Ethiopia

An ancient East African highland country, where rock-hewn churches, ancient city ruins, the Simien Mountains and the Danakil Depression make for a unique journey.

Ethiopia lies in the Horn of Africa and is landlocked, with terrain dominated by the Ethiopian Highlands, the Great Rift Valley running through it, and the extremely hot Danakil Depression in the lowlands. The historic route in the north is the most popular: the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the castles of Gondar, the obelisks of Axum, the monasteries of Lake Tana and the rock churches of Tigray. Simien Mountains National Park offers sightings of gelada monkeys and magnificent canyons. The dry season (roughly October–March) is the best time to visit. Bole International Airport in the capital, Addis Ababa, is the main gateway. The security situation in some areas is changeable, so check the latest travel advisories before you go.

Destinations

• Addis Ababa
• Axum
• Danakil Depression
• Lalibela
• Gondar
• Bahir Dar & Lake Tana
• Simien Mountains
• Tigray Rock Churches (Gheralta)
• Harar
• Omo Valley (Jinka)
• Arba Minch
• Hawassa
• Bale Mountains National Park

Itineraries

• Addis, Omo Valley & Harar Fly-in Route – Connect the capital, Omo tribes, and the ancient eastern city by air, bypassing the north and long overland drives
• Omo Valley Fly-in/Fly-out (Jinka & Turmi) – Fly in and out of Jinka to bypass the Konso road, focusing on Mursi, Karo, and Hamer tribes and markets
• Harar Jugol & Dire Dawa – Fly to Dire Dawa, transfer to Harar, wander the alleys of the walled city of Jugol, and watch the hyena feeding at night
• Addis Ababa & Bishoftu Crater Lakes – See the Lucy fossil, Entoto Mountain, and Merkato, followed by a half-day trip to the Bishoftu crater lakes