Ethiopia Travels, Ethiopian Vacations, Ethiopia Tours, Ethiopia Trips

Fun Thing to Do in Ethiopia – What to Do in Ethiopia?

There’re various amazing things to do in Ethiopia ideal for all classes of visitors on the African continent.

Here are some of the top things to do on your Ethiopian safari:

Exploring the Bale Mountains in Simien Mountains National Park

If interested in having notable hiking experiences on safaris in Ethiopia, the Bale Mountains is a paradise waiting for you!

Situated in the southeast of Ethiopia, Simien Mountains National Park is one of the prominent attractions in Ethiopia known for its amazing wildlife.

This great park of Ethiopia, Simien Mountains National Park is known for holding some of the endemic animals. And among these include the Mountain Nyala, Giant mole-rats, Semien Fox, as well as the Menelik’s Bushbuck.

Note that, the Semien Fox (endemic wildlife in Ethiopia), is one of the rarest canids on the Earth.

Also, as you explore Simien Mountains National Park, you’ll spot some bird species counting the Blue-winged Goose, and the Rouget’s Rail, endemic to Ethiopia. You’ll also enjoy beautiful views (natural beauty) of the Sanetti Plateau.

This adventure in Simien Mountains National Park offers you memorable mountain scenery on the African continent.

Fly camping, mountain biking adventures, and trekking as well as horse riding is possible in Simien Mountains National Park.

Visiting the Great Danakil Depression

Danakil Depression is one of the unique beautiful places worth exploring on your Ethiopia safaris. Situated in Northern Ethiopia, this depression is one of the hottest places on Earth. Day temperatures in summer can soar up to 500C.

On this adventure, you’ll explore Dallol, a scenic place in the heart of this depression featuring salt mines as well as diverse landscapes that offers you breathtaking views of a carefully painted art book!

More so, Danakil depression holds the world’s oldest active volcano called Erta Ale, meaning a smoking mountain in the local language.

After looking at the boiling lava from the volcano as well as experiencing the horrifying heat, you’ll get to know why Far people in this area call it “the gateway to hell”!

Trekking Lovely Simien Mountains

Adventure lovers undertaking Ethiopia safari expeditions shouldn’t miss visiting the great Simien Mountains!

Simien Mountains offer one of the best hiking experiences on the African continent. While on this picturesque hike, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of Ethiopia as well as spot some endemic wildlife here. And among these include the Gelada Monkey, Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolf, and the Gelada Baboon.

Also, while hiking, you encounter numerous endemic plants and different bird species counting the endangered Lammergeyer.

Please note that Semien Mountains (1,500m elevation) holds the highest point in Ethiopia, at its Ras Dashen peak.

Visiting the Omo Valley- Home to the Omo People

Ethiopia Travels

For a rewarding cultural experience in this fascinating country, you should explore the Omo Valley. This valley holds the Omo people, prominently known for their amazing painted bodies.

These people in the Omo Valley have chalk-painted bodies and put on unique attires worth visiting.

During your Ethiopia vacations in the Omo Valley, (a culturally rich area) you’ll enjoy the remarkable ancient cultural practices of the Omo people. Among these include the cattle jumping rituals of the Hamer tribe which turns a boy into a man!

The Omo Valley is also famous for its contribution to paleontology. For example, in 1980, the Lower Omo Valley got registered as a UNESCO world heritage site after discovering human skeletons, estimated to have lived over 3 million years ago.

This thrilling cultural experience is hard to miss on most of Ethiopia vacation packages.

Camping in the Wilderness

Camping in the wilderness is a memorable safari experience worth undertaking on your holiday safaris in Ethiopia.

This beloved state holds several amazing untouched areas ideal for a camping experience. Among these include, the Gambella National Park, Ethiopia’s most diverse park, however the most difficult to access!

Camping opportunities are also possible in Omo Valley, Bale Mountains, as well as in the Simien Mountains National Park.

Please note that this adventure is rarely taken on Ethiopian safari holidays. However, we can include it on your vacation package in Ethiopia.

Tracking Wildlife in Ethiopia

Although Ethiopia is not a wildlife safari destination, tourists on Ethiopian vacation will spot several Ethiopian endemics as well as other big game animals found in the mighty plains of Masai Mara and Serengeti.

During your safaris in Simien Mountains National Park, you’ll spot huge troops of Gelada Monkeys, known as the “bleeding heart Monkeys” due to their amazing heart-shaped chest marking.

Other game animals that can be tracked on your holiday safari in Ethiopia include Ethiopian Wolves, Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Giraffes, etc.

The key sites for spotting wildlife on your Ethiopian safari holidays:

Awash National Park
Bale Mountains
Rift Valley region and,
Gambella National Park, etc.

Undertaking A Tranquil Boat Trip on Lake Tana

A boat trip on Lake Tana is a must-do activity on your holiday tour in Ethiopia.

The prominent Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake covering about 50 miles in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. It’s the main source of water to the Blue Nile River, a prime water source in this fascinating country.

During your boat cruise, you spot numerous amazing birds, Hippo pods, as well as softshell Turtles.

On its coastline, you’ll explore several monasteries (over 20 monastic churches) dating back to the 14th century. The most prominent is the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, found on the lush Zege Peninsula. Its glorious art scene is worth exploring!

Exploring the Scenic Rift Valley Lakes

This is among the most thrilling and adventurous things to do on your safari vacations in Ethiopia. Lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley are among the oldest as well as the deepest lakes in the world!

These lakes are found between the highlands of the Ethiopian Plateau as well as the Somalia Plateau and have a great impact on Ethiopia’s economy.

On your adventure, you’ll trek to Lake Abaya, a scenic lake tinted with vivid red due to sediments in the water.

Travelers interested in bird watching can reach Lake Awasa home to numerous water birds counting Pelicans, Herons, storks, etc. Fishing in Lake Ziway and Crocodile watching at Lake Chamo is also possible.

Visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia

The National Museum of Ethiopia is among the key attractions in Ethiopia worth visiting on your vacation. It’s an ideal site to explore the fascinating local history of Ethiopia.

This culturally rich area boasts 3 different sections with thousands of amazing artifacts and archaeological findings on display. Among these, the most prominent is the paleoanthropological section, which holds the remains of early hominids (apes).

Also, in this great Museum, you’ll find the skeleton of “Lucy,” whose fossil remains are said to be over 3.2 million years old. She’s believed to be the oldest remains of any human ancestor.

On this adventure, you explore amazing African art and other historical memorabilia from ancient and medieval periods.

This adventure shouldn’t miss on your Ethiopia vacation package.

Discover the History of Ethiopia

On your Ethiopia safari, this is also a must not miss experience! Along the northern circuit of Ethiopia, there lie some of the most prominent historical monuments in this nation.

During your adventure in the old capital of Gondar, you’ll explore castle ruins that were once home to Ethiopian royalty and the stunning Debre Birhan Selassie Church.

In Axum, the original capital city of Ethiopia, ancient grave markers take the form of massive obelisks that turret meters into the sky. The history of these structures is captivating!

Your local guide will explain to you their charming history as you meander through the fallen stelae, and marvel at those that are still standing.

Visiting Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Visiting the Rock Hewn Churches on your tour in Ethiopia is a must-do adventure. It’s one of the fascinating attractions in this nation.

This must-see attraction was named after King Lalibela, who constructed the churches during the 13th in an effort of recreating the city of Jerusalem. All these 11 amazing ancient churches still play an important role in Ethiopia’s Orthodox religion.

These lovely churches not only hold regular services but, worshipers make annual pilgrimages (Genna festival) annually to this site.

Visiting the Blue Nile Falls

The Blue Nile Falls is also among the lovely attractions worth visiting on your vacations in Ethiopia.

Blue Nile Falls is a 138ft high breathtaking thundering fall with a three-streamed waterfall covered in a fog of mist and normally holds a pale shimmer of rainbows.

Please note that getting to the falls can be time-consuming and strenuous. Adventurous rovers can undertake a hike to the top of the falls however, there’re options for a motorboat to the bottom of the falls.

It’s ideal you explore these falls during the wet season when the water is much for great views.

What Is Ethiopia Known For? | What Is Unique Thing About Ethiopia Tours?

Ethiopia is well known for its great fascinating history as well as fascinating cultural encounters with the lovely Omo people.

Also, on your vacations in Ethiopia, you’ll explore monolithic churches, diverse landscapes of national parks home to unique game animals, etc.

Is Ethiopia Good For Tourists?

Ethiopia is one of the top destinations in the Horn of Africa to travel to. This lovely state is blessed with a spectacular landscape of mountains, lush green forests, and scenic lakes.

Here are the top reasons why people undertake Ethiopia tours:

The country holds a rich history worth exploring, for example, visiting the ancient Rock Hewn Churches.
Holds unique wildlife species, including the rarest species in the world like Semien Fox.
It’s an ideal destination for hiking adventures. This state holds several amazing hiking sites counting the Semien Mountains.
Ethiopia offers one of the most fascinating cultural encounters on the African continent. You’ll get a chance to encounter the incredible Omo people.

Ethiopia Tourist Attractions | Best Places to Visit in Ethiopia- What to See on Ethiopia Tours?

Ethiopia holds several amazing unique attractions worth exploring during your African safari.

Below are the top destinations/ places to visit in Ethiopia:

Addis Ababa– Ethiopia’s capital home to numerous amazing attractions for example Holy Trinity Cathedral. Please note that most travel magazines in Ethiopia have photos showing Holy Trinity Cathedral
Bale Mountains– an ideal site for hiking adventures in Simien Mountains National Park.
Omo Valley is home to the amazing Omo people.
Beautiful lakes in the Rift Valley region e.g. Lake Awasa, Lake Chamo, and Lake Tana as well as other scenic Rift Valley lakes
Several amazing historical monuments
Beautiful Falls, e.g., the Blue Nile Falls
Numerous national parks such as Simien Mountains National Park
Amazing Ethiopian historic cities such as Gondar (fortress city) a bole sub city holding with royal enclosure. Also in this city, you’ll explore the ancient Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Other cities include Bahir Dar, Harar Jugol, Lalibela, etc.

Packing List for Ethiopia Tours- What to Pack for Your Vacations in Ethiopia?

While planning to have an Ethiopian safari, it’s always ideal you get all safari basics!

Here is the packing list for your tour in Ethiopia:

Sun protection gears
Insect repellent– ideal while in the Rift Valley region.
Holiday gadgets like a cell phone, a camera, etc. A cell phone will help you keep connected with people at home.
A pack bag helps as a day pack bag
Personal toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, tampons, and toilet papers
Travel documents counting a passport, Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, as well as travel insurance. Please, remember to purchase travel insurance.
A rain jacket– is ideal while undertaking a hike in Simien Mountains National Park.
Foot ware– Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Clothes– Long & warm outfits for the highlands, light clothes for all other regions,
Swimsuit– can be used if you want to spend time in the swimming pool of your accommodation facility.

Best Souvenirs from Ethiopia- What to Buy on Your Ethiopia Vacations?

For a rewarding experience on your tour in Ethiopia, it’s always advisable you purchase a souvenir of your trip. This can also be taken to a friend’s home as a wonderful gift from the African region.

Here are some of the perfect souvenirs from Ethiopian:

Ethiopian coffee– is one of the top perfect souvenirs.
Shema– a traditional cotton material used for making colorful dresses for Ethiopian
Wonderful wooden carving of warriors as well as protective gods at home
Amazing musical instruments
Ethiopian lovely wickerwork e.g. woven baskets, hats as well as mats, etc.
Wonderful Ethiopian jewelry with beautiful beaded necklaces, bangles as well as headdresses.

Accommodation in Ethiopia- Where to Stay on Your Ethiopia Trips?

During your Ethiopian trips, accommodation availability subject ranges from budget to midrange as well as luxury hotels.

Below are the:

Best Luxury Hotels in Ethiopia

Delano Hotel in Bahir Dar
Bale Mountain Lodge- holds an area’s spas for its guests.
Sheraton Addis, found in Addis Ababa
Unison Hotel and Spa in Bahir Dar
Hilton Addis Ababa- holds an area’s spas for guests.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa
Hotel Lobelia- This facility, Hotel Lobelia is one of the prominent luxury hotels in Ethiopia.
Waterfront Hotel in Bahir Dar

Ideal Midrange Ethiopian Hotels

Gondar Hills Resort
Hilton Addis Ababa
Capital Hotel & Spa
Hara Langano Eco Lodge
Lale’s Camp
Dorze Lodge
Olive Hotel and Spa in Bahir Dar. It’s one of the ideal available subjects for a midrange stay in Ethiopia.

Recommended Budget Lodges in Ethiopia

Awash Falls Lodge
Gondar Hills Resort
Gondar Backpackers
Harare Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa
Hotel Tirago

Please note that most hotels in Ethiopia offer their guests free internet access to their guests.

Best Time to Travel to Ethiopia- What Is the Best Time to Go to Ethiopia for Vacation?

Safaris to Ethiopia can be done all year round however, the best time to visit Addis Ababa Ethiopia is between October-March. During this time, there’s less rainfall and heat is less strong in the extreme north as well as in the southern part.

June to September is a rainy season in Ethiopia.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Ethiopia? | What Are the Best Months to Travel to Ethiopia?

October-March is the best time to visit Addis Ababa. In these months, heat is minimal in this state as well as rainfall to inconvenience.

June to September is a rainy season in Addis Ababa, as well in the north of Ethiopia plus in the central highlands.

Traveling to Ethiopia- How to Travel to Ethiopia?

All international flights to Addis Ababa arrive at Bole International Airport found in Addis Ababa.

Usually, most travelers from here are picked by local tour operators in Addis Ababa to their further travel destinations.

Note that, since Ethiopia is a large country, most people travel around using domestic flights. There’re flights to most places of interest counting the historical towns, except not to any of the national parks.

To travel to parks, you have to fly first to the nearby town! From the domestic airport, you’ll be further transported by a driver guide.

Driving around expeditions are available especially, in Ethiopia’s southern part!

What Is the Best Way to Travel Around Ethiopia? | What Is the Best Way to Get Around in Ethiopia?

During your holiday expeditions in Ethiopia, the easiest way to travel around is by using a plane. There’re domestic flights connecting to most of Ethiopia’s interesting destinations such as Gondar, Bahir Dar, Lalibela, as well as Arba Minch “Omo Valley”

Note that, traveling by car is more memorable! It gives you a chance to explore Ethiopia’s breathtaking countryside.

Ethiopia Travel Guide- What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Ethiopia?

While planning to have African safari holidays in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, there’re some travel documents you must have.

Here is the Ethiopia travel guide/required travel documents to Ethiopia:

Tourist visa, you can apply for it at https://www.evisa.gov.et
A passport valid for 6 months
Your passport should be having at least 3 blank pages
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: If coming from a yellow fever endemic country.
Round-trip ticket

Is Ethiopia Tourist Friendly? | Are People in Ethiopia Friendly?

During your Ethiopian trips, expect to encounter lovely people! This beloved country holds friendly, generous, and respectful people; however, they expect the same in return.

These people appreciate warm greetings, handshakes as well as a positive body language. In brief, they show respect to visitors.

Is It Safe to Travel to Ethiopia Now? | Is It Safe to Travel to Ethiopia Currently? | Is It Safe to Travel to Ethiopia Right Now?

How safe is Ethiopia for travelers? Generally, most visitors who travel to Ethiopia end their safaris successfully without any mishaps.

Please note that, regardless of the above fact, you are advised to be vigilant on your Ethiopian tour.

Some crimes especially in Addis Ababa have been registered including pickpocketing, civil unrest, communications disruptions, potential for terrorism as well as kidnapping in border areas. Most of these incidents don’t target safari goers.

Here are the safety measures while on your Ethiopian vacation trip:

Avoid moving at night on lonely streets in Addis Ababa. If you’re to spend time at night, move with a local guide.
Flashing money while in public areas like bars in Addis Ababa is not wise. This calls attention to criminals.
Avoid no-go areas on your Ethiopian vacations. For example, Ethiopia’s borders with South Sudan as there’re some armed groups here.
Don’t leave your valuables unattended.
Avoid moving with expensive gadgets on the busy streets of Addis Ababa city.
It’s wise you purchase travel insurance while coming on your trip to Ethiopia. Travel insurance helps in case of any mishap on your tour.
Tap water is not safe for your life. Instead of taking tap water, you can cook or buy bottled mineral water.

Are Americans Allowed to Visit Ethiopia?

All travelers from all corners of the globe are safe while undertaking Ethiopian safari holidays.

However, you’re cautioned to be vigilant of your life and properties as petty crimes have been registered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital just like they happen in other big cities in the world. Among these include pickpocketing on busy roads.

Is Tipping Customary in Ethiopia?

On your vacations in Ethiopia, it’s not mandatory to give out a tip! However, most travelers give out as it’s one way of showing gratitude for the service rendered.

Trip to Ethiopia Cost- How Much Money Do You Need for A Vacation in Ethiopia?

Normally, many travelers are inquisitive about how much does it cost to go to Ethiopia for a holiday. Please note that there’s no fixed price for Ethiopian safaris. This is because there’re numerous factors affecting this cost.

Some of the factors influencing the cost of your holiday tour in Ethiopia include:

Activities you wish to undertake on your Ethiopian tour
Duration of your holiday
The number of people on your tour
Class of accommodation you wish to use and
Vehicle type you’re to use, etc.

What Is the Average Cost of Visiting Ethiopia? | How Expensive Is Traveling in Ethiopia?

On average, you can spend around ETB3,235 ($59) per day on your safari in Ethiopia. This fee covers expenses for meals, as well as local transport.

Is Ethiopia Cheap or Expensive? | Is It Cheap to Visit Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is a relatively cheap destination to travel to! For example, the cost of living in Ethiopia on average is 44.3% lower than that of the United States.

Also, it’s relatively cheaper than African southern nations like Botswana.

Please note that your expenses on your holiday safaris in Ethiopia depend on your travel style.

How Many Days Do You Need To See Ethiopia? | How Many Days Do You Need in Addis Ababa- Ethiopia’s Capital City?

How many days should I spend in Ethiopia? There’re no specific days to spend on your Ethiopian safari holidays. Your safari duration in Addis Ababa Ethiopia depends on your travel interest and budget.

Is Ethiopian Part of Africa? | How Is Ethiopia Different From the Rest of Africa?

Yes, Ethiopia is an African country. This country is the only African state that successfully resisted European colonization.

What Country Did Ethiopia Belong To?

During ancient times, the name Ethiopia was mainly used in reference to the modern-day nation of Sudan, based in the Upper Nile Valley and located south of Egypt, also called Kush, and then secondarily in reference to Sub-Saharan Africa in general.

Top Ethiopia Tour Operators | Best Travel Safari Companies in Ethiopia to Travel With

For memorable Ethiopia trips, you should book your journey with a reliable and experienced tour company.

Here are some of the best tour operators in Ethiopia to book with your Ethiopian trips:

Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
Wild Gorilla Safaris
Africa Safaris Tours

Best Ethiopia Vacation Packages | Vacation Packages in Ethiopia | Popular Ethiopia Tours

Below are some of the most amazing Ethiopia Tour Packages;

7 Days Ethiopia Tour- This is an amazing Ethiopia vacation package, allowing you to explore Omo Valley for cultural encounters. It features Addis Ababa city walks, where you’ll explore vibrant markets, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Edna Mall, and other prominent attractions.

5 Days Ethiopian tour– It’s one of the amazing adventure trips in Ethiopia, allowing you to explore Ethiopia’s wildlife, culture, and amazing history. You’ll explore Awash National Park, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa City, vibrant markets, Edna Mall, etc.

3 days Ethiopian wildlife tour in Awash National Park- This Ethiopia vacation package allows you to explore one of Ethiopia’s great parks. Expect to spot several birds, and amazing game animals like the Beisa Oryx, Desert warthogs, Lesser Kudu, Hamadryas baboon, etc.

7 Days Flying Tour to Ethiopian Historical Sites- Our 7 days adventure Ethiopia vacation package will take you to popular historical sites in Addis Ababa, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Gonda, Lalibela, as well as Axum.

In summary, during your African safari tour in Ethiopia, expect to have a memorable trip! On this adventure, you’ll explore some of the prominent attractions in Ethiopia counting Addis Ababa city, the great Holy Trinity Cathedral, amazing monuments, etc.

The best time to visit Addis Ababa Ethiopia is during the dry season.

IF LOOKING FOR A SAFE AND PLEASANT TOUR, BOOK WITH US NOW AN AFFORDABLE VACATION IN ETHIOPIA!