Ethiopia

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Welcome To Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a rich cultural heritage and incredible diversity both in its people and its landscapes. Let the best Ethiopian tour operator guide you to the land of origins, home to incredible epic landscapes and incredible natural scenery. Those looking for history, nature and culture will not be disappointed.

Ethiopia is probably one of those countries that we all have heard but knew very little about. The mention of this country brings an exotic sound where one might imagine well-fashioned and accessorized tribes in a mountainous backdrop. That’s how it was for me at least.

Ethiopia is about Historic Sights, Tribes, and Landscapes. Note that Ethiopia is nothing like Kenya and Tanzania, it is not like the othe Africa safari destination where you can expect to see lions and such. This is a common misconception among tourists so LEARN.

Where is Ethiopia

Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, is a rugged, landlocked country split by the Great Rift Valley. With archaeological finds dating back more than 3 million years, it’s a place of ancient culture.

Among its important sites are Lalibela with its rock-cut Christian churches from the 12th–13th centuries. Aksum is the ruins of an ancient city with obelisks, tombs, castles and Our Lady Mary of Zion church.

Ethiopia is a history lover’s paradise with a lot of ancient landmarks. The classic must-visit ones are Lalibela, Aksum, Gondar (history and religious travel); Omo Valley (tribes and culture); and Danakil Depression, a geographic wonder— one of the hottest and lowest lands in the world.

ASTHO vacations can also recommend the 6th Century Abuna Yemata Guh church, which bristles with stories from a distant past.

Simien Mountains are also must-visits in the country especially if you like hiking or camping but you have to be lucky with the weather or like us, you won’t see anything because of the fog.

The landscape of Ethiopia is absolutely amazing. You have to drive between sights but the drive itself is a tour! There were no dull moments and you almost feel bad taking a nap for missing out on the glorious scenery.

Blessed with rich cultures, unique wildlife, startlingly blue skies and dramatic landscapes littered with ancient treasures, Ethiopia is a captivating destination that might not yet be on your radar, but should be.

Discover museums and colourful markets in the dynamic capital of Addis Ababa; and explore Camelot-style medieval castles and royal palaces in Gondar, Ethiopia’s fascinating former capital.

Head to the spectacular Simien Mountains to hike along striking escarpment trails; tackle an ascent of Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak; and spot unique wildlife including gelada baboons, walia ibex and Simien foxes.

Visit the holy town of Lalibela and see its World Heritage Listed rock-hewn churches, superbly carved out of volcanic rock; or make the pilgrimage to Axum, littered with ancient obelisks and revered as the home of the Ark of the Covenant.

Experience Christmas Ethiopian-style with the Genna festival; or watch the moving rituals and colourful processions of the Timket festival, with thousands of white-robed Ethiopian Orthodox faithful observing the Epiphany.

Marvel at ornate island monasteries and the thundering Blue Nile Falls with a cruise on Lake Tana; and witness the largely unchanged lifestyles and unique traditions of the Omo Valley’s diverse ethnic tribal groups.

If you’re looking for a destination with a difference, combining ancient history, cultural riches and stunning landscapes, this might be the place!

On your African safaris, Ethiopia travels and Ethiopian vacations give you a golden opportunity to explore amazing memorable attractions in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Vacations (Ethiopia trips) offer memorable community tours, religious visits, beautiful scenery viewing, birdwatching, and some unique game viewing.

Situated in the horn of Africa, Ethiopia is one of the few African safari countries with a dazzling landscape, lovely wildlife as well as a fascinating heritage (culture) ideal for notable cultural encounters.

With over 1,100,000 km2 of land area, this landlocked country in the horn of Africa borders Eritrea in the North, South Sudan on the west, Djibouti to the northeast, Kenya to the southern part, and Sudan to the northwest. Addis Ababa is its capital city.

Best Ethiopia safaris

During Ethiopian safari holidays, most travelers explore the scenic Bale Mountains, home to unusual wildlife on Earth like the Mountain Nyala, Semien Fox, etc.

Adventurous lovers on safaris in Ethiopia shouldn’t miss out on visiting Danakil Depression. A hike to this captivating depression allows you to have sights of the world’s oldest active volcanoes. On your Ethiopian vacations, you can still try out memorable hikes in various scenic mountains.

A notable cultural encounter in the Omo Valley is a must not miss experience on your Ethiopia expeditions. It gives you a remarkable encounter with the Omo people, one of the unique people on the African continent with a unique amazing life worth exploring.

Also, on your safari in Ethiopia, you shouldn’t miss visiting the numerous lovely historical monuments in historic cities! Among these include the charming ruins of Aksum, Harar Jugol, etc. A boat cruise on Lake Tana awaits you also!

For remarkable trips, it’s advised never to miss Addis Ababa tour! All year round, you can have African safaris in Ethiopia, but the dry season offers the best experience. Ethiopian accommodation is ideal for both budget as well as luxury travelers.

You can save money by booking with us an affordable safari holiday in Ethiopia now.

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 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

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 north western 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 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.

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

Heaven On Earth

At ASTHO vacations, we specialize in tailored travel experiences that cater to your specific interests and preferences. Our bespoke Ethiopia tour itineraries are crafted with precision to offer you exclusive access to Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historical landmarks. From immersive cultural tours in the Omo Valley to exhilarating trekking adventures in the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains, we ensure every detail of your journey reflects the highest standards of luxury, personalization, and authenticity. With expert guides and a focus on sustainable tourism, our bespoke tours offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience.