningly diverse landscape known for its unique wildlife. It`s the best place in Ethiopia to see the Ethiopian wolf, the world`s rarest canid, and the mountain nyala. The park`s terrain varies from a mix of grassland and heath, to bamboo and juniper forests, to moorland and alpine meadows. The Sanetti Plateau, which lies over 4,000 meters above sea level, offers unforgettable trekking experiences.

Beta Maryam Monastery

Beta Maryam Monastery is one of the island monasteries on Lake Tana. This 14th-century monastery is known for its well-preserved murals depicting biblical scenes, its circular design, and its location on a hill providing excellent views of the lake.... more

Beta Maryam Monastery is one of the island monasteries on Lake Tana. This 14th-century monastery is known for its well-preserved murals depicting biblical scenes, its circular design, and its location on a hill providing excellent views of the lake. The monastery`s museum houses a rich collection of religious artifacts including crosses, crowns, and manuscripts.

Blue Nile Falls

Known locally as Tis Issat or "The Smoking Water," the Blue Nile Falls are located near the city of Bahir Dar. The falls are about 45 meters high and during the rainy season, they form an impressive spectacle as the water of the Blue Nile plunges dow... more

Known locally as Tis Issat or "The Smoking Water," the Blue Nile Falls are located near the city of Bahir Dar. The falls are about 45 meters high and during the rainy season, they form an impressive spectacle as the water of the Blue Nile plunges down and creates a misty spray that can be seen from afar. Despite some water being diverted to a hydroelectric power station, during the rainy season the falls still form a magnificent sight.

Church of St. George

Located in Lalibela, the Church of St. George, or Biete Giyorgis, is the most famous of the rock-hewn churches. Shaped like a cross, it`s carved out of a single rock, reaching a height of 15 meters. According to legends, it was built after King Lalib... more

Located in Lalibela, the Church of St. George, or Biete Giyorgis, is the most famous of the rock-hewn churches. Shaped like a cross, it`s carved out of a single rock, reaching a height of 15 meters. According to legends, it was built after King Lalibela had a vision of Saint George. The architectural perfection of the structure, with its interior and exterior decorations and complex system of drainage ditches, is a testimony to the advanced skills of the builders. It`s one of Ethiopia`s iconic landmarks.

Danakil Depression

The Danakil Depression, located in the Afar Region, is one of the hottest places on Earth, as well as one of its lowest points. The landscape, often described as lunar or alien, is characterized by lava lakes, colorful sulphur springs, vast salt pans... more

The Danakil Depression, located in the Afar Region, is one of the hottest places on Earth, as well as one of its lowest points. The landscape, often described as lunar or alien, is characterized by lava lakes, colorful sulphur springs, vast salt pans, and active volcanoes. The most famous feature is the Erta Ale volcano, one of only a handful in the world with a lava lake. The Danakil Depression is a harsh but uniquely beautiful environment, offering a truly adventurous travel experience.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Located in Gondar, the Debre Berhan Selassie Church is known for its beautiful frescoes that cover every inch of the interior walls and ceiling. The artwork, which depicts biblical scenes and the saints, is one of the best examples of ecclesiastical... more

Located in Gondar, the Debre Berhan Selassie Church is known for its beautiful frescoes that cover every inch of the interior walls and ceiling. The artwork, which depicts biblical scenes and the saints, is one of the best examples of ecclesiastical art in Ethiopia. The church itself is rectangular and roofed with thatch, and is surrounded by an outer wall. The ceiling, filled with the faces of hundreds of cherubs, is particularly famous.

Climate

Month Temperature Sunshine hours Raindays
January 30 °C 10 1
February 31 °C 10 1
March 32 °C 11 2
April 31 °C 10 9
May 30 °C 10 11
June 30 °C 10 7
July 28 °C 10 11
August 28 °C 10 11
September 29 °C 10 9
October 29 °C 10 6
November 29 °C 10 3
December 29 °C 10 0

Facts

Language
  • Amharic
  • Oromo
  • Tigrinya
Currency Ethiopian Birr
Population 121369200
Tourists per year 938
Tourists per resident 7.7284846567333E-6
Foundation 1995

Ratings

Popularity
70.00%
Safety
62.39%
Cost of living
30.63%
Parental Leave
40.00%
Beach vacation
0.00%
Backpacking
60.00%
Hiking
78.00%
Diving
30.00%
Cycling
55.00%
Skiing
0.00%
Roadtrip
60.00%

Hotel

More