Best for those seeking something truly unique and interested in a combination of ancient history and epic landscapes.
Ethiopia has resisted all outside attempts to influence its culture and lifestyle. Today you’ll find a naturally beautiful country with a strong Christian heritage and ancient religious monuments rivalled only by those of Jerusalem. In addition it is a country with the largest number of historical sites in Sub Saharan Africa. From the first known hominids to modern day, and that is barely even scratching the surface. From its varying landscapes of deserts, tropical rain forests, savannah and highlands, Ethiopia is almost beyond classification.
Ethiopia just is, and has remained, Ethiopia.
Conditions vary in Ethiopia depending on the style of trip taken but generally expect long drives between stops and some rough driving conditions. Visits to remote areas will involve some light air travel.
Also known as the New Jerusalem, Lalibela is home to 11 gigantic ancient churches carved deep into the solid rock. A place of incredible significance to all Orthodox Christians, these remarkable monoliths are a UNESCO World Heritage site and amazing to see in person.
Gondar is a giant royal palace complex, home to the walled fortress and palaces of Ethiopian emperors past as well as being a former capital city. It is also a melting pot of religious scholarship, with Orthodox Christians, Ethiopian Jews and Muslims living side by side. From the ruins of Fasil Ghebbi palace to Fasilides’ Bath, there is plenty to explore in the area.
One of the oldest cities in all of Africa. Axum is an ancient mystery with its royal tombs, palace ruins and gigantic obelisks a link to a grand history. It’s here you can see the Aksumite obelisks, the largest the ancient world ever attempted. If you want even more mystery, head to the St Mary of Zion church which supposedly is the modern resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Yes, that Ark of the Covenant.
Also known as the New Jerusalem, Lalibela is home to 11 gigantic ancient churches carved deep into the solid rock. A place of incredible significance to all Orthodox Christians, these remarkable monoliths are a UNESCO World Heritage site and amazing to see in person.
Gondar is a giant royal palace complex, home to the walled fortress and palaces of Ethiopian emperors past as well as being a former capital city. It is also a melting pot of religious scholarship, with Orthodox Christians, Ethiopian Jews and Muslims living side by side. From the ruins of Fasil Ghebbi palace to Fasilides’ Bath, there is plenty to explore in the area.
One of the oldest cities in all of Africa. Axum is an ancient mystery with its royal tombs, palace ruins and gigantic obelisks a link to a grand history. It’s here you can see the Aksumite obelisks, the largest the ancient world ever attempted. If you want even more mystery, head to the St Mary of Zion church which supposedly is the modern resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Yes, that Ark of the Covenant.
Also known as God’s playground, the Simien Mountains offer some incredible views with its dramatic cliffs and rare animal life like the Walia ibex, found nowhere else on earth. Also found here are the Ethiopian wolf, the Simien fox and the Gelada baboon. A unique animal catalogue for a unique country.
At times one of the hottest places on Earth, the Danakil Depression is an otherworldly looking area that is utterly hostile to life. This hostility brings out an unnatural beauty with wild colours, lava lakes, hot springs and salt basins looking from almost another planet.
The fourth holiest city in Islam, the walled city of Harar Jegol is also the oldest Islamic city in Africa. With almost 100 mosques in the city and just as many shrines, it’s almost like walking through history. Nowadays it has gained attention as being home to the hyena ritual, a tradition for over half a century where wild hyenas gather at the walls at dusk to be fed.
At The Explorer Society, we are always discovering new pockets of wonder on our own adventures and through chats with our local logistics team. Get in touch with us to find out what hidden gems you might discover on your trip.
At The Explorer Society we firmly believe that there is no right or wrong time to go anywhere.
Instead, we think that each time of the year offers different experiences that better suit different travellers.
After all, high and low season often refers to the amount of travellers present, not whether something is ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Ethiopia is pretty stable year round temperature wise. The temperature mainly varying with altitude — for example much colder in the high northern Simien Mountains than the lower southern Rift Valley or Omo Valley.
Ethiopia is a very large country with attractions spread out across it and anything less than two weeks will see you either rushed or missing out.
Alternatively, in a 10 day trip it is possible to explore either Ethiopia’s northern historic route, or southern Ethiopia for an in‑depth cultural experience.
Everyone is different, so please note that these guidelines are general in nature.
Ultimately it will depend on your own expedition’s requirements.
Planning travel should be exciting, but it can be exhausting. There is so much information and so little clarity, you often end up more confused than when you began.
Sometimes it’s simple and easy to figure out. Sometimes it means asking you more questions and diving deep into your motivations.
We’ll walk you through the whole planning and booking process. We want to make sure you are travelling on the trip that best suits you, not anyone else.
We will be there from the first moment you get in touch until after you come back home with countless memories to share.
