What to visit in Ethiopia?

Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a fascinating and little-known country that dazzles its visitors with the beauty of its landscapes, as well as the richness of its cultural and architectural heritage. Crossed by the Great Rift Valley, considered the “Cradle of Humanity” where the remains of Lucy were found, Ethiopia is known for its diverse landscapes, as you can find lush plains, rugged peaks, desert expanses, and large lakes, with impressive waterfalls and deep canyons.

Faced with so much diversity, it is difficult to know what to visit. So let's explore together some of the most remarkable places in Ethiopia!

Simien National Park

“One of the most spectacular landscapes in the world” according to UNESCO, Simien National Park is one of Ethiopia's most beautiful jewels. Among breathtaking landscapes, you will have the opportunity to admire many species, such as the walia ibex, a wild mountain goat, or the canis simensis, also called the Ethiopian wolf. It is also in this park that the highest peak in the country is found, Ras Dashan, which rises to 4550 meters above sea level. It is therefore the ideal place for trekking!

Lalibela

Lalibela, located in the north of the country, is known for its churches dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, carved directly into the rock. At 2630 meters above sea level, this monastic city is home to eleven medieval churches, notably the Church of Saint George, known for its colorful frescoes! The city offers visitors a magnificent journey through the ages.

Danakil: the Dallol Depression

It is a unique geological formation in the world, where the rock forms palettes of varied colors: green, blue, ochre, yellow, and white. Travelers can visit the salt mountain, but also the open-air salt mine, where for 2000 years men have manually cut the blocks!

Erta Ale

Erta Ale is located in the heart of the Danakil desert, and this volcano is nothing less than the most active in Ethiopia. Are you looking for adventure? Observe its smoking walls and its bubbling lava lake! An extraordinary experience! However, beware for those who fear the heat, as the “smoking mountain” is one of the hottest places on Earth.

Addis Ababa

The capital is the ideal place to buy your souvenirs, especially in the city's famous market, the Merkato, which is the largest open-air market in Africa. Also take advantage of your stay here to discover the local gastronomy, as well as Ethiopian culture! Make a stop at the National Museum of Ethiopia where you can see the famous Lucy.

Mago National Park

Located in the south of Ethiopia, this park offers visitors a mix of deserts, savannah plains, and green mountains including Mago! Within its 2000 km2, you can observe giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and even elephants! A semi-nomadic tribe, the Mursi ethnic group, also lives here!

Bale Mountain National Park

If you are a hiking enthusiast, Bale Mountain will be a true paradise for you! This park offers breathtaking landscapes, such as the ascent of Mount Batu at 4600 meters above sea level. It allows you to observe many species: the Ethiopian wolf, the mountain nyala, the Anubis baboon, and even the giant forest hog.

The Lakes of the Rift Valley

Most of the Rift Valley lakes are found in Ethiopia. This impressive group of lakes crosses the eastern part of Africa from north to south. It is considered the “Cradle of Humanity.” Here you will find the Abijatta-Shalla National Park with within it the Abijatta and Shalla lakes, hot springs, and many pink flamingos. But also the Chamo and Abaya lakes with their magnificent colors, blue waters for the first and copper-red for the second.

Harar

Considered by Ethiopians as the fourth holy city of Islam, Harar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can admire its authentic character and stroll through the narrow, colorful streets with a Moroccan feel. It is also here that the French poet Arthur Rimbaud spent the last years of his life. You can therefore admire the house decorated in his honor.

Gondar

Come and discover the historical remains of this ancient imperial city. Here you will find palaces and ruins of medieval castles with their fortifications, but also the baths of Fasilidas, as well as incredible frescoes and dozens of churches!

Bahar Dar

Considered one of the prettiest cities in the country, Bahar Dar has the region's main attraction: the Blue Nile Falls! It is a magical place in the middle of the countryside. The 45-meter waterfalls will surely impress you. Do not hesitate to take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country.