ETHIOPIA

Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Source of the Blue Nile, a History Buff’s Shangri-La

A history that goes as far back as humanity itself. Home of the astounding churches of Lalibela hewn from bedrock in one solid piece – a kind of African Petra. Travel “The Historic Route,” see the southern Omo River Valley - home to some of the only remaining original tribes left in the world, and Safari in the Simien Mountains to spot endangered wildlife only found there.

Best Suited to Which Type of Travelers:

Ethiopia is an excellent choice for history lovers, those interested in cultural experiences, and adventure-seekers with a wildlife focus.

We Recommend These Experiences:


•Explore the ‘historic route’, including the ancient town of Lalibela and their centuries old rock hewn churches.

• Head back in time as you visit Gondar’s imperial castles and be enchanted by the island monasteries of Bahir Dar.

• Visit Axum, where The Arc of the Covenant is claimed to be housed. 

• Boat on the Great Rift Valley lakes of Tana and Tiss Issat Falls, the source of the Blue Nile, and a great spot for birding.

• View ancient ruins of kings, a palace of the Queen of Sheba, and crowns of the emperors.

• Get off the beaten track to explore the Omo River Valley and the many tribes who live here including the Hamer, the Mursi, and the Karo.

• Visit during Christmas time to be treated to a centuries old celebration in the Historic Route, book early if this is of interest!

• Taste the splendor of Ethiopian culinary delights during a cooking class, and learn more about this culture and their food.

• Tempt yourself at one of Africa’s largest open-air markets in the capital city of Addis Ababa.

• Explore the Simien Mountains in search of the Ethiopian wolf, the gelada baboon, the Walia Ibex and other endangered species.

Activities In Ethiopia...Not to Be Missed:

Omo Valley Tribes

Rock Hewn Churches on Historic Route

Open Air Markets

Coffee

Villages

Rare Wildlife (Red Wolf)

Local Life

Festivals

Simien Mountains

African Wildlife

Dramatic Landscapes

Birding

Fairy Tale Castles at Gondar

Hiking

Axum

Ethiopia Video Courtesy of Ethiopia Tourism Organization & UNWTO

Contact Our Safari Experts to Plan Your Custom Safari to Ethiopia:

Our expert team has experienced Ethiopia, they can advise you well in planning your own ETHIOPIA journey.

Diane Burlingame:

“Ethiopia was magical and ethereal, there’s always more to explore…”

CONTACT Our Team. We've Been There!

ON LOCATION IN ETHIOPIA: Diane Burlingame

In The Know:

Explore Weather Chart

Best Time To Visit

Jan + Feb + Mar + Apr +++ May +++ Jun ++ Jul ++ Aug ++ Sep +++ Oct +++ Nov ++ Dec ++

+ Mid-December, January, February, March, and Mid-April

Rainy, hot and humid - Cyclone season

++ November and April

Before and after Cyclone season, so rain is possible

+++ May, June, July, August & September

Great weather

Getting Around:

By Vehicle, Air

Pairs well with:

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya

Fun Facts:

Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been brought under colonial control. Haile Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975, was said to be a descendent from the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of Israel. Many Ethiopians follow an Orthodox Christianity that prohibits eating of any animal products on Wednesdays and Fridays.