Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (9) than any other African country, and its historical circuit (the Lalibela-Axum-Gondar-Blue Nile Falls loop) is one of Africa’s great overland journeys. The things to do in Ethiopia center on this circuit: Lalibela, in the highlands of the Amhara region, has 11 rock-hewn Orthodox Christian churches carved from solid volcanic rock in the 12th century — called the “eighth wonder of the ancient world”, they are used for daily worship and packed with pilgrims during Ethiopian Christmas (Timkat, January). Axum, in the far north, is the former capital of the Axumite Empire (4th-7th century AD), with granite obelisks (stelae), the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion (which claims to hold the Ark of the Covenant), and ancient tombs. Gondar has 17th-century royal castles (Fasil Ghebbi) that look more like European fortifications than anything typically associated with Africa. The Simien Mountains National Park has the most dramatic highland scenery in Africa and is home to the endemic Gelada baboon, Ethiopian wolf, and Walia ibex. The Danakil Depression is one of the most extreme landscapes on earth: sulfurous hot springs, bright yellow-and-green acid pools (Dallol), lava lakes, and salt plains 120m below sea level at temperatures of 45-50°C.Best time to visitOctober through May (the dry season) is the best time for most sites. June through September is the main rainy season (kiremt) — roads to Lalibela and the Simiens can become impassable. The Ethiopian Christmas (Timkat, January 19-20 by the Gregorian calendar) is the most spectacular pilgrimage event, particularly at Lalibela. The Ethiopian calendar is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar and has 13 months; the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) falls in September.Getting aroundAddis Ababa Bole International Airport is Ethiopia’s hub, with Ethiopian Airlines (one of Africa’s best carriers) connecting to 125 cities globally. Domestic flights connect Addis Ababa to Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, and the Simien Mountains trailhead (Shire). The historical circuit can be done by road (rough in places) or by combining flights and 4WD transport. For the Danakil Depression, tours from Mekelle (currently affected by security issues following the Tigray conflict — check advisories carefully) or Afar region are necessary.What to eatEthiopian cuisine is one of the world’s most distinctive. Injera — a large, spongy, slightly sour fermented teff flatbread used as both plate and utensil — is the foundation. Eaten communally, it is topped with various wots (stews): doro wat (spiced chicken with berbere and hard-boiled eggs), misir wat (red lentils), tibs (sauteed meat), and shiro (chickpea flour stew). Tej (honey wine, mead) and tella (dark beer) are the traditional drinks. Coffee originated in Ethiopia (the Kaffa region of southern Ethiopia); the Ethiopian coffee ceremony — green beans roasted, ground, brewed, and served in three rounds — is one of the great hospitality traditions. Tomoca in Addis Ababa is the city’s most famous coffee house.FAQIs Ethiopia safe for tourists?Varies significantly by region. The Tigray conflict (2020-2022) affected the northern region heavily; Lalibela was temporarily occupied by Tigray forces in 2021. The Tigray peace agreement (November 2022) has held, but the region remains affected; check current advisories before planning visits to Axum and Lalibela. Addis Ababa, the Simien Mountains, Gondar, and most historical sites accessible to tourists are generally considered safe. The US State Department currently rates Ethiopia at Level 2-3 depending on region; review carefully.Can non-Christians visit the Lalibela churches?Yes. The churches are active places of worship managed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and entry is open to all visitors with an entry ticket. Modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered; shoes removed at the entrance to each church). Visits during religious services (early morning and during festivals) provide the most atmospheric experience but require greater respect for worshippers. Guides hired from the church compound add significant historical and religious context.