Ethiopia is the heart of the Horn of Africa, where tourists can find memories of ancient civilizations, breathtaking natural wonders, and diverse cultures. Let’s explore 15 amazing attractions from these!
It is one of the states of East Africa, located at the „Horn of Africa”. Its borders are Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east and southeast, Kenya to the south, and Sudan and South Sudan to the west. The country is the only state in Africa that successfully resisted colonization, so its ancient traditions and culture could remain intact.
Due to its highland landscapes, desert lowlands, and rich historical heritage, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most beautiful destinations. In addition to its cultural diversity, Ethiopia is also the birthplace of coffee, where the history of the world’s favorite beverage dates back thousands of years.
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Best places in Ethiopia
Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches
One of Ethiopia’s most magnificent attractions is the rock-hewn church complex built in the 12th-13th centuries, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
The eleven churches carved from massive monolith rock blocks were made from a single piece, working from top to bottom. The most famous among them is the Church of Saint George, which belongs to the world’s architectural wonders with its cross-shaped floor plan and perfect symmetry. A network of hidden corridors and tunnels runs between the churches, connecting the individual buildings.
The site is often called the „New Jerusalem” as King Lalibela’s goal was to create a pilgrimage site where Christians could make pilgrimages without having to undertake the dangerous journey to distant Jerusalem. The churches still function today, and particularly during the Christmas season, thousands of pilgrims come here in their white robes.
Simien Mountains National Park
Located at the top of Africa, at 4,500 meters altitude, this breathtaking mountain landscape features steep rock faces, deep canyons, and grassy plateaus alternating with each other.
The park is one of Ethiopia’s greatest natural treasures, where endemic animal species live such as the gelada baboon, the Ethiopian wolf, and the walia ibex. The gelada baboons are particularly interesting, as they are the only grass-eating monkeys in the world. They live in large groups on the highland pastures and are easily recognizable by their distinctive sounds.
Ras Dashen peak, at 4,620 meters high, is Africa’s fourth highest mountain. Various difficulty level routes are available for mountaineers and hikers, during which fantastic panoramas open up to the surrounding valleys and peaks. The clean mountain air and diverse vegetation – from high-alpine pastures to afro-alpine forests – provide a special experience.
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s capital and Africa’s diplomatic center, located at 2,400 meters altitude in the highlands.
The city’s name means „new flower” in Amharic, and it is indeed one of Africa’s fastest-developing metropolises. The headquarters of the African Union is located here, as well as regional offices of numerous international organizations. The Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, captivates visitors with its colorful hustle and bustle and enormous selection of goods.
The city’s historical monuments include the Ethnological Museum, which is housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace. The Trinity Cathedral was built in beautiful old Ethiopian architectural style, and many historical figures rest here, including Emperor Haile Selassie himself.
Due to the city’s high-altitude location, it has a pleasant climate year-round and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the country.
Axum
The former capital of the ancient Axumite kingdom, where massive obelisks and mysterious ruins remain from a great civilization.
The city is known as the capital of the Axumite empire that flourished between the 1st and 8th centuries, which was once considered the world’s fourth greatest power alongside Rome, Persia, and India. The tallest still-standing obelisk is 23 meters high and was carved from a single granite block. These obelisks were grave markers that preserved the memory of royal family members.
According to Axumite tradition, the original Ark of the Covenant is located here, which was brought to Ethiopia thanks to Emperor Menelik, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The Church of Saint Mary of Zion guards this sacred relic, although only the church’s guardian can see it.
Wonchi
This impressive crater village is located at an altitude of 3,450 meters, making it Ethiopia’s highest volcano.
The lake is a beautiful legacy of a once mighty volcano that erupted during the Cenozoic era of the Tertiary period. The volcano, which erupted about 1,000 years ago, left behind an asymmetrical caldera, which is now covered with lush green vegetation. The crater is filled with a large lake with small islands, hot mineral springs, waterfalls, and beautiful valleys and agricultural areas.
One of the islands is home to the Wonchi Cherkos monastery, founded in the 13th century by the Ethiopian saint Tekle Haymanot. The monastery houses the famous Gondor bell, which is said to have belonged to Emperor Fasilides.
Visitors can explore the crater on foot or on horseback with a mandatory guide. The 4-kilometer hike to the lake takes about 45 minutes on foot and half that time on horseback. In 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) named Wonchi the world’s best tourist village.
Harar Jugol
Known as the „city of saints”, the old town of Harar is Africa’s fourth holiest Islamic site after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.
The 16th-century walled city section contains more than 80 mosques and 100 shrines. Along the narrow, winding streets stand 1,200-year-old houses that represent a unique Harari architectural style. The local coffee house culture is particularly rich, as Harar was an ancient trading center for coffee.
One of the city’s most peculiar attractions is the evening hyena feeding. Local men have been feeding the city’s hyenas for generations, which have thus become tamed and pose no danger to humans. This tradition has created a special relationship between humans and animals.
French poet Arthur Rimbaud also lived here for a few years, and his house now operates as a museum. The old city is part of UNESCO World Heritage and is one of Africa’s best-preserved historical city centers.
Lake Tana
Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile, located at 1,800 meters altitude in the northern highlands.
On the 37 islands of the 3,600 square kilometer lake, approximately 20 Orthodox monasteries are hidden, some of which are more than 700 years old. These monasteries guard the most valuable pieces of Ethiopia’s religious and cultural heritage, including ancient manuscripts, icons, and coronation items.
The lake is home to rich birdlife, with more than 230 bird species living here. In addition to pelicans, ibises, and cormorants, endemic species can also be observed. Local fishermen travel on papyrus boats – tankwas – which have been made in unchanged form for millennia.
Blue Nile Falls
Known by locals as „Tis Issat” (smoking water), the waterfall is one of Africa’s most impressive natural wonders.
The Blue Nile, originating from Lake Tana, plunges down from a 45-meter height, creating a huge water cloud and permanent rainbow. During the rainy season, the waterfall’s width can reach up to 400 meters. The sound of the falling water can be heard for several kilometers, and the perpetual humidity of the surrounding tropical vegetation creates a special microclimate.
Several hiking trails are found around the waterfall, leading to different viewpoints. The most beautiful view opens from the top of the waterfall, from where the complete panorama is visible. Local residents consider the waterfall a sacred place, and numerous legends are associated with it.
The waterfall’s significance also lies in the fact that from here begins the Blue Nile’s long journey, which unites with the White Nile in Khartoum, thus forming the world-famous Nile River.
Fasil Ghebbi
The medieval castle complex standing in the heart of Gondar is one of Ethiopia’s most significant historical monuments.
The 17th-century castle complex uniquely combines African, Arab, Indian, and Baroque architectural elements. The complex’s central building is Fasilides’ Castle, which rises 32 meters high with its three-story tower. The thick stone walls and defensive elements testify that this was not only a palace but also a fortress.
Among the complex’s other buildings are Iyasu’s Palace, Dawit’s Courthouse, and Iyasu’s Library. Each building shows unique stylistic features but harmoniously fits into the complete composition. The castles are connected by gardens, courtyards, and hidden passages.
The complex is part of UNESCO World Heritage and is one of Africa’s best-preserved medieval architectural monuments. Restoration work is continuously ongoing to preserve this unique cultural heritage.
Danakil Depression
Located in one of Earth’s hottest and lowest-lying places, this otherworldly landscape features active volcanic activity and salt mining.
This desert region lies 125 meters below sea level, where temperatures often exceed 50 degrees Celsius. The Danakil Depression is part of the Great Rift Valley, where the separation of continental plates creates geological phenomena that cannot be seen elsewhere.
The Dallol hydrothermal field offers a particularly stunning sight with its yellow, green, and orange salt crystals, geysers, and hot springs. The landscape colored by sulfur and other minerals seems to transport visitors to another planet.
The local Afar people have been mining salt here for centuries, transporting it to highland markets with camels. This traditional salt caravan still operates today and provides insight into an ancient way of life.
Erta Ale Volcano
Known as the „gateway to hell”, this active volcano glows like a burning sea of fire day and night in the Danakil Desert.
The 613-meter-high shield volcano’s crater contains one of Earth’s last permanent lava lakes. The basaltic lava continuously bubbles and boils in the crater, offering an unforgettable sight especially at night. The volcano got its name from the Afar language meaning „smoking mountain”.
The trek to the volcano is extremely challenging: to avoid the daytime heat, groups start at night, and camels help carry the equipment up. During the night spent on the crater rim, visitors can directly observe the functioning of Earth’s inner fire.
The volcano’s surroundings are part of an active tectonic zone where the Earth’s crust is constantly moving and changing. This place is one of the rare locations on Earth where our planet’s geological functioning can be directly observed.
Omo Valley
The cradle of humanity, where we find the world’s most diverse inter-tribal cultures in a complex ethnic mosaic.
More than 50 different tribes live in the valley, each of which has preserved its unique traditions, language, and way of life. The characteristic lip and ear plates of Mursi tribe women, the ritual bull jumping of the Hamar tribe, the body painting of the Karo tribe – all are the last pieces of a disappearing world.
The Omo River provides water supply in this dry region, and tribal villages spread along the river. Millennial trade relationships have developed between different tribes, during which animals, handicraft products, and other goods change hands.
The region is also outstanding from an archaeological perspective; numerous important pieces of evidence for human evolution have been found here. This special cultural landscape is part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Bale Mountains National Park
One of the most untouched natural treasures of the Ethiopian highlands, where endemic animal and plant species live in diverse ecosystems.
Three different climate zones are found within the park area: from the afro-alpine region through mountain rainforests to savanna-like areas. The Sanetti Plateau spreads at 4,000 meters altitude, and here lives the world’s largest carnivore, the Ethiopian wolf. Additionally, the mountain nyala, the antelope named after Menelik, and numerous endemic bird species are also found here.
The park’s hiking trails lead through different landscapes at various difficulty levels. Tulu Dimtu peak, at 4,377 meters high, is the country’s second highest mountain. Due to the clean mountain air and diverse vegetation, the park is particularly popular among ecotourism enthusiasts.
Several thousand-year-old cave paintings can also be found on the rocky areas here, which preserve artistic memories of ancient cultures.
Sof Omar Cave
Africa’s largest cave system stretches 15 kilometers long in the southern part of the Bale Mountains.
The limestone cave’s system of natural corridors and chambers is an unparalleled geological formation. The Web River flowing through the cave formed this stunning underground landscape over millions of years. The largest chamber is 100 meters long and 50 meters wide, with impressive stalactite formations.
The cave also has religious significance: Muslims consider it a holy place in memory of Sheikh Omar, a 12th-century saint who allegedly lived and prayed here. Followers of Christianity and traditional religions also revere this place.
Exploring the cave system is a special experience: during guided tours, visitors can walk through the underground corridors and chambers by lamplight. The cave’s constant temperature is 15-18 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant coolness compared to the outside heat.
Konso Cultural Landscape
The terraced agricultural landscape created over centuries by the Konso people living in the southern highlands, which harmoniously fits into the natural environment.
The ancient technology of dividing steep hillsides into terraces enables sustainable agriculture in this dry region. The terraces reinforced with stone walls prevent soil erosion and enable efficient water management. This sustainable farming method has been operating in unchanged form for more than four centuries.
Konso villages, with their characteristic stone and wood construction, perfectly blend into the landscape. Houses are built from traditional materials, and in the village center is the mora – a community space and decision-making place. Villages are surrounded by stone walls for defensive reasons.
The UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape’s specialty also includes waga statues, which are wooden carved monuments in honor of the community’s outstanding members. This living cultural tradition continues today and provides insight into an ancient way of life.