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Since decades a lava lake is boiling in the pit crater of Erta Alé volcano in ethiopia’s Danakil depression. I shot this pic for my homapge volcanoes.de, where it was first published in 2008.
Since decades a lava lake is boiling in the pit crater of Erta Alé volcano in ethiopia’s Danakil depression. I shot this pic for my homapge volcanoes.de, where it was first published in 2008. - Photo by Marc Szeglat

Explore the Rich Culture and Fascinating Landscape of Ethiopia

About Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a land of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling markets of Addis Ababa to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia offers travelers a unique and unforgettable experience. Explore the country's ruggedly beautiful national parks, sample its delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Ethiopia is a land of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. It is located in the northeastern part of Africa and is the second-most populous country on the continent. Ethiopia has something to offer for everyone, from natural wonders to cultural treasures.

One of the most popular destinations in Ethiopia is the city of Addis Ababa, the country's capital. Addis Ababa is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, which offer a glimpse into the country's history and traditions. The city is also home to many excellent restaurants and cafes, where visitors can sample traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

For nature lovers, Ethiopia is a paradise. The country is home to a diverse array of landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush forests. One of the most iconic landmarks in Ethiopia is Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to many rare and endangered species, including the Ethiopian wolf and the gelada baboon. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and birdwatching in the park.

Another must-visit destination in Ethiopia is the ancient city of Lalibela. Lalibela is famous for its incredible rock-hewn churches, which were carved out of solid rock in the 12th century. These churches are a testament to the incredible skills of the ancient Ethiopian craftsmen and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Ethiopia is also a great destination for adventure travel. Visitors can go trekking in the Simien Mountains, white-water rafting on the Omo River, or take a hot-air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of the Rift Valley.

Overall, Ethiopia is a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, it is a country that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Ethiopia is sure to captivate and inspire you.

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Popular Stays in Ethiopia

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Ethiopia

Hiltons Commitment to You During COVID-19 ” Weve updated our reservation and cancellation policies, extended Hilton Honors Points and status and may be requiring face coverings, temperature checks, health declarations and use of mobile contact tracing at our hotels around the world. Please visit our dedicated COVID-19 page for the latest and before traveling.Cool off in the thermal swimming pool surrounded by thatched huts at the central Hilton Addis Ababa hotel. Play friends on one of 4 tennis courts and relax with a massage at the health club. Try the specialty lobster at the romantic Jacaranda Restaurant and browse the hotel's shopping mall. Enjoy Addis Ababa attractions like the golf course and the Ethnological Museum, or let the hotel arrange a trip to the Rift Valley. Come back to a workout or an aerobics class in the health club, before relaxing in the whirlpool. Enjoy sizzling fajitas at the poolside Gazebo Bar and cocktails at the Hilton Addis Ababa hotel's Sheba Lounge. Opposite the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Hilton Addis Ababa hotel has 4 meeting rooms and a ballroom for 6-1200, and an Executive Lounge with wireless internet access. From Hilton Guest Rooms to Suites, all Hilton Addis Ababa hotel rooms have balconies with good views. Executive Rooms offer Executive Lounge access.
Inter Luxury Hotel Addis features a total of 194 accomodation units. Moreover, there is a wireless Internet connection at hand in communal areas. The reception is open 24/7. Travellers arriving by car will appreciate parking available at Inter Luxury Hotel Addis. Owing to its health and wellness services, this hotel is ideal for a relaxing break from the stress and strain of daily life. Several conference facilities are available for the convenience of business travellers. Those who stay at this establishment will truly appreciate its dining facilities that serve several kinds of dishes and beverages. Clients may savour a wide selection of flavourful dishes served at the hotel. Everyone staying at this accommodation may amuse themselves with the residence's entertainment. Some services may be payable.
This luxurious Hotel is ideal for families and is situated in Addis Ababa. Travellers will find the airport within 3. 2 kilometre(s). The 114 welcoming bedrooms offer a perfect place to relax at the end of the day. The establishment was built in 2013. Both business and leisure travellers will appreciate the property's Internet access. The property provides 24-hour reception. Small pets are not allowed on the premises. Additionally, a car park is available on the premises for guests' extra convenience. Customers may avail for airport transfer service. Visitors will revel in dishes served at the accommodation's gastronomic options. Capital Hotel and Spa features a choice of business facilities in order to offer the perfect combination of comfort and convenience for a corporate trip. Visitors may appreciate health and wellness services offered at Capital Hotel and Spa. The property's dining venues serve a selection of flavourful dishes and beverages. The Hotel provides an entertainment programme and leisure activities for guests' added convenience. Capital Hotel and Spa may charge a fee for some services. **please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions some facilities and amenities may not currently be available**
Set in a prime location of Addis Ababa, Ramada Addis Ababa puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. Offering a variety of facilities and services, the hotel provides all you need for a good night's sleep. To be found at the hotel are 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, fireplace. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Discover all Addis Ababa has to offer by making Ramada Addis Ababa your base.
Five Star Business Hotel located in the Kazanchiz Business district only a block away from the UN Conference Center and 6 KM away from Bole international Airport. The Hotel started operation in January 2012. 212 rooms and suites in Total. 152 standard rooms, 44 business class rooms 2 business queen rooms 6 standard queen rooms, 7 corner suit and 1 presidential suit. The Hotel has 9 meeting rooms - 4 form a ball room without a partition Capacity from 12 - 350 pax. Outlets - 1. Business Class lounge located on the 9th floor free coctail from 5 - 8 PM everyday 2. Verres en Ver restaurant - First Brasserie-style dinning outlet in Addis Ababa with the best buffet food as well as a la carte menu items.
Upscale 5-star hotel, located in city center, the hotel is 5 kilometers from the international organizations and embassies, while the Bole International airport is 1 km from the hotel. The Hotel features 90 rooms and suites, including 5 diplomatic suites, 15 executive rooms and 70 deluxe rooms. Dinning Facilities include SPICE Restaurant an all day dining restaurant, the LEMON Bar & Grill and Havana VIP Bar. The Lobby coffee shop GRAB & GO, The hotel also offers 4 conference rooms, which are perfect for meetings, conferences and weddings from 10 to 200 guests.
Restaurant
Business hotelsHotels with spa

Best Western Plus Addis Ababa

The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa is ideally located in the heart of the commercial and entertainment district of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital city of Ethiopia. Nearby attractions such as business centers, religious centers, restaurants, bars and Bole International Airport are all within walking distance of the hotel. Guests can relax and unwind in all of our 160 rooms and suites, each designed specifically with the guest in mind to offer them a home away from home. The hotel also provides free parking on site. The fresh and trendy all day dining restaurant is located on the mezzanine floor and offers an incredible selection of cultural and international delicacies. The Lobby Bar & Cafe offers authentic Ethiopian coffee, sip brick mocktails and enjoy something from the fresh display. Room service is available for guests who wish to dine in the privacy of their rooms. The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa can also host a wide variety of private functions including; weddings, corporate events, meetings, conferences, and private parties in one of our modern and spacious meeting rooms and halls. Located on the 10th floor is our modern and atmospheric sports bar which offers the guest a 360 degree view of the city, offering you a memorable experience. The hotel also boasts a state of the art gym with a wide range of equipment and our dedicated professional team on hand. Feel relaxed and rejuvenated in our spa with one of our many bespoke treatments.
Located directly on Meskel Square the Hyatt Regency Addis welcomes the guest into an oasis with a selection of 2 restaurants ,2 bar and lounges serving the most mouthwatering, healthy and creative food and drinks in the city. Alongside the inner courtyard with cooling water features and colorful flower beds the meeting and event facilities are located with state-of -the -art adivisual equipment connecting to the very attractive courtyard. The Spa, gym area featuring a heated open air pool is the ultimate relaxation area providing maximum privacy with individual shower facilities included with its spa treatment rooms. The hotel offers 188 guest rooms including 18 suites. 180 parking spaces complete the convenience and service quality Hyatt Regency provides in the very center of Addis Ababa.

Things to do in Ethiopia

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Ethiopia

Our customized made city tour of Addis Ababa which enables our clients to discover the wonders of Addis Ababa which includes the loin of Judah, National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Merkato, St. George Cathedral and the prominent view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto and Our struggle (Tiglachin) monument-
Explore the Danakil from the Afar capital Semera (590km from Addis Ababa) with the Ethiopian Airlines Daily flight. The Danakil is a genuine expedition destination. Although a good 350km road now runs from Semera to Mekele via Afdera, the tracks to Dallol and Do Dom (for Erta Ale) require 4×4 and navigational skills. The region is best visited with an experienced operator using a minimum of two 4x4s, and experienced staff who know the local Afar. Helicopter access is from Mekele. Currently, we offer tours directly out of Semera. The minimum time required for a full tour is two nights, spending one at Hamed Ela and one on the rim of Erta Ale. An extra night at Erta Ale is recommended if you want to see the crater by day, and another for Lake Afdera. RECOMMENDED TOURS 2 Days Danakil Depression Tours 3 Days Danakil Depression Tour 4 Days Danakil Depression Tours 5 Days Danakil Depression Tours
Take an 8-hour tour of Addis Ababa City with guide. See several points of interest and landmarks. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour starts with a pick up from Bole International Airport or at your hotel, and drive to Trinity Cathedral Church which has unique architectural style. Then, you will be taken to the National Museum of Ethiopia for visiting the long age history of Ethiopia and the oldest human ancestor, Lucy. After lunch, we will go to the ethnographic museum and admire the country's different nationalities cultural materials. Finish the tour with shopping in Merkato, the local marketplace which is said to be Africa’s largest open-air market.
Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is an unforgettable place. On this 9 day tour, you will immerse yourself into one of the remotest and culturally diverse regions in all of Africa. Tribes that we will visit will include: the Mursi, Dorze, Erbore, Konso and more. You will get an insight into their complex customs and unique way of life. Where possible we visit local markets, one of the best ways to experience life in the Omo Valley. This tour will be like no other tour you have taken and will take you to some of the remotest parts of Ethiopia.
All of our guides are very well trained with documented passion and knowledge of the country and sufficient language skills. It is very important to us that our drivers are professional, friendly and safe. For us there is no greater joy than the absolute satisfaction of our guests!
This is a tour that brings you into the heart of private passions and also a city tour of that strays together in to city museums, Homes of a famous human fossils ( Lucy ) and it touches the massive open-air market Marcato with domestic values, Escape into Ethiopia tours will help you enjoy both city of Addis Ababa and Debre Zeiyt or Beshoftu. On this day Escape into Ethiopia will take you to the creator Lakes of Debre Ziet. On this tour you will have the chance to experience the creator Lakes, the National Museums and Marcato. You will be escorted with our committed storytelling guides and professional drivers.
This tour will give you a glimpse of huge Ethiopia shortly. In addition of learning so much history and culture of the country, your tour has entitled you for a chance to experience so many activities in Addis Ababa, and moreover to see amazing places and to interact with the local people.
This is the highlight of Addis Ababa city tour.  Addis Ababa means “New Flower.” in English. It was founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1887 and situated between 2300 - 2500 meters above sea level. It's the third highest capital in the world. Nowadays, Addis is has a population of more than 7 million and the continent's premier diplomatic center the headquarters for African Union located here. Addis Ababa besides its many attractive sites, lies at the of an area rich in places of interest, most of which can be visited either as a half or full day tour.

Why People Love Ethiopia

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Ethiopia

I
I9786LRronaldb
5
Jun 2022
Very professional and knowledgeable tour guide. Adjusted itinerary to my preferences, including a stop to the original Tomoca coffe shop!!
JS
James S
5
Apr 2022
Very good guide, friendly, professional! I enjoyed my time with him very much and he is plenty informative and fair.
DB
Dorothy B
5
Jul 2022
Beki took us on a full day of adventure through Addis Ababa. We toured trough streets, church, museums, traditional Ethiopian lunch, and coffee shop. The most amazing part of the day was a walking tour through the Merkato. This busy market is endless with absolutely everything you can imagine i...

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Explore all things to do in Ethiopia

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ethiopia

What are the must-visit attractions in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is a country rich in history and culture. The must-visit attractions include the ancient city of Axum, Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, and the Simien Mountains National Park. Other attractions include the Blue Nile Falls, Harar Jugol, and the Danakil Depression.

What are the best activities to do in Ethiopia?

There are plenty of activities to do in Ethiopia, such as trekking the Simien Mountains, exploring the ancient city of Gondar, visiting the Omo Valley tribes, and hiking to the Tigray rock churches. You can also experience the coffee culture in Ethiopia by visiting a coffee plantation or trying traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.

What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

The best time to visit Ethiopia is from October to April, which is the dry season. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant weather and clear skies. However, if you want to witness the Timkat Festival, which is Ethiopia's biggest celebration, then you should visit in January.

What are the best accommodations in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some of the best accommodations are Kuriftu Resorts and Spa, Sabana Beach Resort, and the Hilton Addis Ababa. For a unique experience, you can also stay in traditional Ethiopian huts or eco-lodges.

What is the food like in Ethiopia?

Ethiopian cuisine is known for its unique flavors and spices. The traditional dish is injera, which is a sourdough flatbread served with a variety of stews and curries. Other popular dishes include doro wat, kitfo, and shiro. You can also try traditional Ethiopian drinks like tej, a honey wine, and coffee.

What is the currency used in Ethiopia?

The currency used in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian birr. You can exchange currency at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange bureaus. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's recommended to carry cash.

Is Ethiopia safe for travelers?

Ethiopia is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to take precautions. Petty crime can occur, so it's recommended to keep valuables in a safe place and be aware of your surroundings. It's also recommended to avoid political demonstrations and to stay up to date with local news.

What is the dress code in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is a conservative country, so it's recommended to dress modestly. It's appropriate to wear long pants or skirts and shirts that cover your shoulders. When visiting religious sites, it's recommended to wear clothing that covers your entire body.

What is the transportation like in Ethiopia?

Transportation in Ethiopia includes buses, minibusses, and taxis. The most common mode of transportation is the minibus, which is a shared taxi that operates on set routes. Private taxis are also available, but it's recommended to negotiate the price before getting in. If you want to explore the countryside, it's recommended to hire a driver or join a guided tour.

What is the language spoken in Ethiopia?

The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic, but there are over 80 languages spoken throughout the country. English is also widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities.