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. Traversed by the Great Rift Valley, considered the "Cradle of Humanity" where Lucy's remains were found, Ethiopia is known for its diverse landscapes, featuring lush plains, steep 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 gems. Amid breathtaking landscapes, you will have the chance to admire numerous species such as the Walia ibex, a wild mountain goat, or the Canis simensis, also known as the Ethiopian wolf. It is also in this park that you will find the country's highest peak, Ras Dashen, which rises to 4,550 meters above sea level. It’s an ideal spot 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 an altitude of 2,630 meters, this monastic city houses eleven medieval churches, notably the Church of Saint George, known for its colorful frescoes! The city offers visitors a magnificent journey through time.

Danakil: The Dallol Depression

This is a unique geological formation worldwide, where the rock forms palettes of varied colors: green, blue, ochre, yellow, and white. Travelers can visit the salt mountain and also the open-air salt mine where for 2,000 years men have been manually cutting blocks!

Erta Ale

Erta Ale is located in the heart of the Danakil Desert and is none other than Ethiopia’s most active volcano. Are you seeking adventure? Observe its smoking walls and its bubbling lava lake! An extraordinary experience! Beware though for those who fear heat because the “smoking mountain” is one of the hottest places on Earth.

Addis Ababa

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

Mago National Park

Located in southern Ethiopia, this park offers visitors a mix of deserts, savannah plains, and green mountains including Mago! Within its 2,000 km² you can observe giraffes, hippos, crocodiles or even elephants! A semi-nomadic tribe, the Mursi ethnic group also lives here!

Bale Mountains National Park

If you are a hiking enthusiast, Bale Mountains will be a true paradise for you! This park offers stunning landscapes like climbing Mount Batu at 4,600 meters above sea level. It allows one to observe numerous species! The Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, Anubis baboon, and even the giant forest hog...

The Lakes of the Rift Valley

Most lakes in the Rift Valley are found in Ethiopia. This impressive set of lakes crosses eastern Africa from north to south. It is considered as the "Cradle of Humanity." You will find Abijatta-Shalla National Park with within it Abijatta and Shalla lakes, hot springs and many flamingos. But also lakes Chamo and Abaya with their beautiful colors; blue waters for the first and coppery red for the second.

Harar

Considered by Ethiopians as Islam’s fourth holy city, Harar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can admire its authentic character and stroll through narrow colorful streets reminiscent of Morocco. It is also here that French poet Arthur Rimbaud spent his last years. Therefore you can admire the house dedicated to him.

Gondar

Come discover historical remains of this former imperial city. You’ll find palaces and medieval castle ruins with their fortifications. But also Fasilidas' baths along with incredible frescoes and dozens of churches!

Bahar Dar

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