What to do in Ethiopia: 20 must-sees and must-dos

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Lalibela

Lalibela, located in northern Ethiopia, is a must-see destination for travelers in search of spiritual and architectural discoveries. Famous for its rock-carved Ethiopian Orthodox rock churches, this historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the heart of Lalibela are eleven monolithic churches, carved out of volcanic rock over 800 years ago. These architectural marvels, including the cross-shaped Church of St. George, defy the laws of engineering and demonstrate the ingenuity and devotion of medieval builders.

Addis Ababa

Gondar

Gondar, nicknamed the “Camelot of Africa”, is a historic city in north-west Ethiopia. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Gondar in the 17th and 18th centuries, and boasts a remarkable collection of castles and monuments.

The castles of Gondar, witnesses to the golden age of the Ethiopian Empire, are among the most fascinating architectural remains in Africa. Built by various kings and emperors, these European medieval-style stone buildings are a reminder of the region’s unique cultural and historical imprint. The most famous of these is the Fasil Ghebbi, a royal complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its imposing towers, fortified walls and richly decorated halls.

Aksum

Aksum, former capital of the Aksum Empire, is a historic gem nestled in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. Here, in this legendary city, are the impressive remains of a flourishing civilization dating back millennia.

In the heart of Aksum stands the Obelisk Stele, an emblematic symbol of the past grandeur of the Aksum Empire. These imposing stone stelae, dating back several centuries, are adorned with inscriptions in Guèze, an ancient Ethiopian language, and bear witness to the region’s religious and political importance in ancient times.

Lake Tana

Lake Tana, located in northwest Ethiopia, is the country’s largest lake and the largest freshwater spring lake in Africa. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and traditional villages, Lake Tana is an iconic destination for travelers in search of natural beauty and authentic culture.

Nicknamed the “blue jewel of Ethiopia”, Lake Tana is renowned for its calm, sparkling waters, home to a multitude of fish species and migratory birds. Nature lovers can explore the shores of the lake by traditional boat, admiring the spectacular scenery and observing the region’s unique flora and fauna.

The Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains, Ethiopia’s natural jewel in the north of the country, amaze visitors with their majestic beauty and remarkable biodiversity. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these mountains offer spectacular scenery, with craggy peaks, deep gorges and breathtaking cliffs.

Harar

Harar, nicknamed the “city of saints”, is a cultural and historical treasure nestled in eastern Ethiopia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient fortified city is one of Africa’s oldest Islamic towns, imbued with a mystical and bewitching atmosphere.

Visitors are transported on a journey through time as they wander through the narrow streets of the old town, where colorfully-walled houses and centuries-old mosques bear witness to its rich architectural and religious heritage. The unique architecture, a blend of African, Arab and European influences, offers a fascinating visual spectacle around every corner.

Danakil Depression

The Danakil Depression in north-eastern Ethiopia is one of the most fascinating and extreme places on the planet. This vast depression, characterized by a lunar landscape of salt, active volcanoes and hot springs, offers a unique experience for intrepid visitors.

At the heart of the Danakil Depression lies one of the lowest points on Earth, Lake Assal, surrounded by sparkling salt crystals that create a spectacular landscape. Visitors can also discover the region’s active volcanoes, the most famous of which is Erta Ale, known for its bubbling lava lake, offering a striking spectacle especially at night.

Bale Mountains National Park

The Bale Mountains National Park in south-east Ethiopia is a natural treasure trove, home to an astonishing diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna. This nature reserve, established to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Bale Mountains, offers visitors a tranquil getaway in a spectacular, unspoilt environment.

The Bale Mountains, peaking at over 4,000 meters above sea level, offer breathtaking panoramas, with lush green meadows dotted with crystal-clear lakes and refreshing waterfalls. Trekking enthusiasts will find a paradise here, with a multitude of winding trails through the mountains, offering panoramic views of verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks.

Lake Assalé

Lake Assalé, nestled in the heart of Ethiopia’s Great Rift region, is one of the most remarkable and mysterious places on the planet. This salt lake, the largest of its kind on the African continent, is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of white salt sparkling in the bright sunshine.

What makes Lake Assalé even more unique is its position 155 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on Earth. The dazzling salt crystals that cover its shores create an unreal scene, similar to a salt desert, offering visitors a breathtaking visual experience.

The churches of Tigray

The churches of Tigray, nestled in the spectacular Tigray mountains of northern Ethiopia, are architectural and spiritual treasures of great historical and religious significance. Built centuries ago in incredibly remote and often inaccessible locations, these monolithic churches bear witness to the depth of the Ethiopian Orthodox faith and the resilience of its faithful.

The East African Rift

The East African Rift, a geological wonder stretching over 6,000 kilometers across several countries, is one of the most remarkable and dynamic formations on the planet. This immense fault, the result of tectonic movements, offers a breathtaking and diverse landscape, with majestic mountains, sparkling lakes and active volcanoes.

Lake Abijatta-Shalla National Park, located in Ethiopia’s Great Lakes region, is a true paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This protected park is home to two spectacular lakes, Lake Abijatta and Lake Shalla, offering breathtaking scenery and remarkable biodiversity.

Lake Abijatta is famous for its shallow, mineral-rich waters, which attract thousands of flamingos to feed, creating a vibrant spectacle of color and movement. Travelers can observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat, offering a unique birdwatching experience.

The Blue Nile Falls

The Blue Nile Falls, located in northern Ethiopia, are an awe-inspiring natural wonder where the Blue Nile plunges majestically into a deep canyon, creating a breathtaking spectacle of power and beauty. One of the largest waterfalls on the African continent, the tumultuous waters tumble into the depths of the canyon, creating a cloud of mist and an impressive roar that echoes through the surrounding area.

Lake Chamo National Park

Lake Chamo National Park, nestled in southern Ethiopia, is a natural treasure trove of exceptional beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable escape to the heart of Africa’s biodiversity. This park, located around Lake Chamo, is home to an impressive variety of wildlife and picturesque landscapes, making it one of the most popular destinations for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Lake Awasa

Located in the heart of Ethiopia, Lake Awasa is a natural jewel of breathtaking beauty, offering a haven of peace and tranquility to visitors in search of serenity. Surrounded by green hills and vast expanses of farmland, this picturesque lake is a popular destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

The calm waters of Lake Awasa are home to an abundance of aquatic life, including a variety of colorful water birds such as ibises, herons and egrets.

Simien National Park

Simien National Park, located in the Ethiopian highlands, is a spectacular natural treasure where sharp mountain peaks, sheer cliffs and verdant valleys merge into a breathtaking landscape. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is home to some of Africa’s highest peaks, offering visitors an unrivalled trekking experience amidst unspoilt wilderness.

The monolithic churches of Tigray

The monolithic churches of Tigray, hidden deep in the rugged mountains of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, are a unique architectural and spiritual treasure trove. Carved out of the rock centuries ago, these ancient churches represent a remarkable example of human ingenuity and religious devotion.

The gorges of the Blue Nile River

The gorges of the Blue Nile River, located in the Ethiopian highlands, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle where the power of nature is revealed in all its splendor. Carved out over thousands of years by the tumultuous waters of the Blue Nile, these deep, spectacular gorges offer a breathtaking landscape of sheer cliffs, rock faces and lush valleys.

Yeha‘s churches

The churches of Yeha, perched high in the mountains of northern Ethiopia, are among the oldest Christian structures in the country and represent a precious historical and spiritual treasure. Nestled in a picturesque mountain landscape, these ancient churches bear witness to Ethiopia’s ancient Christian tradition and the region’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage.

Yeha’s churches, built of stone with a distinctive architectural style, exude an aura of mystery and spirituality, attracting the faithful and visitors in search of serenity and contemplation.