Our Ethiopia tours take you to an intriguing nation located in the Horn of Africa. It’s the second most populated and oldest independent country in Africa. Our tours to Ethiopia are perfect for travelers looking for an adventure in an exotic land. With our all-inclusive vacation packages, we cover your flights, accommodation, tours, and transfers. Some also include meals. Read on to learn more about the thrills and excitement that await you in Ethiopia. Find the best times to visit and discover essential information to help you plan.
We understand how challenging it is to choose which places to visit, so we’ve selected the best ones for you. With our extensive experience, expect nothing less than an extraordinary vacation. Immerse yourself in the way locals live while enjoying Ethiopia’s sights.
Map of Ethiopia
Why Choose All-Inclusive Packages?
- Best Price Guarantee: Unbeatable fares as standard.
- Convenience: We book your flights, hotels, tours, and transfers on your vacation. Some of our packages also include meals.
- Customization: We tailor our Ethiopia trips to include fully and partially guided group tours. You may also choose to explore privately, at your own pace. Inform our travel agents, and they’ll make the arrangements.
- Expertise: Discuss with our experts if you have special needs and we’ll see to them.
Must-Visit Destinations in Ethiopia
Explore iconic sites in “the Land of 13 Months of Sunshine.” Traverse the countryside to experience the rural life of ancient tribes.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is home to historical structures, like Medhane Alem Cathedral and Gennet Mariam. Check out the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses the fossils of ancient humans. Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s highest-ranking cathedral.
Read also: Planning Your Ethiopia Trip
Addis Ababa
Arba Minch
Our Ethiopia tours take you to Arba Minch. Experience their ethnic village life, and be awed by their beehive-like houses. Formerly warriors, today the Dorze produce fine cotton-weaving products and brightly colored apparel.
Bahir Dar
Almost all our trips to Ethiopia take you to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia’s third largest and most beautiful city. Explore Lake Tana and the islands around it, home to ancient monasteries, including the Ura Kidane Mihret and Kibran Gebriel. Enjoy the picturesque sunset at Bezawit Hill as the day’s trip ends.
Gondar
Discover the Fasil Pool or Fasilides Bath and Gondar Castle. Explore the ruins of medieval castles in the royal enclosure, Fasil Ghebbi.
Konso and Omo Valley
Visit the Konso tribe and view totems honoring the dead. Discover the complex agricultural terracing methods they practice. Take a trip to the Omo Valley in Turmi and meet the Hamar people in the bush-covered hills. Meet the Daasanach tribe at Omorate. These people were once nomadic herders.
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A Journey Through The Omo Valley - Ethiopia Unfiltered 🇪🇹
The Wonders of Ethiopia's Past and Present
Thought to be the ‘cradle of human civilization’, Ethiopia is a landlocked nation in the Horn of Africa. As the most populous landlocked country in the world, Ethiopia shares borders with Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Kenya. The vibrant capital of Addis Ababa has gained a great reputation for its trendy music and gastronomic scene, and as being the home of ‘Lucy’, the remains of the earliest human ancestor ever discovered, who now resides in the National Museum. On the other hand, the vast Omo Valley is the cultural center of Ethiopia, home to several different tribes and rural communities. A trip to Ethiopia and the Omo Valley brings you into direct contact with distinct and authentic tribes, allowing an insight into the traditions and lifestyles of the people who can trace their ancestors to these ancient lands.
The wonders of the past are at the heart of any trip to Ethiopia, and relics of the nations rich heritage can be found through the country. Ethiopia is considered to be the region from which modern humans originated, and the oldest humanoid ancestor, ‘Lucy’, can be found in the capital, having been discovered in 1974 near the village of Hadar. Famously, Ethiopia retained its independence throughout the centuries, and unlike many other African nations, did not succumb to European colonization during the ‘Scamble for Africa’. Today, if you visit the city of Axum during an Ethiopia tour package, you can explore the reign of this great empire and see relics such as the towering Obelisk of Axum, a 24-meter obelisk, believed to have been used as a burial marker. Other ancient relics, such as the 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, also remain well preserved.
Lalibela Churches
The dynasty that most shaped modern-day Ethiopia was the Solomon dynasty, who ruled for over 700 years. Visitors on a holiday to Ethiopia might remember the days of Emperor Haile Selassie, who’s reign characterized much of the 20th-century. During this tumultuous period, Italian forces invaded and occupied Ethiopia between 1936 and 1941, forcing Haile Sellasie to address the League of Nations, appealing for help to stop the invasion of his nation. In the later 20th-century the 1974 military, Soviet-backed coup dethroned Emperor Selassie and established a one-party Soviet state. Violent political repression followed, in an era known as the ‘Red Terror’, when an estimated one-third of the population was killed.
With landscapes ranging from the valleys and hilltops of the Simien Mountains to the molten Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on earth, Ethiopia has plenty of unique and endemic wildlife to satisfy safari lovers. Even if your tour of Ethiopia is focused on the cultural sights, you’ll still be astounded by the natural beauty of the country outside of the vast urban sprawl of the capital. This huge lake is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with distinct fish and bird species such as pelicans and softshell turtles.
Read also: Hotel Expansion in Ethiopia
Ethiopian Culture and Community
Ethiopian culture is highly diverse and one of the major reasons for the country’s popularity as a travel destination. More than 80 different ethnic groups make up the huge population of over 100 million, who speak around 90 different languages. The most widely spoken are Oromo, Amharic, and Somali. There are largely Christian and Islamic communities, as well as many followers of traditional beliefs, making it a fascinating destination for discovering the local culture. Many tours of the Omo Valley pay homage to these communities and include visits to different villages where travelers can get to know the ways of life of the numerous tribes. In the capital of Addis Ababa, where much of the population live, there is a great up-and-coming music scene, vibrant locals and plenty of trendy bars and restaurants for a slice of modern Ethiopian culture.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
You can book an Ethiopia tour any time, as the country has pleasant conditions all year round. The only thing to keep in mind is the rainy season, as you may not get a clear view of wildlife during an excursion.
Duration
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities.
Transportation
- By Bus: Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Ethiopia, connecting major cities and towns.
- Minibuses and Shared Taxis: Minibuses, locally known as "blue donkeys," and shared taxis are commonly used for shorter distances and within cities.
- Private Taxis: Private taxis, often identified by their yellow color, are available in urban areas.
- Car Rental: Renting a car provides flexibility and allows you to explore remote areas at your own pace.
- Train: Ethiopia has recently introduced a new railway system, with the Addis Ababa-Djibouti line being the main route.
Currency
The currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). The Birr is subdivided into 100 cents. It's important to note that the Ethiopian Birr is not widely accepted outside of Ethiopia, so it's advisable to exchange currency upon arrival in the country. Foreign currencies such as US dollars or euros can also be exchanged at banks, authorized exchange offices, or hotels in major cities.
Language
English is widely spoken and understood in Ethiopia, particularly in urban areas, tourist destinations, and among the educated population. It serves as the medium of instruction in schools and is commonly used in business and government settings. Many signs, menus, and official documents are also available in English.
Entry Requirements
- Passport with a minimum of six months validity.
- Visa: A visa is required to enter the country. E-visa or visa on arrival services are available.
- Adapter required.
- Health: Please consult your doctor regarding the vaccination against yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis.
All-Inclusive Options and Benefits
- Save Time and Money: Create your dream getaway by bundling your flight and hotel and you get delightful deals and discounts. Add your car rental, too, and you save on all three.
- Honeymoon Packages: You can start your married life how you mean to go on with an all-inclusive honeymoon package. Eat and drink to your heart’s content, waltz around in happy harmony, and have your fill of delights.
- Family Vacations: Book an all-inclusive vacation with a full-on water park or epic pools-or book your stay near the world’s biggest theme parks and attractions.
Why Book with Us?
Book amazing all-inclusive adventures, all in one place. Choose from a vast inventory of deals, adding every little extra to build your brilliant break in minutes.
| Month | Average Price (Weeknight) | Average Price (Weekend Night) |
|---|---|---|
| January | $127 | $114 |
| November | Cheapest month to stay with an average 43% drop in price. | Most expensive month to stay with an average 24% rise in price. |
Explore More
Visit Ethiopia to discover the land where you can trace the origins of mankind, meet distinct tribal communities and watch the sunrise over the mythical Simien Mountains. A trip to Ethiopia is sure to be an eye-opening and soul-stirring experience, no matter the path you choose.
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