Travel to Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a country that defies expectations, possibly more than any other. From lush, tropical forests in the south to scorching, arid deserts in the east, this is a land of huge extremes.
The Ethiopian Highlands receive some of the highest levels of rainfall in Africa. Here you’ll find the source of the Blue Nile, Lake Tana, countless waterfalls and a pleasant, temperate climate.
Yet, barely a day’s drive to the east, the Danakil Depression is the hottest place on the planet and one of the driest.
Or head to the Simien Mountains for some epic hiking surrounded by truly spectacular scenery.
Travelling to Ethiopia often feels like going back in time. The only country in Africa never to have been successfully colonised, its culture is both unique and ancient. A meeting place of East African and Arabian cultures, there’s nowhere quite like it.
The second most populous country in Africa also hosts the second largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites on the continent.
At Lalibela, a series of churches cut out of (and into) the rock is a place of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians. The ancient city of Harar, in the east of the country, is one of the holiest in Islam. And the huge castle at Gondar wouldn’t look out of place in medieval Europe.
Last but certainly not least: the food. It’s rich, varied, utterly delicious and unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
Ethiopia really is a unique and special place.
Factsheet
| Approximate Area: | 1.1 million km2 |
| Approximate Population: | 110 million |
| Currency: | Birr |
| Official Language: | Amharic |
| International Dialling Code: | + 251 |
| Drives on the: | Right |
Ethiopia Travel Tips and Guides
- My Favourite Photos of Ethiopia
- 15 Best Places to Visit in Ethiopia
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ethiopia
- Ethiopia Itinerary & Travel Guide
- Basic Amharic Phrases For Travelling In Ethiopia
Recent Posts on Ethiopia
15 Best Places to Visit in Ethiopia
With its 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, surreal deserts, and lush highlands, there are many incredible places to visit in Ethiopia. This remarkable country offers a rare mix of ancient history, striking landscapes, and diverse cultures that few other places…
My Favourite Photos of Ethiopia to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Ethiopia is a place that stays with you long after you leave. I first arrived in the country with a vague sense of what to expect – images of rock-hewn churches, delicious coffee, and stories of ancient history. But nothing…
7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ethiopia
The cradle of humanity, Ethiopia is a place where the past lives in the present, from the mystical rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. Ethiopia will captivate and inspire you in a way that…
Ethiopia Itinerary & Travel Guide
This Ethiopia travel guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through one of my favourite countries in Africa. You’ll explore ancient rock-hewn churches, climb towering mountains, marvel at lush waterfalls, traverse burning deserts, and immerse yourself in buzzing cities….