When I first embarked on a trip to Ethiopia, I didn’t know what to expect. I was enthralled by the idea of visiting this historic and fascinating corner of the world, but concerned with how little I knew and how difficult it is to find information about Ethiopia. Is Ethiopia safe to visit? Where should I go in Ethiopia and what can I see? How long should I spend?
But in the end, all my questions were answered. What I found in Ethiopia was a land brimming with awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and an enchanting spirit of life I haven’t encountered anywhere else.
In this article: Why You Should Visit Ethiopia (At Least) Once in your Life Recommendations before visiting Ethiopia The Top 10 Most Breathtaking Places to Visit in Ethiopia!
I’ve since returned a second time to Ethiopia and discovered even more of its incredible beauty. Traveling here is always an exhilarating adventure.
Related: This was my (surprising) experience flying Ethiopian Airlines in business class
Why you need to visit Ethiopia (at least) once in your lifetime
Boasting not just ancient historical sites but also breathtaking natural wonders, Ethiopia has literally something for everyone.
From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings you straight into the past, to the simmering volcanic landscapes of the insane Danakil Depression, where unbelievable, unearthly landscapes blend with vivid colors, Ethiopia offers a so many stupendous experiences that will leave you in awe.
Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, mystical castles, or the breathtaking natural mountain beauty, Ethiopia will far exceed all of your expectations.
Recommendations for traveling to Ethiopia
Traveling to Ethiopia soon? Make sure to apply for your e-Visa in time for your trip – it’s best at least two weeks before you leave.
I recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Ethiopia if you want to see most of its highlights. We split our exploration of Ethiopia in two, with the first focusing on the south of Ethiopia (Omo Valley and its incredible tribes), and the second focusing on the north (Semien Mountains, Lalibela, Gondar, and Addis Ababa).
Looking for an unforgettable travel experience? Make sure to read about our most epic trip ever: Living With the Mundari Tribe in South Sudan.
The Top 10 Most Breathtaking Destinations in Ethiopia
There’s so much beauty to explore in Ethiopia, chances are you won’t be able to see it all. Don’t worry – you’ll definitely want to come back. It’s truly a remarkable country.
Here are the top 10 places you should visit in Ethiopia:
- The Danakil Depression
- Erta Ale (Volcano)
- Lalibela: the rock monastery
- Gondar & its castles
- Hamar, an Omo Valley Tribe
- Addis Ababa: a renowned capital city
- Entoto: an epic viewpoint
- Merkato, Africa’s largest open air market
- The National Museum of Ethiopian History
- Semien Mountains
1. Dallol, Danakil Depression – Ethiopia’s Most Insane Treasure
About the Danakil Depression
Standing on the edge of the world – in the hottest and lowest place on the planet, straddling the junction of three tectonic plates – lies Ethiopia’s beautiful, epic Danakil Depression. Situated in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia, the depression’s colorful hydrothermal fields, lava lakes, and salt flats make it feel out of this world.
Trust me when I say nothing about this depression is depressing. Rather, the vibrant colors, some of which you can only see here, the sound of sulfur spitting from the core of the earth, the occasional steam bath hitting you like the hottest sauna you could ever imagine – it all feels like a Time Machine. It’s like you’re brought back to the beginning of Earth.
What makes Danakil and Dallol so special and unique
The Danakil Depression is so brutal and unfriendly that although it sits on likely the largest oil reserves in the world, attempts at setting up camp to make a fortune from the oil here have failed – simply due to the heat.
And yet, there’s nothing like Dallol. Sinkholes, puddles, ponds of acid, geysers that make Yellowstone look like someone’s backyard, and more colors than the rainbow decorate the land as far as the eye can see.
As the dried sulfuric salt crackles beneath you, you traverse a totally unrecognizable terrain. You have to make sure to tread carefully, watching where you step to avoid melting your shoes in acid. And the rest of your body too.
Traversing the unbelievable landscapes of Dallol – a surreal experience
A remnant of the Tigray conflict, a guard stands by with an AK-47. He’s very friendly, and only wishes to take some selfies together. He’s been here before, and his internal map is quite useful. If you’re walking with this guy, you won’t get lost.
Otherwise, the local guides share some fascinating information about this place. They tell us about the continental rift, and how this could all become the next Red Sea in a couple million years. I’ll set my watch.
Until then, you can enjoy the splendor of this seemingly forbidden place. It’s definitely not made for humans – but it could be what made humans (and all life) in the first place.
2. Erta Ale Volcano Crater: you can literally hike into an active volcano
About Erta Ale Volcano
Erta Ale is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, often referred to as the “Smoking Mountain” and “the gateway to hell.” Located in the Afar Region, it has a continuously active lava lake, one of only a few in the world. The volcano’s name means “mountain that smokes” in the Afar language.
What it’s like climbing into an active volcano
As evening set upon us, we snapped on our headlamps and made our way from base camp. Leaving the comforts of home base, we made our way up an at times steep path, seeing nothing but uphill in front of us as we climbed.
After about 40 minutes of trodding through volcanic ash, feeling the temperatures begin to finally cool from their evening highs, we ended up at the viewpoint. This viewpoint also happens to double as the edge of the Erte Ale volcanic crater. Lucky us.
The descent from the rim into Erte Ale is sort of magical. You truly feel like an ant would on an anthill the size of a great pyramid – absolutely tiny, surrounded by tens of millions of years of lava eruptions and flows and the subsequent cooling. Metaphorically, it feels a bit like staring through a wormhole into the past. Nothing makes you appreciate how short our time on this planet is quite like it.
The peak of our experience at Erta Ale
As we made our way towards the center of the volcanic, the smell of sulfur grew, and the dancing red light in the distance became more and more vivid. Before we knew it, we were staring directly into the fire of a volcano.
It was an experience like no other, nothing so vividly displays our place on earth like this. Knowing that this is one place that Earth shares her inner workings with us, feeling the heat and ferocity of it all, it’s something you can never forget. This is a chance to look Earth directly in the eyes. And by god, her eyes are beautiful.
3. Lalibela
About Lalibela
Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches which were carved out of solid rock in the 12th century under the rule of King Lalibela. These churches were actually created as a New Jerusalem for Christians unable to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land due to Muslim conquests.
Each of the eleven monolithic churches is unique in design and architecture, and they are still active places of worship today, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually.
Visiting this magical place
Standing on the edge of a 30 foot cliff isn’t something I normally like to do. But when that 30 foot cliff is a result of decades of hard work, and gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage hand carved cathedrals embedded in rock stand before you, you make an exception.
As we walk through hidden walkways carved in the rock, local churchgoers dressed in white greet us. They didn’t know a lick of English, but their eyes tell us stories that words simply can’t. We feel welcomed, witnesses to the beautiful side of organized religion.
But this experience was nothing when compared to what happened the next day – when we were welcomed to join a mass.
What Mass is like at the Holy Site of Lalibela, Ethiopia (enchanting and beautiful)
‘Mass’ is definitely the proper word here, as the passages, cathedrals, and surroundings all became a sea of beautiful white clothing. Beautiful hymns and chants fill the air, and we partake in rituals focused on coming together. There’s something that feels so natural about it.
Inside the cathedrals, perfectly preserved ancient frescas and paintings are on display, totally unique to this part of the world and unseen anywhere else (the angels have Afros here, and I love it). The confined spaces between the intricate art, beautiful doors, and carved ceilings grant a feeling of togetherness. In this place, we are all one, no matter where we come from.
And that’s the beauty of it all. Initially, this sanctuary was designed as a place to hide and practice religion in peace from oppressors. Today, it’s an open place, where even strangers from a distant land can be invited to participate in sacred activities – like mass.
Truly enchanting.
What you need to know before visiting Lalibela
- Lalibela is a deeply religious site, and visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the churches, and it is customary to walk around them clockwise.
- Respect for ongoing religious practices and ceremonies is paramount.
Did you know Ethiopia’s Christian beliefs date back over 1700 years? It’s one of the oldest branches of this religion! Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity was introduced when the King of Aksum (4th century AD) converted his people to this religion, but because of Ethiopia's long-held isolation, they have very unique traditions, different from any other branch!
4. Gondar – a magical land of Ethiopian castles (Fasil Ghebbi)
About Gondar
Gondar, often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa,” was the imperial capital of Ethiopia from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The city is renowned for its medieval castles and churches, particularly in the Fasil Ghebbi complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castles, built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors, reflect a unique architectural style blending Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Indian influences. Gondar was a center of art, music, and learning, and it remains an important cultural and historical site in Ethiopia.
Visiting these awesome castles
When I sent pictures of the Fasilides castles in Gondar to my family and asked to guess where I was, they were stumped. This UNESCO World Heritage site looks nicer than many of the castles you find in Europe.
The faces of the Fasilides castles stand several stories high, surrounded by moats, with incredible decorations. A balcony stands up top, and we’re told this was specially built by the kings for their wives. How romantic.
We’re invited to step inside and enjoy what royalty is like. High ceiling, beautiful tables, an intricate kitchen, and many, many rooms ornate this place.
And this is just the first of several castles. See, Emporor Fasilides had sons. And they had sons.
Walking through this land of castles gave us that same feeling you get as a kid in a playground. It’s like an open house, but for ancient castles.
Our guides told us some crazy things. For one, Dawit III didn’t want a big castle. His was actually smaller than the others. A humble emperor? Who knew that existed?
In any case, walking through this ancient royal land, with libraries and halls and kitchens and incredible architecture, is a great remind of how Ethiopia is such an enchanting place.
5. Hamar: the place where ancient tribal traditions live on
When Bre, our guide, told us we lucked out with our timing and had arrived perfectly in time to witness an ancient tribal celebration from the Hamer tribe, we were elated. But little did we know what we were getting ourselves into.
As we approached camp, the sound of cowbells overcame us. Then, another mysterious sound. The sound of whips.
We curiously made our way down a ravine into where the celebration was starting. Women running around, ringing bells, taunting the men to whip them. Literally begging to be whipped.
It was truly hard to watch, and we winced every time we heard the whips fly through the air.
Why Hamer women allow themselves to be whipped
I know it sounds weird, and perhaps a bit brutal, but these women aren’t just any women. They’re part of the future spouse’s family, and being whipped is a (perhaps extreme) form of showing support, love, and excitement in the Hamer community. The more you get whipped, they say, the more love you express. So the begging continues – and so does the whipping.
You can see the result – older Hamer women bare the scars of many family marriages, displaying them as a badge of honor. They have demonstrated the most altruistic and evident form of love and they have something to show for it.
As we’re watching the ladies, old and young, getting whipped, something surprises us. It’s their reaction – or rather, lack thereof. While we were grimacing and wincing at the sounds and sight of this brutal act, the ladies barely reacted.
Even as the edge of the whip goes supersonic, striking with ferocious force the breaks the skin to its core, the women hardly budge. In fact, the only thing that happens is them asking for more.
And it was this day I realized that girls are a lot tougher than we give them credit for.
The Hamer bull jumping ceremony
Next, we walked from the ravine up a dirt path for about 15 minutes, following a group of women with horrible looking bloody wounds. Yet, not a sound, no flinching, nothing. It was just a Monday for them.
We joined a group of wonderful cute kids in the shade and awaited the ceremony. The kids were fascinated by us, and the elders made us feel welcome. We communicated with just gestures and smiles. In any case, it felt like an honor to be there.
Now – for the bull ceremony. See, it’s a quite scared ceremony that has been going on for hundreds of years.
First, the spouse-to-be strips naked, in front of the entire village. Then, a line up of cattle is set up, the cows standing all in parallel. The spouse’s task is to jump over all of the cows successively, naked, in front of everyone, and survive.
But just to add some fuel to the fire, the crowd’s role isn’t just to spectate. We’re assigned to run around in a circle, chanting, skipping, egging the guy on. It’s our turn to taunt him, and it’s his turn to successfully jump over all of the cattle and make it in one piece.
How it felt watching a Hamer bull jumping ceremony in Ethiopia
The excitement is palpable. It’s like a pep rally, but on steroids.
When the setup is finally ready, the crowds (us included) skipping and chanting, he goes for it. A sprint, ferocious, full of energy, as he launches towards the bulls. See, he has a lot of skin in the game (both physically and metaphorically).
He’s not just getting married. Today, he’s becoming a man.
And we got to be a part of this incredible ceremony. Truly one of the most memorable off the beaten path travel experiences we have ever had.
Omo Valley
The Omo Valley, located in southwestern Ethiopia, is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world. It is home to numerous indigenous tribes, including the Hamer, Mursi, and Karo, each with unique customs, languages, and traditions.
The valley has been inhabited for millennia and is an important site for paleoanthropology, with many significant fossil discoveries shedding light on human evolution.
6. Addis Ababa: more than just a city
Addis Ababa is one of Africa’s most wonderful cities, deep in history, rich in culture, and filled with incredible diversity.
Eating Raw beef: a (surprisingly delicious) Ethiopian tradition
As we chewed on raw beef at Yilma, the premier get-together place for well-off residents, we remark on the day we just had exploring Addis Ababa. What a city.
And yes, it was truly raw beef – but only of exceptional quality. My thoughts while eating were: Even if you do get a worm or two, what’s the problem? It’s better than any diet pill I know of.
Coffee: Ethiopia’s gift to the world
We started that day by driving through the Italian style ‘Piazza’ section of the city, enjoying its grand beauty.
On our way, Bre takes us to a little store in the middle of nowhere, where we’re invited to a spectacular coffee ceremony. The aromas take my nose straight to heaven, and it hasn’t even started.
We get to roast the beans- old fashion style, then all take turns mashing the beans into a powder. The beans come from Ethiopia, and we learn that Ethiopia is actually the source of all coffee. As if you didn’t think it was important enough already.
Coffee was invented here – on the hills of Kaldi, the place it got its name from. At least that’s the rumor they tell us about.
Shirot, tibs, doro wat: some of the best food in the world right in Addis Ababa
As a semi-vegetarian, I find enormous pleasure in the powerful, delicious, and sharp flavors of Ethiopian dishes. My favorite: the ‘fasting’ plate, beyayenetu, which features all sorts of delights:
- Meser,
- Gomen,
- vegetables,
- Azifa,
- and Shiro
All on a massive injera (sort of a thin bread which is used to dip in the different foods, sauces, spices). Of course, you eat this by hand and it’s usually shared with everyone at the table – which makes for an absolutely delightful feast.
Part of the tour Bre provides includes hopping around several of Ethiopia’s finest restaurants. And I can say in full honesty: I had some of the best food in my life.
Along the way, we also had some incredible:
- Tilapia
- Pizza (Italian style)
- Ridiculously strong coffee
- And of course, the raw beef!
7. Entoto: A viewpoint to beat all others, right outside Addis Ababa
Our senses of smell at peace, taste buds happy, and energy buzzing, we make our way to a wonderful viewpoint area in Gulele, Entoto. Bre knows a secret spot there with a magnificent view on the entire city and the surrounding impressive mountains. It’s truly a gem.
Right alongside this viewpoint is one of the oldest chapels in the city, the Maryam Church. It sits on top a hill, and harbors a history museum where you can actually see real clothing from the ex-emperor, Selassie.
Few museums feel more real than this – being able to see the real items from a person who spent considerable time here, closer than your phone is to your face right now.
8. The largest open-air market in Africa: Merkato
Next up is the Merkato market. Now this isn’t just any market – it’s actually the largest open-air market in all of Africa. Bre takes us to the spice section, where our noses are bombarded with sensations we’ve never encountered before. We immediately start coughing, and so does Bre. I’m happy we’re not alone. (Also, it was during covid times!)
Friendly locals invite us to try their products, take pictures, and learn more about this magnificent market. We walk through fruit and vegetable stands, trying out all sorts of products and tasting strange, unique, and delicious flavors along the way.
Bre takes us to a rooftop of a 5 story building – the first place we get a sense of just how humongous the Merkato market is.
It extends almost as far as the eye can see, with multitudes of buildings, floors, tarps, and especially one thing: hustle and bustle. People doing the most to sell their product, others doing the most to haggle the prices down.
It’s an epitome of free market capitalism. And the feeling of electric aliveness is palpable.
9. The National Museum of Ethiopian History
In fact, National Museum of Ethiopian History is much more relevant to you than you’d expect, and that’s why it deserves a spot in the top 10 places to see here in Ethiopia.
What makes it so relevant to you? Well, the desert of Ethiopia, a long time ago (200 million years ago to be precise) when it was still green and fertile, is where the first Homos species existed. It’s the early beginning of our species, and the museum dedicates a whole floor to it.
When you go downstairs, you’ll see a full size copy of Lucy, an early descendant of the first Australopithecus species that ever existed, found and dated to be more than 200 million years old – one of our earliest ancestors.
There are all sorts of animals, like pre-giraffes before their necks got long, zebras before their stripes, and all sorts of mammals.
Modern History of Ethiopia
Displayed upstairs of course is where Ethiopia’s modern history is portrayed. It’s tumultuous at best, but there’s a lot to be proud about.
Emperor Haile Selassie is one of the most instrumental leaders of all time, and transformed the country after its brief but oppressive Italian occupation. He’s one of the most famous emperors of all time, with his influence spreading as far as Jamaica, where he’s still hailed as a hero.
Though the future of Ethiopia is now uncertain, we can take pride in knowing that the Tigray conflict is official over (though some remnants surely remain).
10. Semien Mountains
Staring over the precipice, looking down thousands and thousands of feet over dozens of miles into the endless horizon. No, I’m not talking about the views I get as an airline pilot. I’m talking about the views you get when you’re on the Semien mountains.
Quite possibly the most beautiful mountain chain in all of Africa, the Semien mountains invite you to stupor in awe at their beauty. As one of only two major escarpments in the world, the Semien mountains offers unparalleled views over the legendary Ethiopian countryside. It’s a wonderful place to be.
Why camping in the Semien Mountains is a must-do experience
We spent 2 nights camping here at close to 12,000 feet. We weren’t alone up there. At times, I’d say it was even crowded. But not with humans.
Our camping neighbors were Gelada baboons, with hilarious facial expressions and adorable affections. Watching these endemic creatures in their home turf was such a special experience. They were great company.
As we enjoyed a fire pit while the nighttime temperatures tumbled, we recounted stories with the locals and learned to love this magnificent place, and incredible country – even more than ever before.
Want more? Check out neighboring Eritrea!
Although the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has been tenuous at best, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how incredible of a country Eritrea is to visit.
It’s definitely a tougher country to visit, but it’s unique history, incredible access to the Red Sea (and gorgeous Dahlak Islands), and friendly people make it a perfect complement to visiting Ethiopia.
Note: Many of the photos taken in this article are thanks to the work of Andi Munoz, better known as @destinationchaser.
[raw] [/raw]