Things To Do
in Kemisē

A visually rich environment full of colors, textiles, produce and livestock; ideal for street and documentary photography—ask permission before photographing people.

Religious buildings and their surroundings offer architectural contrasts and opportunities to capture rituals and daily devotion (be respectful and check photography rules).

Short drives to nearby ridgelines provide sweeping views across the plains and dramatic sunrise/sunset light for landscape photos.

Close-up, candid shots of the traditional coffee ceremony reveal intimate cultural moments—always ask permission and offer thanks.

The town’s busiest market day features fresh produce, spices, grains, household goods and livestock; street vendors sell fried snacks, roasted corn, sambusas and fresh coffee—perfect for photography and tasting local flavors.

Small stalls and vendors near the bus station offer quick bites like sambusas, roasted chickpeas and grilled meat skewers; hygienic standards vary so choose busy stalls with local customers.

Greet people politely—handshakes are normal between same-sex strangers; use both hands or the right hand when offering items. A warm verbal greeting goes a long way.

Dress modestly, especially around religious sites; women should avoid very revealing clothes. When visiting mosques or some homes, remove shoes and follow local guidance.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious activities. A small gift or exchange of photos is polite when a portrait is taken.

Respect fasting periods and prayer times—if invited to a home or ceremony, follow hosts’ cues regarding eating and interaction.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Small tips (a few birr or rounded amounts) for porters, guides, and helpful staff are customary; in restaurants 5–10% is fine when service is good.

Cash (Ethiopian birr) dominates—carry sufficient cash for markets, taxis and small purchases. Credit/debit card acceptance is limited outside larger hotels and regional centres, and ATMs may be unreliable or distant.

June–September is the main rainy season (kiremt) in much of Ethiopia; expect frequent and heavy afternoon rains, muddy rural roads and cooler evenings. Travel on unpaved tracks can be difficult—plan extra time for excursions.

October–January brings drier, sunnier weather and the best travel conditions—pleasant daytime temperatures and clearer skies for hiking and photography.

Nighttime can be chilly, especially in the highlands; pack a warm layer. Some religious festivals fall in this period, offering cultural event opportunities.

February–May includes the short rainy season (belg) and a warming trend; sporadic showers occur but many days are suitable for travel and market visits.

A short half-day hike into the nearby highland ridgeline with panoramic views over surrounding valleys—good for sunrise or sunset hikes and accessible from town with a short drive.

An easy to moderate walk connecting several nearby farming villages where visitors can observe traditional agriculture, home gardens and local livestock.

A day hike following a local river or seasonal stream down into the valley and back offers varied scenery and birdwatching opportunities—avoid during heavy rains.

A short steep trail to a ridge used by locals for early-morning grazing; excellent for panoramic photos and watching the sun illuminate the plains.

The nearest regional airport serving Dessie/Kombolcha area—offers occasional domestic flights and road connections into the Kemisē area by bus or shared taxi (expect driving times of a few hours depending on road conditions).

Ethiopia’s main international gateway; from Addis Ababa you can travel to Kemisē by domestic flight (to regional airports) or by overland bus/private car—allow a full day for road travel depending on stops and road conditions.