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. less
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. less
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. less
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. less
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. less
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. less
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. less
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. less
The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa, situated within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, provides a deep insight into the diverse cultural heritage of Ethiopia. The museum is spread across two floors and showcases artifacts from numerous... more
The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa, situated within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, provides a deep insight into the diverse cultural heritage of Ethiopia. The museum is spread across two floors and showcases artifacts from numerous ethnic groups of the country. Highlights include traditional musical instruments, religious icons, and an extensive collection of Ethiopian art. The museum`s ethnographic exhibits are thoughtfully arranged and offer a chance to learn about Ethiopia`s traditional and contemporary ways of life. less
Located in Gondar, Fasil Ghebbi is a fortress-city that served as the residence of Ethiopian emperors in the 17th and 18th centuries. The site comprises numerous buildings including palaces, libraries, and churches. The architecture is characterized... more
Located in Gondar, Fasil Ghebbi is a fortress-city that served as the residence of Ethiopian emperors in the 17th and 18th centuries. The site comprises numerous buildings including palaces, libraries, and churches. The architecture is characterized by a unique blend of Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Indian influences. The complex is surrounded by a 900-meter-long wall, and some of its iconic structures include Fasilides Castle, Iyasu`s Palace, and the Library of Tzadich Yohannes. Fasil Ghebbi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers insight into the historical grandeur of Ethiopia. less
Harar Jugol, the historic fortified part of the city of Harar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique cultural heritage. It is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, with 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century, a... more
Harar Jugol, the historic fortified part of the city of Harar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique cultural heritage. It is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, with 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century, and 102 shrines. The city`s narrow alleyways, lined with traditional Harari houses, create a labyrinthine layout. Other attractions include the city walls, the vibrant marketplaces, and the house of French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Also, don`t miss the chance to feed the wild hyenas that come to the city`s edges at night, a local tradition. less
Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the Nile River. The lake is dotted with islands and peninsulas home to ancient monasteries and churches, some of which date back to the 13t... more
Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the Nile River. The lake is dotted with islands and peninsulas home to ancient monasteries and churches, some of which date back to the 13th century. You can explore the lake by boat, visiting these historical sites, watching local fishermen, and bird watching. The Blue Nile Falls, located a short distance downstream from the lake, are another popular attraction. less
Lake Ziway, the largest of the northern group of Rift Valley lakes, is known for its population of hippos and abundant birdlife. It`s also home to five islands, one of which hosts the monastery of Maryam Tsion, believed to have housed the Ark of the... more
Lake Ziway, the largest of the northern group of Rift Valley lakes, is known for its population of hippos and abundant birdlife. It`s also home to five islands, one of which hosts the monastery of Maryam Tsion, believed to have housed the Ark of the Covenant in the 9th century. Whether you`re a nature lover, bird watcher, or history enthusiast, Lake Ziway offers an enjoyable outing. less
Nestled in the mountains of northern Ethiopia, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela is known for its 11 monolithic churches, all carved directly into the rose-colored rock. Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries during the reign of Saint Ge... more
Nestled in the mountains of northern Ethiopia, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela is known for its 11 monolithic churches, all carved directly into the rose-colored rock. Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries during the reign of Saint Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, these impressive structures are considered an important site of Ethiopian Christianity. One of the most remarkable churches, Bete Giyorgis, is carved in the shape of a cross and located in a deep pit with perpendicular walls. Despite their age, many of the churches remain active places of worship. less
Located in Addis Ababa, the National Museum of Ethiopia offers a fascinating journey through Ethiopia`s rich history. The museum`s star attraction is the replica of "Lucy," the 3.2 million-year-old hominid whose remains were discovered in Ethiopia in... more
Located in Addis Ababa, the National Museum of Ethiopia offers a fascinating journey through Ethiopia`s rich history. The museum`s star attraction is the replica of "Lucy," the 3.2 million-year-old hominid whose remains were discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. Other highlights include a variety of artifacts, historical artworks, and traditional crafts. The basement paleontological exhibition represents millions of years of Ethiopia’s prehistory, making it a must-visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts. less
Situated between the lakes of Chamo and Abaya, Nechisar National Park boasts diverse landscapes, from savannah and acacia woodland, to the "Bridge of God" connecting the two lakes. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Burchell`s zebra... more
Situated between the lakes of Chamo and Abaya, Nechisar National Park boasts diverse landscapes, from savannah and acacia woodland, to the "Bridge of God" connecting the two lakes. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Burchell`s zebra, Anubis baboon, and the endemic Swayne`s hartebeest. Bird watchers will be enthralled by the abundant bird life including flamingos, pelicans, and fish eagles. The "White Grass," for which the park was named, and the stunning sunsets make Nechisar a unique destination. less
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Simien Mountains National Park boasts dramatic landscapes marked by jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices. The park is also home to unique wildlife, including the gelada baboon, the... more
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Simien Mountains National Park boasts dramatic landscapes marked by jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices. The park is also home to unique wildlife, including the gelada baboon, the Ethiopian wolf, and the Walia ibex, all of which are endemic to Ethiopia. The park offers numerous trekking routes of varying difficulties, making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers. Be sure to visit the Jinbar Waterfall and the towering Ras Dejen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. less
The Tigray region in northern Ethiopia is home to over a hundred rock-hewn churches, many of them dating back to the pre-Christian era. These remarkable structures, carved out of sheer cliff faces or lodged in high mountain perches, are renowned for... more
The Tigray region in northern Ethiopia is home to over a hundred rock-hewn churches, many of them dating back to the pre-Christian era. These remarkable structures, carved out of sheer cliff faces or lodged in high mountain perches, are renowned for their architectural beauty, ancient manuscripts and frescoes. Visiting these churches often involves trekking through beautiful landscapes and some of them require challenging climbs, which adds to the adventure. less
The archaeological site of Tiya, situated south of Addis Ababa, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient burial complex features around 40 large, decorated megaliths or `stelae` that mark a large, prehistoric burial complex. The ca... more
The archaeological site of Tiya, situated south of Addis Ababa, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient burial complex features around 40 large, decorated megaliths or `stelae` that mark a large, prehistoric burial complex. The carvings and symbols engraved on the stelae – believed to have been erected between the 11th and 13th centuries – are still not fully understood, but they continue to captivate visitors with their mystery and antiquity. less
Located in a cave in the northern region of Lalibela, Yemrehanna Kristos is a stunning Aksumite-style church. Unlike Lalibela`s famous rock-hewn churches, Yemrehanna Kristos was built with layered wood and granite, a construction style unique in Ethi... more
Located in a cave in the northern region of Lalibela, Yemrehanna Kristos is a stunning Aksumite-style church. Unlike Lalibela`s famous rock-hewn churches, Yemrehanna Kristos was built with layered wood and granite, a construction style unique in Ethiopia. The interior, dimly lit by the natural light filtering through the entrance, features impressive murals and a beautiful coffered ceiling. The back of the cave contains a graveyard with mummified remains of pilgrims who traveled there over centuries. It`s a place of breathtaking beauty and historical significance. less
