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Introducing Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a unique destination in many ways. It has its own languages (more than 84), its own calendar (7 years behind the Gregorian, 13 months per year), its own strand of Christianity (Ethiopian-orthodox) and unparalleled history, culture and landscape.

In the high mountains of the North, called the roof of Africa, one feels neither part of Africa nor Asia. The Semitic people, speaking age-old languages, plow their stony fields with ox-drawn wooden plows. Peoples' cultures and habits are as various as the different natural sceneries that Ethiopia has to offer and that embrace all different landscapes from the driest desert with the world's hottest temperatures to the greenest forests. Ethiopia has 9 Cultural or Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, together with Morocco more than any other African country.

Ethiopia Travel Insights

Ethiopian Sky
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ethiopia?

Most parts of Ethiopia experience two main climate seasons - a dry season (October - May) and a rainy season (June - August). However, differences in altitude tend to add a number of variations, both in terms of temperatures and rainfall. Lowland areas usually see hotter temperatures than the Highland regions, which cover a great portion of Ethiopia. Here, weather conditions are noticeably cooler and there are also generally higher levels of rainfall to be expected.

Bete Georgis church in Lalibela
Map of Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days
Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days

Drive through the Simien Mountains and visit four UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites, along with the other main highlights of the classic historical northern route, like Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum, and Lalibela. At night, enjoy a stay in the highest hotel in Africa, the Simien Lodge.

Ethiopian orthodox church with sun rays in Addis Ababa
Best Things To Do In Addis Ababa

Almost everyone starts and ends their trip to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. No matter what your interests may be, there is a variety of cultural highlights and adventurous activities to explore. Below you'll find a list of some of the great things to do around Addis Ababa.

Simien Mountains
Map of Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days
Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days

Explore the Simien Mountains and climb Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. You'll also have the chance to visit the capital city of Addis Ababa and the historic palaces of Gondar, making for an itinerary that combines both the cultural and natural highlights of Ethiopia.

Mount Zuqualla from the Plane
Map of Day Trips from Addis Ababa
Day Trips from Addis Ababa

Looking for a list of great day trips around Addis Ababa? While starting and ending in Addis Ababa each day, you're still able to get away to explore the natural beautiful and cultural heritage outside of the city. Activities range from multi-hour hikes to visiting holy lakes and ancient monasteries.

Bete Georgis church in Lalibela
Map of Short Trip to Ethiopia's North: 5-Day Itinerary
Short Trip to Ethiopia's North: 5-Day Itinerary

Whether you have an extended stopover or simply want to add some sightseeing to your business trip in Addis Ababa, this is the ideal tour if your time in Ethiopia is limited. This itinerary includes Bahir Dar and Lalibela, two of the main destinations on the country's classic northern route. On your day of driving and domestic flights between the historic cities, you'll be able to admire the dramatic landscape of Ethiopia's highlands.

See travel articles about Ethiopia

Ethiopia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days
Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days
View article
Map Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days
Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days
View article
Map Day Trips from Addis Ababa
Day Trips from Addis Ababa
View article
See all Ethiopia maps

Related Destinations

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Kenya
Kenya
South Africa
South Africa
Tanzania
Tanzania

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Trip Reviews for Ethiopia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The tour was great, and Mihiret  was perfect....
Ethiopia | Jul 7 - Jul 13, 2023

M
MG Group R.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

The tour was great, and Mihiret  was perfect. I am always looking for partnerships that allow me to send my travelers to countries where I don't have to be present to engage with them the entire time, and she took care of that. She made everyone feel welcome, she treated us like family, and, OMG I could go on and on. I've traveled all over Africa, this was by far one of my greatest experiences. We all felt like we were among family. Our drivers took care of us and met all of our needs. Everybody was so welcoming to us upon arrival. Great experience all around!

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Jul 17, 2023

Hello, thanks for the nice feedback. And I'm happy to hear that we've chosen the correct guide for your group. Marco

Read all Ethiopia reviews

East Africa
Ethiopia | Sep 29 - Oct 9, 2018

T
Tom W.
Ormond Beach, FL | Reviewed on Oct 13, 2018

Our guide Elayas was simply superb. We were greatly surprised and excited about the rich scenery, history and traditions in Ethiopia . Evenings of traditional dancing, and foods were an unexpected bonus. The ritual coffee ceremony almost every day was most appreciated, giving us a welcome boost. Local markets were festinating & robust , especially in Lalibela. The people everywhere were friendly and helpful.

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Oct 17, 2018

Hi Tom,
I'm happy to hear that with Elyas we've chosen the correct guide for you and you enjoyed the tour in its full extent.
Hope to see you soon here in Ethiopia again,
Marco, Elyas and the rest of the team

Read all Ethiopia reviews

Photography Tour
Ethiopia | Sep 23 - Oct 4, 2018

Solovkin
Solovkin S.
Somerville, MA | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2018

Its has been amazing 12 days trip with Mihiret being a tour guide and organized by Marco.

Ethiopia is not an easy country when it comes to street and people photography. However every visit to a location was organized with much knowledge, expertise and love., and as a result I got thousands of great photos.

Mihiret speaks local languages, knows, traditions, all do's and what is also very important - dont's.

Highly recommended!

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Oct 08, 2018

Dear Stan,
thanks for 5 stars!
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the time with Mihiret.
Hope to see you again...
Marco

Read all Ethiopia reviews
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