In a continent of spectacular and breath taking landscapes, Ethiopia might just be the best of the lot. Another of Africa’s largely overlooked destinations, Ethiopia has a breadth and depth of attractions that will surprise and delight visitors. It’s a country rich in history and culture, with its own distinctive cuisine. The birthplace of the Queen of Sheba, rumoured to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant and undoubtedly home to some of Africa’s most unique landscapes, a visit is an exhilarating experience. If you’re looking for something a little bit different and off the beaten track, Ethiopia should be your next destination.
Ethiopia’s geography is incredibly diverse. It ranges from the sharp peaks of the Simien Mountains to the depths of the Dankalia Depression, Africa’s lowest point. These national parks alongside those of Bale Mountain National Park and Nechisar National Park, make Ethiopia one of Africa’s finest natural environments. Now that’s saying something in Africa! The country also boasts a wealth of historical sights from the 17th century castles of Gonder to the Obelisks of Aksum and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Last but not least, Ethiopia is home to some fine towns and cities, which feature some unique architecture, fine cafés and great restaurants.
Ethiopia is a landlocked nation located in the horn of Africa. It shares a border with 6 other African countries. It borders Eritrea and Djibouti to the north, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south and Sudan and South Sudan to the west. Ethiopia has a varied and dramatic terrain that consists of mountains and high plateaus as well as valleys and dry lowlands. Many visitors are surprised by the landscape, especially if they’ve arrived overland from either Kenya or Sudan.
Ethiopia’s close proximity to the equator means that it only has a wet and a dry season. The wet season runs from mid-June to October and accounts for up to 80% of the countries annual rainfall. It’s therefore recommended to avoid visiting during these months. Outside of the wet season, there’s no real bad time to visit Ethiopia. A visit just after the wet season has finished is often spectacular as flowers bloom and the countryside is green and lush. The post Christmas period through to March is typically considered peak season with slightly milder days, while the months of April, May and June can see temperatures heat up, especially on the plains. If you’re hiking or are lucky enough to have the luxury to pick when you visit, we’d suggest the October to December period is the most opportune time.
Ethiopia offers a far wider range of attractions and highlights than most prospective visitors would ever imagine. From bustling and historic towns to ancient historical sights and natural beauty, there’s plenty to keep you busy for weeks if not months. As most visitors don’t have the luxury of this amount of time, we’ve pulled together some of the key attractions to include in your visit.
Ethiopia’s diverse landscape also means a diverse range of towns and cities. From lakeside towns, to the modern capital and the historic towns of the past, there’s plenty to discover. Despite the variations and the differences, they all find common ground in great food and exceptional coffee.
Our top 5 towns and cities in Ethiopia:
Ethiopia’s history is as fascinating as it is turbulent. The countries many sights cover a wide range of periods with some dating back almost 3000 years.
Our top 5 historical sights in Ethiopia:
Ethiopia’s stunning landscape, wildlife and scenery makes the country a nature lovers dream. It’s wealth of natural attractions certainly gives the world renowned countries of east Africa a run for their money.
Our top 5 natural attractions in Ethiopia:
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