Things To Do
in Ethiopia
Ethiopia sits at the crossroads of Africa's historical civilizations, boasting ancient churches, dramatic highland scenery, and a vibrant coffee culture. Its landscapes span volcanic deserts to lush plateaus where wild gelada baboons roam and traditional villages cling to cliff faces. The country preserves a rich tapestry of languages, cuisines, and religious traditions that are uniquely Ethiopian.
Visitors experience a warm welcome, striking architecture, and countless opportunities for trekking, archaeology, and culinary discovery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa. Enjoy a warm Ethiopian coffee to energize yourself for the day ahead. Take some time to rest and acclimatize to the local time zone before embarking on your adventures.
Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossilized remains of 'Lucy', one of the oldest hominid skeletons ever discovered. Stroll through the bustling Merkato market, where you can shop for local crafts and sample delicious street food. Dive into the cultural richness of Addis Ababa as you interact with local vendors.
Dine at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, where you can sample various dishes served on injera, a staple flatbread. Experience the lively atmosphere with traditional music and dancing, showcasing the vibrant culture of Ethiopia. Reflect on your first day in Ethiopia as you enjoy the local culinary delights.
Travel to the ancient town of Lalibela, known for its stunning rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start your exploration at the iconic Church of St. George, one of the most famous structures carved from solid rock. Marvel at the intricate designs and the engineering marvel of these 12th-century buildings.
Continue your tour by visiting other key churches, such as Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam, each with its unique architectural style and historical significance. Engage with local guides to learn about the rich history and significance of these sacred sites in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Capture breathtaking photos of the unique surroundings and the impressive structures.
Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local eatery in Lalibela, savoring unique flavors and dishes typical of the region. Share stories with fellow travelers or locals as the sun sets, painting a colorful sky above the ancient town. Reflect on the day’s discoveries and the spiritual ambiance of Lalibela.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🚕Taxi 1 km | $0.50-1 |
| 📶Mobile data / Internet (1 month) | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and culture, including ancient churches and coffee ceremonies
- Stunning highland scenery and wildlife in national parks
- Infrastructure can be challenging in rural areas
- Seasonal travel can be affected by rains and road conditions
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Dehna neh?" - How are you?
- "Amesegenallo" - Thank you
- "Betam" - Very good / please / yes (depending on context)
- "Mata ende?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Ethiopia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic UNESCO site carved from volcanic rock; sunrise and midday light offer dramatic silhouettes.
A spectacular waterfall just outside Addis Ababa; best photographed in the rainy season when the river is at its fullest.
Spectacular escarpments and plateaus with dramatic scenery and endemic gelada baboons.
Wide canyon and the historic Portuguese bridge create dramatic landscape shots.
Ancient megaliths set in wide open fields; a quiet and evocative site for wide-angle photography.
Otherworldly colors and geothermal formations; best with a licensed guide and in clear weather.
Food in Ethiopia
Ethiopia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sour teff flatbread served with a variety of stews such as misir (lentil) or doro wat (spicy chicken).
Must-Try!
A rich, spicy chicken stew often served with a boiled egg and injera.
Minced raw or lightly cooked beef seasoned with mitmita and spices; often served with injera.
A smooth, spicy chickpea or broad bean puree served with injera.
Sautéed meat with onions and peppers, commonly served with injera.
Shredded injera fried with spices and often served with berbere.
Honey wine traditionally served in a jebena or clay cup.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Africa's largest open-air markets; sample fresh spices, coffee beans, injera, and street foods.
Local vendors offering quick teff-based dishes and fresh fruit juice.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a simple 'Selam' (Hello). Use the right hand for giving/receiving; smiles and deference are valued.
Dress modestly in churches and mosques; remove hats when entering holy sites; photography may be restricted inside sacred spaces.
Ethiopians are famously hospitable; accept invitations to coffee ceremonies; bring a small gift if staying with a host.
Avoid public displays of affection in rural areas; avoid touching someone's head; respect fasting days for Orthodox Christians.
Safety
Tipping in Ethiopia
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5-10% if service charge is not included; guide and driver tips of 10-15% per day are common; small tips for hotel staff.
Cash (ETB) is common; some USD accepted in tourist areas; major hotels and larger shops accept credit/debit cards; ATMs are widespread in Addis Ababa but less reliable in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant days in the highlands; cooler nights; good for trekking and city sightseeing.
Intermittent rains; trails can be muddy, but landscapes are lush.
Heavy rainfall in lowlands; some remote roads may be challenging; cooler temperatures in highlands.
Clear skies; wildlife viewing improves in some parks; fewer crowds.
Ethiopia at Night
Hiking in Ethiopia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
World-class treks with dramatic cliff scenery and wildlife.
Moorland trekking with alpine lakes, forests, and wildlife such as mountain nyala.
Hikes between cliff churches amid scenic landscapes.
Shorter hikes with panoramic cliffs and sacred caves.
Airports
How to reach Ethiopia by plane.
Main international gateway; connected to major cities in Africa and beyond; taxis and domestic flights available.
Small regional airport serving Lalibela and nearby sights; connects with Addis Ababa flights.
Gateway to Lake Tana and the Blue Nile falls; domestic connections from Addis.
Regional airport serving the historic north; access to castles and monasteries.
East-central hub for travelers heading to the eastern highlands and Harar region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Amharic-speaking people in the central and northern highlands; Orthodox Christian majority.
Largest ethnic group; Oromiffa language; diverse religious practices (Islam, Christianity, traditional beliefs).
Historically concentrated in the north; mix of Orthodox Christian and other communities.
Southern groups with unique languages and distinct cuisines; vibrant markets.
Groups in the eastern lowlands with nomadic traditions; desert-adapted lifestyles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; large fan culture across cities.
Ethiopia has produced world-class runners; many people participate in local races and training.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most wots can be made with lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables. Request no meat and adjust berbere spice if sensitive to heat; dairy and ghee are common so check ingredients if avoiding dairy.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ethiopia.