Population
122,364,383
capital
Addis Ababa
Language
Amharic, Oromo, Afar, Somali
currency
Birr
Flight time
7 hours and 45 minutes from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT +3 hours
best time to go
Oct-Jun
Introducing Ethiopia
Ethiopia is an ancient nation with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, surpassing any other country in Africa. These sites exhibit Ethiopia’s distinctive cultural identity, rich history, and exceptional ecology. The ancient cathedrals of Lalibela and Gheralta, the 3,000-year-old palaces and temples, the majestic 17th-century castles of Gondar, and the oldest human fossils ever discovered on Earth are just a few of the captivating treasures in Ethiopia. It is no surprise that Ethiopia has grown to be a popular tourist destination in Africa when you consider the stunning Simien and Bale Mountains, the magnificent volcanic panoramas of the Danakil Depression, and the abundance of fauna and birds that can be found there.
Recommended Ethiopia Specialists
Recommended Experiences in Ethiopia
From
£3,149pp
£3,149pp
Top Locations in Ethiopia
Trek through the Simien and Bale Mountains
Ethiopia's magnificent highlands provide truly spectacular trekking opportunities. Most people choose the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains, and the trekking paths created in the northern region of Ethiopia offer top-notch hikes while supporting the local populations.
Visit Lalibela
Explore the stunning churches of Bete Giyorgis, the cross shaped monolith dedicated to Saint George, as well as the Bete Medhane Alem, the world’s largest stone excavation, which is designed to be upright thanks to its 36 internal and external pillars.
Go on a bike tour
Cycling is a great way to leisurely discover Ethiopia. The region surrounding Addis Abeba ranges above 2,500 metres, making it an excellent riding area for dedicated cyclists looking to enhance their ability at high altitudes. Biking trails have also become prominent in the majority of the Tigray and the northern Amhara regions.
Experience local cuisine
Ethiopia would undoubtedly rank highly on the list of countries for gastronomy enthusiasts. Not only is Ethiopian food praised for its rich and distinctive flavour, but also for the interesting aspects of its people's eating culture. The majority of the gastronomic variety consists of vegetables and meat. Ethiopian food contains a lot of hot spice, and food is eaten with injera, a soft flat sourdough bread derived from grains called Teff.