When it comes to vacations, the African continent has a lot to offer. Ethiopia is one of the most popular tourist spots in Africa.
The culture, food, and scenic beauty of the country have been of interest for travellers for a long time. Easy access to Ethiopia visa also makes it a good tourist spot.
Let’s find out the major attractions of Ethiopia:
Best time to visit Ethiopia
Ethiopia, like other African countries, has hot days and cold nights. The overall temperature is mild and easily tolerable.
A good time to visit the country would be at the end of the rainy season. This is because it is easy to enjoy various activities like trekking during this time.
You should avoid harsh weather and choose mild conditions so that you can have a pleasant experience.
Tour Guide in Addis Ababa
When you are off to Ethiopia you will most probably end up in the capital Addis Ababa. It is the business and official hub of the country. It has the country’s major airport which is the reason you will start your journey from Addis.
The city has fine restaurants, hotels, and shopping centres. It will start you off with modern Ethiopia mixed with the old culture.
Tour guides are easily available in the city. It is recommended that you take a guided tour if you are not familiar with the country.
Guided tours will help you to enjoy the trip without any worries of what to visit and what not to.
Ethiopia Travel Guide
It is an extensive guide to the Ethiopian tour.
It will give you an idea of all the places to see and things to do while you are in Ethiopia.
The tour guide to Ethiopia is available here.
Read Also: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport A Complete Guide For Visitors
Best places for shopping in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a variety of markets depending upon your needs.
The diversity of products ranges from clothes, household items to gifts and souvenirs.
Bahir Dar Market
Experiencing the African markets is always an amazing experience for the tourists. Bahir Dar Market is one of those markets in the country.
Shopping is always fun especially when you are with your family.
Addis Mercato
Addis Mercato is one of those markets that has each and everything forms livestock to clothes.
The market is filled with amazing clothing collections with all the accessories you need.
It gives you a chance to admire the local art and craftsmanship through clay pots and other artefacts.
Raw food items such as spices and Coffee can be easily found in the market.
Read Also: Ethiopia Visa Services
Best places to visit in Ethiopia
Modern Ethiopia has become one of those places which is packed with adventures for all types of tourists.
Its ancient culture and centuries-old structures are a site for the history lovers. While, the developing cities and the ethnic food and beverages make the common man smile.
The tombs and ancient churches give an extraordinary experience to people from all walks of life.
Ethiopia is also home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites which have their significance and muse.
The country’s landscape mixed with the wildlife, food and the people combines with an incredible holiday package.
Let’s have a look at some of the best places to visit in Ethiopia:
Danakil Depression
The Danakil Depression is located between Ethiopia and Eretria.
It is recorded as one of the warmest places on the planet. The temperature of the place often reaches as high as 50 degrees.
It is one of the lowest places to be in the world with a landscape filled with volcanoes and lava.
The climate of the place can be a problem sometimes. It is recommended to plan your visit according to the weather and your comfort.
Lalibela
Lalibela is an age-old settlement known to be reminiscent of early civilization. It is sometimes called a second Jerusalem.
The structure is mostly made up of rock and exists in the core of a church.
The settlement consists of more than ten churches. It was made by King Lalibela in the early 1100s.
The architectural beauty of the site is breathtaking. The St. George’s Cathedral and other monasteries in the surrounding area are worth seeing.
Harar
One of the most beautiful ancient cities in Africa is the city of Harar.
It is considered to be the earliest Islamic cities of the continent built in the early 1500s.
The city in its time played the role of a commercial hub for the region. The old buildings and unique walls still exist as a portal for days gone by.
It is filled with mosques and rituals that include serving food to hyenas!!
The Rift Valley
The Rift Valley is another one of its kind places worth visiting.
The valley is filled with multiple lakes that bring out the best in the scenery.
It is filled with flora and fauna and the wildlife will give you the experience you were looking for.
The valley is a popular spot for trips and works as an immersive medium of calm and composure.
The Blue Nile Falls
The river Nile is the longest in the African continent. It is divided into two streams known as the White and the Blue Nile. The stream called the Blue Nile originates in Ethiopia.
Just near Bahir Dar, there is a great waterfall and an old stone structure, worth visiting.
Read Also: Ethiopia History And Culture
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is not only the capital of Ethiopia but it is also the capital of the African Union.
The city is a unique combination of modern Africa and a developing territory.
It has one of the biggest markets, religious places, museums, and many exciting places.
The tradition is still alive with the locals living in the city which makes it a perfect spot to enjoy the country.
The Culture of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a very diverse country both in linguistic as well as traditional terms.
The country is home to a variety of groups and they all have their own cultures and languages. The region is rich in religious and ancient scriptures which form the basis of the Ethiopian life.
The Aksumite Kingdom has a major influence on the modern culture of the people.
The food of Ethiopia
The food of the country comprises of spicy dishes made of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods.
Injera is a type of bread that is very popular among the locals. It is eaten with almost all the traditional dishes of the region. Eating with the right hand is considered as an important etiquette.
Drink
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks among the Ethiopian people. Coffee is celebrated in the region in the form of many traditional festivals.
Historical places to visit in Ethiopia
Gondar
Gondar is an ancient city that served as the capital of many early empires. It has many historical sites such as old castles which will add more awe to your trip.
It also comes under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a museum that displays many interesting historical artifacts.
Aksum
Known as the oldest city of Africa, Aksum is also a part of Ethiopian history.
The old city ruins consist of tombs, churches and a lot of other exciting places to see.
St George's Orthodox Cathedral
Located in Addis Ababa, St George’s Orthodox cathedral is a great place for art lovers.
It showcases beautiful artworks midst of an architectural marvel.
The tour to Ethiopia does not end here. A country like this cannot be described in words, it can only be experienced.
The visa policies of the country give a chance for people from other countries to easily get a visa for Ethiopia.
The tourist visa is also very affordable and easily available.
So, pack your bags and embark upon your journey to see a world of new experiences in the African country.