Searching for authentic Ethiopia tours and vacations in Africa? When you speak about Safaris to Eastern Africa, everyone would Jump to conclude that they are going to see very large plains covered in Savannah in an open safari Van littered with Elephants, Antelopes, Giraffes, very many cats hunting within the vicinity.
This is almost true especially in Kenya and Tanzania and that’s why many people flock Masai Mara and Serengeti national parks all year round. As much as this is the ideal safari experience in most parts of Africa, there are other sides of Safari experience in Africa and it comes in countries like Ethiopia. It will not be like the experience you will find elsewhere. Ethiopia vacation trips are amazing. See some of our top Ethiopia tour packages below or read through our detailed Ethiopia travel guide after below the itineraries section..
Ultimate Travel Guide for Booking Ethiopia Safaris & Tours
There are not very places where you will find cats and other animals roaming around in the grasslands but definitely you will find a better experience and still with wildlife.
You will for example find the endemic and rare Ethiopian wolf playing in the Bale Mountains and Sanetti Plains, and then the Gelada Monkeys playing in the Simien Mountains, there are large crocodiles and hippos on the shore of the Lake Tana and then very hungry hyenas on the walls of the Harar city walls.
Ethiopia is also blessed country with a lot of wildlife complemented with beautiful landscapes, rich history and people, very many outdoor experiences, rich culture, food, architecture.
The experience here will be nothing like you will see anywhere else in the world.
Hiking the Simien Mountains which stand at an altitude of about 3000 meters above sea level or going into the Danakil Depression which is the lowest spot in Africa will also provide a great experience and this is not to say that you will not see any wildlife because Ethiopia has many endemic wildlife species.
While you drive from one attraction to another you will be awed by the scenery with a lot of beauty.
From very lush green plains to small lakes, and then endless deserts and plateaus not forgetting the Savanna plains.
Ethiopia is probably one of the countries with the richest history considering that it was the only country in Africa that was not colonized and so most of its ancient traditions are not tampered with.
How to get to Ethiopia for a Travel vacation
The Beautiful Scenery of Ethiopia
All international flight to Ethiopian will arrive through the Bole international airport in Addis Ababa which is the largest city and the capital of this country.
Almost all international airlines will offer flights to Addis Ababa given that it’s also the diplomatic city of Africa.
You can choose from Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Ethiopian airways and KLM
Climate in Ethiopia
Mountainous View of Ethiopia
Different geographic regions have different climate types.
The central region of the country has very moderate climatic conditions with average seasonal temperature variations.
The minimum temperature during the wet season is 5.5°C while the highest is 26°C.
The low areas of the region have really lower temperatures than the average.
The desserts in Ethiopia have very extreme head with temperatures as high as 60°C.
The country receives a lot of rains in the months of June to September.
The central region receives a second spell of rain which is abit mild in the months of December and February.
The central region receives an annual average precipitation of about 48 inches.
The Ogaden area receives an area of about 4 inches while the Western region receives about 80 inches every year.
Best time to Visit Ethiopia for Travel holidays
Stunning views of Ethiopia
You can visit Ethiopia any time of the year.
But most people would prefer to visit Ethiopia in the dry season from October to February.
Most of the visitors to Ethiopian will need a visa to enter Ethiopia.
There are countries that will be allowed to obtain a visa on arrival while other will need to apply prior at their home embassy.
To arrive in Ethiopia you will use the only airport that is Bole international airport in Addis Ababa.
Makes sure you read the requirements for entry as all nationalities have different requirements.
Ethiopia has been peaceful for over 15 years with no civil wares or unrest and they have a very fast growing economy.
Ethiopia Visa, Immigration & Entry Requirements
You will need a valid passport to enter Ethiopia just like any other country.
Most nationalities will need a visa to enter: some of the nationalities will be able to get a visa on arrival while others will need to apply before their travel.
At $50, citizens of the USA, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, , Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Israel, Russia, the UK and all other European Union nations can buy a single-entry one-month visa upon arrival at the airport.
Ethiopia E-visa Services For Foreign Travelers
The department of Immigration in Ethiopia launched a tourist eVisa in the year 2017.
This kind of visa will allow travelers into Ethiopia for a period of six months from the date of arrival.
Ethiopia Attractions & Travel Destinations – Top Things to See in Ethiopia
The Erta’ale Volcano
The top Ethiopia attractions and things to see are as follows.
1. Blue Nile Falls’ Travel
This part of the Nile is known by the locals as Tis- Isat Falls which translated “Smoke of Fire”.
The Blue Nile is as impressive as the White Nile.
This park of the Nile has falls that can rivals the Niagara Falls.
The falls are about 45 meters high during the rainy season.
The scenes from these falls will marvel you.
There is a stone bridge build in the 17 the century here and the architectural plan will stun you.
2. Danakil Depression Travel
This is a volcanic wilderness in the north eastern part of Ethiopia.
It is believed that this is one of the hottest places in the world.
This area is located on the border of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The temperatures here can rise up to about 45°C. the depression is about 155 meters below and it’s the lowest point in Africa.
3. Churches of Lalibela Travel
This area is also known as the New Jerusalem and it is famous for the many churches here like the rock hewn churches, then the Northern and southern cluster churches.
The city is located within a rock.
There is a giant monolith in memory of St. George who is a patron saint for Ethiopia.
This is among the most visited areas in Ethiopia.
The architectural style of the whole area will give stunning memories.
4. The Omo Valley Travel
This valley holds some of the most prestigious culture in the continent.
The valley is home to about 80 cultural communities that are still into all their cultural norms since they have had very little influence from the west or any other foreigners.
You will witness a lot of dances and festivals.
5. Gondar Travel
This is one of the cities in Ethiopia with new architecture and it’s referred to as the new city since most of the others have been built way in the past and have maintained the same architecture since then.
Festivals like Timkat are held here every year.
6. Simien Mountains Travel
These mountains are preserved as a UNSECO world heritage site due to their unique formation and they are also known as God’s play ground by the locals for this reason.
They are also home the Simien National park that you will also visit while here.
You will special animals like: Walia ibex and the Simien fox.
Getting Around Ethiopia – How to travel to Ethiopia
Salt Lake near the Danakil Depression
The best way to get to Ethiopia is by an international flight through the Bole International airport in the Capial Addis Ababa.
There are domestic flights to most of the major towns in Ethiopia. Some of the notable flight from Addis Ababa will go to towns like Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum, Lalibela, Mekele and Arba Minch.
From any of these, you can drive by road and the average drive time from the attractions is about 2 hours.
You can also travel by road but this will require you to have more time on the road which is part of the adventure and will help you under the people better.
What to pack for a trip to Ethiopia
When visit any destination in Ethiopia you will need to pack appropriate clothes to suite the weather, terrain and culture.
Here is a list of some of the thing you would consider packing.
An Insect repellent
Binoculars
Camera to capture moments: extra batteries and memory cards
Reusable water bottle
Carry come hiking shoes that are comfortable and light. Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather
The day is always hot but the nights are cold at times, carry some warm clothes for the night.
Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
First-aid kit
Where to Stay – Ethiopia Safari Accommodation Options
The Korkor Lodge – Tigray, Ethiopia
Most of the attractions In Ethiopia will have accommodation options from Luxury, mid range and Standard option.
The accommodation will be dependent on your budget and needs.
There are areas like the Bale Mountains that have fewer options but with time there are many options being set up.
You can make your research and make sure you choose a lodge with all your need and within your budget.
Most lodges will have the basic amenities to meet the international standards.
Costs of traveling to Ethiopia
Like most other destinations, here are the factors that will determine the cost of your Ethiopian Safari.
The number of days on your trip
Whether you are traveling alone or as group
The type of accommodation.
The kind of guides you use.
Travel Safe – Is it safe to travel to Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a very secure country and has been peaceful for over 15 years with no civil unrest or major wars or terrorists attacks.
You will have no issues but like any other destination, there are some petty crimes and you should mind your property all the time.
Eating and drinking in Ethiopia
The major meal in Ethiopia is Injera which is a large and large spongy pancake. This delicacy is food, plate and cutlery.
You will keep tearing bit off it and holding it in the hands as you eat.
Gifts and shopping
You can choose from the products woven by hand from the local high quality cotton and this is what most travelers choose as it is unique.
Most of the local designers prefer bright colors. Such products can be found throughout the country.
You can also have access to the strong Ethiopian coffee all over the country and the Injera platters.
Ethiopian Coffee & Coffee Tours
It is believed that coffee originated in Ethiopia.
They usually brew it strong and delicious on coal.
You will feel its effects over the next few moments.
They will mostly serve it with popcorn.
The Ethiopian has two days of fasting and during these days only Vegan foods will be served.
You will have plenty of meat and its products in the next few days.
They eat raw beef chunks and raw minced meat also known as Kitfo.
Ethiopian People & Language
The People of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a very big country and it has a very large population.
The Amharic is their official language and it has its own alphabet.
Oromo is one of the other widely spread and spoken languages.
The country like many African countries has over 80 languages spoken here with each language having a few thousand speakers.
The most common religion here is Orthodox, Christianity and Islam.
The Amharic language is a bit friendly but very complex as well.
“Thank you” for example translates as “ammasay-ge-NE-lo”, “ok” is “ishi” and can also informally mean “thanks”.
The Amharic alphabet is made up of 33 characters with each of them having 7 different variations which make the alphabet make almost 250 characters.
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Top Ethiopian Travel Destinations & Attractions
Lalibela: This site is in the heart of Ethiopia. It’s a spiritual beauty full of mystery and stunning architecture. The place is so magical.
Simien Mountains National Park: This is one of the tallest mountains in Ethiopia. It will give you great views for wildlife.
Danakil Depression: This is a volcanic wilderness in the north eastern part of Ethiopia. It is believed that this is one of the hottest places in the world.
Omo Valley: We shall find this attraction in the southern part of the country. This place is known for the many unique tribal groups here. You will be interacting with the human aspect of Ethiopia.
Awash national Park: this is the best park to give you a wildlife experience of Ethiopia.
Bale Mountains National Park: The Mountain will give you both views and great jungle experiences. You will explore wildlife, the summit of the mountain and waterfalls.
Gheralta Mountains: The Mountain will give you cliff expreince with a mixture plateaus. You will discover a lot of secrets about Ethiopia here.
Community Trekking: We shall be hiking the highlands of Tigray and Lalibela. Here will shall be hiking as we explore the lives of the locals with a summit to offer us stunning views of the surrounding areas.
Bahir Dar, Gonder, and Axum: These are old towns with a lot of experience from architecture, spiritual experiences all in the northern region of the country.
Harar: This is reffered to as the walled city of eastern Ethiopia. This town is abit different from the other old towns of Northern Ethiopia. You will be marveled by the views of the setting sun.
Rift Valley: The rift valley carries a lot of features of the country including the Bale Mountains, the Omo valley and many other small lakes. You will be awed while adventuring here.
Ethiopia Travel Safety Tips
The Gelada Baboon of Ethiopia
Like most area in Africa and Ethiopia, it is important that you mind your security since this a wilderness and therefore make sure you keep a safe distance from the animals and also don’t stray from the group.
Here are some other tips.
Make sure you read and follow the park regulations like staying on the trails and avoid disrupting the animals.
This area can be hot most of the time so it is important to stay hydrated. Carry a lot of water.
Do no litter. Put the waste in the designated places.
These are wild animals even when they appear peaceful, do not attempt to touch them.
Keep a safe distance from the animals more so the predators like hyenas, leopards and lions.
Stay with the guide or the group for your own safety.
Try as much as possible to respect the locals and their traditions.
