Ethiopia
Until recently, Ethiopia has appeared a mysterious country, labelled as a no-go zone because of famine and poverty. Look behind preconceptions, however, and you’ll find a verdant nation of dramatic flat-topped mountains, lazy rivers, waterfalls, lakes and shy yet friendly, religious locals.
From the rugged peaks of the Simien mountains to Lalibela’s extraordinary rock-hewn churches containing stunning frescoes in the north, this is a country of unique, breathtaking scenery and hidden cultural markers.
Resting on a plateau at 2500 metres, nestled between Somalia, Kenya and Sudan, the views throughout Ethiopia are outstanding. Journeys may be long, but they are incredibly scenic: no-where else in the world can compare. Here you can travel by mule to a church at 4000 metres altitude, visit the sacred palace of the Queen of Sheba and explore magnificent granite tombs hidden underground.
Far away from the wild long-haired baboons with vampire-like teeth living in the mountains, one place to really watch local life go by is the Addis Ababa’s Merkato " the largest market in Eastern Africa.
Visitors to Ethiopia will arrive looking for a new adventure, and will leave feeling like they have discovered another world.
Wild Frontiers offers unique Small Group Tours & Walking Holidays, Private Journeys and Tailor Made Holidays to Ethiopia.
How to book a trip
What to do in Ethiopia
Delve into the Merkato market
Addis Ababa
Enjoy a full day guided city tour around the third highest capital in the world: Addis Ababa. Your tour will include visits to the National Museum - one of the most important sub-Saharan museums in Africa, the Ethnological Museum - located in the former Emperor Haile Selassie's palace grounds, and the Merkato - the largest market in East Africa. There are also several interesting Orthodox churches to see including the church of the Holy Trinity, whose dome is a prominent landmark in the city.
View might monoliths at Axum
Axum
Spend the day in and around Axum exploring the huge monoliths (stelae), ruined castles, palaces and churches that serve as reminders of the city's former glory. The extraordinary stelae fields were built as tombstone-cum-monuments to local rulers. The largest of these, Remhai's stele, would be over 33 m high if it was still erect and weighs over 500 tons. King Ezana's stele dominates one of the fields and stands 23 m high. It has not yet been fully explained how these massive blocks were carved, transported and erected.
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana
Bahar Dar
Ravishing Lake Tana is the largest in Ethiopia, debouching into the Blue Nile, where Hippos can be seen rising in the misty mornings, and a natural home for pink flamingos, village fishermen and of course Ethipoia's famous papyrus boats. Since Bilharzia makes it foolish to swim in the lake, the best way to enjoy its enchanted waters is to cross safely and sedately by boat to some of its twenty island monasteries and hidden coptic churches, many of them founded by Amda Tsion in the 14th century.
Explore the castles of Gonder
Gonder
Gonder is famous for the excellent preservation of its 17th century castles. Visit the Fasill Ghebbi or Royal Enclosure, a walled compound that dominates the city centre, its high enclosure walls containing six castles and a myriad of tunnels and raised walkways. Here see Fasilida's Castle, the most impressive in the complex, the Royal Archive building, and also three churches.
See striking rock churches
Lalibela
Spend the day exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela with your guide. Lying in the rugged Lasta Mountains, 'Africa's Petra' -as Lalibela is sometimes referred to- is still a place of pilgrimage and undoubtedly one of the greatest historical sights of the African continent. Famous for its rock-cut churches such as St. Georges, many of these incredible buildings are cut into the rock and entirely freed from it to, leaving openly standing structures carved up to 10 m high below ground level.
Trek through Highland Villages
Lalibela
There are few who have been treking in the Highlands of Ethiopia who have not been somehow changed by the experience. Whether it's the simple warmth and dignity of the people, the ancient primal majesty of the landscape, or the closeness both to basic agriculture and wilder nature, like soaring birds of prey and Geldababboons, our exclusive TESFA treks take you into the very heart of a truly remarkable country. This is sure to be a real highlight of the trip and is an opportunity not currently offered by any other UK tour operator. In conjunction with our friends at TESFA (Tourism in Ethiopia for Sustainable Future Alternatives) we undertake a fascinating walk visiting local communities and staying in traditional villages.
Meet the Hamer tribesmen
Turmi
Go out for the day and visit some of the villages inhabited by the Hamer people. Thought to be descended from the ancient Egyptians, the Hamer number some 35,000 and are pastoralists by custom. For them the size of one's herd is all important as is position within the clan. The women wear thick copper bracelets and create welts on their bodies by cutting themselves and treating the wounds with ash and charcoal. They have become known for their extraordinary Bull Jumping Ceremony where a naked man jumps from the back of one bull on to another as part of an initiation rite.
Visit a jazz bar in Addis
Addis Ababa
In its raw fusion of modern jazz and traditional Ethiopian instruments and sounds, music in Addis Ababa is one of its best kept secrets. It's no secret that the only real way to touch the live beat is to visit a downtown bar. Here music and cultural history riff out in their raw making, an expression of street culture in revolt against governments and authority, and, like the Flamenco bar traditions of Southern Spain, a glorious mix of the professional and the suddenly improvised. Sit back, have a beer, and glory in a new vibe.
How to book a trip
Where to stay in Ethiopia
Gheralta Lodge
Gheralta
An oasis of comfort and originality in a semi-arid land, the five bungalows and leisure areas of Gheralta Lodge have...
The Goha
Gonder
The Goha Hotel stands at the crest of a hill about 1 kilometre from the town centre, with a commanding view of Gonder...
Intercontinental Hotel
Addis Ababa
Not to be confused with the Intercontinental hotel group, this five star locally graded hotel with the same name is...
Kanta Lodge
Konso
Made up of a scattering of traditionally-built round tukul huts, Kanta Lodge offers undoubtedly the most comfortable...
Yemereha Hotel
Lalibela
Built in 2007, this three star hotel represents the best accommodation available in Lalibela and is a perfect base for...
Yeha Hotel
Axum
The Yeha Hotel occupies an advantageous location overlooking the impressive stele or obelisks, and the Queen of Sheba's...
Buska Lodge
Turmi
Eco-friendly Buska Lodge is situated in the heart of the Hammer area in the Omo valley. Working closely with the local...
Swaynes Hotel
Arba Minch
The design of the Swaynes Hotel reflects the unique architectural style of the local Dorze people. The bungalows are...
Bishangari Eco-Lodge
Langano
Using solar power and biogas for energy and having been constructed using natural materials and traditional techniques,...
Kuriftu Lodge And Spa
Bahar Dar
The Kuriftu Lodge and Spa offers a tranquil oasis on the banks of Lake Tana and is far and away the best option in...
Tana Hotel
Bahar Dar
Located on the shore of Lake Tana, right at the source of Blue Nile River and just a short drive from the grand Tis...
Mountain View Hotel
Lalibela
With striking architecture which uses the textures and colours of the famous Lalibela rock churches brilliantly...
Simien Mountain Lodge
Simien Mountains
Being the highest lodge in Africa at 3260 metres and the only accommodation within the Simien Mountains National Park,...
Hilton Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
Each modern room at the Hilton Addis Ababa is decorated with original local artwork and has mountain, garden or city...
Tesfa Village Homestays
Simien Mountains
Set up by former WF guide Mark Chapman, Tesfa village homestays are a wonderful way of getting off the tourist circuit...
Taye Baley
Gonder
Conveniently situated just across the street from the Fasildes' castles and inspired by their unique architecture, the...
How to book a trip
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Ethiopia Travel Guide
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia's capital is located more or less in the dead centre of the country and is the world's third highest capital at 2,400 m. Its name means 'New Flower' and it is a relatively modern city, founded in 1887 by the Emperor Menelik II. In just over a century it has grown from nothing into a modern metropolis of several million people. Its altitude lends it a comfortable climate and throughout the year the weather is temperate with just the occasional downpour.
Langano
Of all the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Langano is the most developed for tourism, lying adjacent to the Abiata-Shals National Park that is dominated by the two lakes for which it is named. Lake Langano is 18 km long and 16 km wide and its soft brown waters are set against the blue backdrop of the Arsi Mountains, which soar to 4000 m. Although the area around the lake is largely deforested, a variety of wildlife live here including hippos, monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and a huge variety of birds.
Arba Minch
With stunning views in all directions, the town of Arba Minch is situated in a truly spectacular location. It lies at an elevation of 1,300m in the foothills of the Rift Valley and mountains rise up to almost 4,000m to the west. The town comprises 2 separate settlements, Sikela and Shecha that are 4 km apart and connected by a sealed road, so although the total population is around the 75,000 mark it still retains a small town atmosphere.
Axum
This fascinating town was the centre of the Axumite Empire, one of the most important and technologically advanced civilisations of its time and a major force in world trade between the 1st and 7th centuries AD. A further twist in the town's long history is speculation that it could have held the court of the Queen of Sheba and also that it is the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Whatever the truth of these matters it is undoubtedly the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox church and there is a startling wealth of antiquities both to be seen and as yet still undiscovered.
Mekele
Founded by Emperor Yohannes IV in 1881, Mekele is the main and most modern city in the Northern region of Ethiopia and tourism infrastructure is better than in other parts of the country. Set in a basin at 2,200m in the rocky Tigraian Highlands, the city is clean, organised and vibrant. There are many excellent restaurants and it makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.
Jinka
Although Jinka is the administrative capital of the South Omo zone it exists ain almost isolation from the rest of the country and has a relaxed, rural feel. Set at an altitude of 1490m it is quite temperate and its Saturday market attracts traders from all over the area.
Mago National Park
Mago National Park is bisected by the Mago River and is dominated by dense acacia woodland and patches of open savannah. Pristine rainforest lines the river and the highest peak is Mt. Mago at 2,528 m. Over 100 mammal species live here and once the huge herds of buffalo roamed this area but numbers have dwindled dramatically. However, it is still possible to see elephants, Defassa waterbuck, Lelwel hartebeest, greater and lesser kudu and Guenther's dik-dik.
Turmi
This traditional town, not far from the Kenyan border, lies right down in the heart of the south Omo region and is an important transport hub, located at a three way road intersection. It is the main town of the Hamer people and is known throughout the area for its colourful Monday market, one of the most important in Hamer country.
Bahar Dar
Bahar Dar, with its wide avenues of palms and scenic lakeside location is one of Ethiopia's most attractive towns. Located on the southern shore of Lake Tana, it is an ideal base from which to explore the lake and surrounding area. Once no more than a sleepy fishing village it has grown in size during recent times and palm-lined avenues and lakeside vistas make it an attractive place to stay. There are good amenities for travellers and the town itself has become an important industrial centre partly as a result of the hydro-electric dam built at nearby Tis Abay.
Harar
Harar is one of the most impressive of Ethiopia's historic destinations and brings together remoteness and ancient history, reflecting the long and colourful existence of the country. Located in the East of Ethiopia it has survived since the late first millennium BC being a strong hold of Islam. Harar has been ruled by seventy two successive Imams since its formation, through which time quite unique, strong and authentic Muslim traditions have been created. The Adare, Somali, Oromo and Argoba tribes are the main settlers in the area.
The city has many cultural and religious links with the Mediterranean and Arab world's due to its history of trade. It is one of the main Muslim pilgrimage destinations in the world and has many fascinating sites including the old walled town which was established in the 1540's and contains 90 mosques. An ancient tradition of the town which has become one of its main attractions is the feeding of the Hyenas. Everyday a selected member of the city moves out of the city and calls the Hyenas that live in the surrounding areas. He then proceeds to feed them by hand.
Gonder
Up until the beginning of the 17th century Ethiopia had what was is locally referred to as a 'mobile capital'. But in 1632 Fasilidas took the throne and proclaimed Gonder as his capital, where it remained for the next 200 years. As king and emperor Fasilidas not only ushered in a period of relative calm in Abyssinia's turbulent history he also built a stupendous fort at this strategically location - added to by his successors - most of which is still perfectly intact today. But what makes the Gonder castle complex important to today's visitors, however, is not so much the size and grandeur of the buildings themselves but as the symbol they represent. Wandering around the fort's spectacular turreted citadels, vast banqueting halls and bathhouses leaves you in no doubt whatsoever as to the importance of this Christian kingdom 400 years ago.
Lalibela
The isolated town of Lalibela, situated high up in the Lasta Mountains, is famous throughout the world for its incredible rock-hewn churches. At 2,630 m and perched among wild mountains, the setting is fantastic. From the 10th to the mid 13th century it was the capital of the Zagwe Dynasty that ruled the country and it was under the direction of its most famous King, Lalibela, that the churches were carved. He gathered together the greatest craftsmen possible and some estimates think a many as 40,000 people were required to create the churches.
Simien Mountains
Climbing to an altitude of 4,620m, stretching 100 miles east to west, the Simien Mountains are the largest chain in Africa. With their vaulting granite columns, towering escarpments and plummeting valleys, they are also among the most spectacular. Besides the colourful Ahmaric tribes, the Simien Mountains are also home to a vast assortment of wildlife, and it is not unusual to have spotted Gelada Baboons, the Simien fox, bushbuck and the magnificent Lammergeier vulture within minutes of entering the park. But the wonder of the Simiens does not lie so much with the animals or the people that live there, it is simply to watch the sun rise or fall over a land that time forgot.
How to book a trip
Ethiopia Travel Information
Visa Information:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required.
Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your tour. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
UK passport holders require a visa for Ethiopia, which can be obtained on entry, bought in person at the relevant embassies or through a visa company such as Travcour;
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road
Battersea
London SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
This ideally should be done prior to your tour but no sooner than 6 weeks before departure " as it is valid from date of issue. We recommend getting your visa before arriving as the process can be very lengthy and therefore significantly delay the beginning of the tour.
If you wish to get your visa on arrival you can pay in US$ ($20 at time of writing) but we do not advise this as it is often a very lengthy process.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Au
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Ethiopia though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend protection against Malaria and Yellow Fever but that you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us now of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
