Things To Do
in Korem
Korem is a highland town in northern Ethiopia, set against rolling green hills and agricultural valleys. It functions as a rural hub where farmers trade coffee, grains, and crafts, giving visitors a glimpse of everyday life beyond larger cities. The town offers warm hospitality, modest guesthouses, and access to nearby viewpoints and river valleys.
Korem serves as a convenient base for travelers seeking nature, culture, and a slower pace in the Ethiopian highlands.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Korem and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to refresh and unwind after your journey. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian breakfast at a local restaurant, sampling injera and berbere.
Explore the bustling markets of Korem, where you can find a variety of spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods. Interact with friendly vendors and learn about the local culture. Capture vibrant photographs of daily life in this charming town.
Dine at a local eatery, savoring communal dishes with flavorful stews. Engage with locals to learn about their traditions and stories. Conclude your day by relaxing under the stars, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Embark on an adventurous trek in the Simien Mountains National Park. Early morning is perfect for spotting endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon. Take in breathtaking views as you ascend to higher altitudes.
Continue your hike, pausing for a packed lunch amidst stunning landscapes. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and observe the different flora and fauna thriving in this protected area. Capture the stunning panoramas at viewpoints along the trail.
Return to Korem and savor a comforting dinner with local specialties. Reflect on the day’s adventures with fellow travelers and share stories under the glow of the evening lamps. Rest well to recharge for the next day's journey.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🚌Local transport (short ride) | $0.5-2 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $0.3-1 |
| 🍽️Injera with wat (meal for two) | $4-8 |
| 🛍️Market groceries (fruits/veg) | $2-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and rich cultural experiences
- Scenic highland landscapes and proximity to nature
- Limited direct international flights to Korem itself
- Rural infrastructure can be uneven and roads may be rough
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Dehna neh?" - How are you? (to a man)
- "Dehna nesh?" - How are you? (to a woman)
- "Amesegenallo" - Thank you
- "Be’anti sem? (transliteration)" - What is your name? (approximate transliteration)
Places to Visit in Korem
Visit one of these nice places.
High vantage point on the town’s edge that offers sweeping views of green hills, valleys, and distant ridges at sunrise or sunset.
A scenic overlook near the river valley ideal for landscapes, light mist in the morning, and wildlife glimpses.
A traditional setup area where you can photograph the ritual of coffee brewing and the social dynamics around it.
Food in Korem
Korem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sour flatbread served with a choice of spicy chicken or lentil stews, a staple pairing you’ll see in most meals.
Must-Try!
A creamy chickpea flour stew rich in spices, often served with injera.
Red lentil stew seasoned with berbere and spices, a popular vegetarian option.
Shredded injera mixed with spices, often served with a side of wat or vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market area with fresh produce, grains, spices, and small street food stalls offering quick, affordable bites.
Local vendors preparing fresh injera on flat griddles; a great place to watch the flatbread being made and try piping hot portions.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Avoid overly revealing clothing in rural areas; respect religious sites and ceremonies.
Always seek consent; a friendly nod and a smile go a long way.
Take time to greet elders and community members; avoid interrupting conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Korem
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but modest; 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included, and small tips to guides or hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash in Ethiopian Birr is widely used; credit or debit cards are often not accepted in smaller towns. Mobile payments and informal bartering may occur in markets; carry small notes and coins for easier transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically the rainy season with intermittent heavy showers; trails may be slippery and some roads can be rough. Bring a lightweight rain jacket, good walking shoes, and a light layer for cooler evenings.
Dry season with mild temperatures; comfortable for hiking and outdoor exploration, but evenings can still be cool due to altitude.
Cool to chilly nights; dry conditions are common. Pack a warmer layer, a hat, and a lightweight scarf for early mornings.
Warm days with periodic showers; good for photography and outdoor markets, with lush vegetation beginning to sprout.
Korem at Night
Hiking in Korem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic gorge area offering dramatic viewpoints and opportunities for wildlife watching.
Moderate hikes along rolling highland ridges with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding valleys.
Airports
How to reach Korem by plane.
Domestic flights; relatively close to the northern highlands; road travel may take a few hours depending on conditions.
Regional airport with domestic connections to major hubs; useful for longer northbound itineraries.
Northern hub with more frequent flights; provides broader access to northern Ethiopia.
Ethiopia's main international gateway; far from Korem but offers global connections when traveling from abroad.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primary livelihoods and a strong sense of community; many households rely on subsistence farming.
A growing segment in towns, often involved in education and local enterprise.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local teams and informal games are common in towns.
Community-organized running events and culturally rooted games are common among youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Korem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ethiopian vegetarian options are abundant; opt for injera with misir wat, shiro, zokks (vegetable stews), and salads. When dining out, ask for wat without meat or for added legumes to ensure variety and protein.