13 + DESTINATIONS

Home to the iconic National Museum, where the fossil “Lucy” resides, and the spiritual Holy Trinity Cathedral, the city offers deep cultural insight. Visitors can explore Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and experience vibrant coffee ceremonies, lively music, and panoramic views from Mount Entoto, making Addis Ababa a dynamic cultural gateway. 

Famed for its 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches carved in the 12th century, Lalibela is a living pilgrimage site. Bet Giyorgis, shaped like a cross, is the most iconic church. Visitors can witness morning prayers, a profound spiritual and cultural experience.

Once the heart of the powerful Aksumite Kingdom, Axum is rich in historical treasures, including towering stelae, ancient palace ruins, and the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, said to house the Ark of the Covenant. 

Known as the "Camelot of Africa," Gondar was the imperial capital from the 17th to 19th centuries. The Royal Enclosure boasts impressive castles and palaces, while Fasilides’ Bath hosts vibrant Timkat festival celebrations. The city is a center of art, architecture, and history.

Bahir Dar sits on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Visitors can take boat trips to serene island monasteries adorned with centuries-old religious art, then marvel at the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Abay. 

Hidden in the dramatic Gheralta Mountains, these cliffside churches are carved into sandstone. Many require a challenging climb, but the reward is stunning views and a deep connection with Ethiopia’s Christian heritage. 

Known as the “Roof of Africa,” this UNESCO site offers dramatic landscapes of jagged peaks and deep valleys. It is home to unique wildlife, including Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and the endangered Ethiopian wolf, making it ideal for trekking and nature enthusiasts.

A biodiversity hotspot in the southeastern highlands, Bale Mountains offers Afro-alpine landscapes and rare wildlife such as the Mountain Nyala and Ethiopian wolf. Hiking, birdwatching, and exploring pristine forests make this park a nature lover’s paradise. 

One of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, the Danakil Depression features alien-like landscapes with vibrant sulfur springs at Dallol, salt flats, and the active lava lake of Erta Ale volcano, a destination for adventurous travelers. 

One of Ethiopia’s oldest national parks, Awash features volcanic terrain, hot springs, and the Awash River. Wildlife sightings include antelope, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species, offering an accessible safari experience.

Stretching south of Addis Ababa, this chain of lakes offers serene waters, abundant birdlife, and opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxing in mild climates. Each lake has its own unique ecosystem and scenery. 

Home to a mosaic of traditional tribes such as the Mursi, Hamer, and Karo, the Omo Valley offers immersive cultural experiences. Visitors can witness ancient rituals, scarification practices, and unique ceremonies still preserved today. 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fortified city has 99 mosques, winding alleys, and vibrant markets. The city is famous for its “Hyena Men,” who hand-feed wild hyenas, a unique and unforgettable cultural tradition.

A remarkable network of limestone caves, Sof Omar is one of Africa’s longest cave systems. The Weyib River flows through, creating dramatic underground passages, stalactites, and a mysterious natural environment revered by locals.