Discover Ethiopia
Ethiopia Travel Guide
Ethiopia is an emerging tourist destination. To make the most of your time in the country, it's important to understand what to expect, and how to best prepare for your journey …
Ethiopia Tours
Ethiopia's extraordinary diversity, sheer scope of humanity, topography and natural wonders can combine in a single itinerary to amaze, inspire, and humble anyone who visits.
Places to visit in Ethiopia
Jagged peaks in the Simien Mountains, towering limestone cliffs in Tigray, thick jungle thickets in the Bale Mountains, neon acid springs of cinder cone volcanoes in the Danakil …
Things to do in Ethiopia
Ethiopia's eclectic blend of geography, history, culture and wildlife combine to give any family, couple, hiker, solo traveller or group an experience of a lifetime. Vibrant …
Ethiopia Wildlife
Ethiopia is a country of stunning biodiversity, and home to a number of endemic species. We work with carefully selected local partners to get you up close to these animals without…
Hotels and Lodges in Ethiopia
Ethiopia boasts the usual portfolio of hotels in its major cities, ranging from budget to 5*. As you head further off the beaten track, you can choose from a host of luxury, …
When to Visit Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a large country and different regions have different seasonal characteristics. The extreme north and east has a desert climate, central Ethiopia is milder and southern …
Safety in Ethiopia
One of the reasons for choosing Brilliant Ethiopia is to ensure you have a safe trip. We book guides, cars and itineraries that we trust. Ethiopia is one of the safest countries in…
Ethiopia Travel Costs Explained
Ethiopia is truly a country of contrasts. Its extraordinary diversity, sheer scope of humanity, topography and natural wonders can combine in a single itinerary to amaze, inspire, …
What makes Ethiopia special?
1. Incredible Landscapes
Ethiopia offers some of the most extraordinary landscapes anywhere in Africa. From the jagged-peaks of the Simien Mountains, the thick afro-alpine forests of the Bale Mountains, or the kaleidoscopic acid springs of the Danakil Depression - it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
The incredible views are not limited to the national parks or the Danakil. In the north, Ethiopia's highland terrain means you're never far from a beautiful view. South of Addis, you'll find stunning views along the Rift Valley all the way down to the Omo.
2. Fascinating History
Ethiopia has a tremendously rich history which dates back, quite literally, to the dawn of our species. Humans have been navigating life in Ethiopia for millennia, with each civilisation leaving behind a myriad of artefacts, from architectural structures to manuscripts and crafts.
A 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of a distant human ancestor, the 13th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the towering obelisks of Axum. These remnants of times past provide a window into the world of ancient civilisations, and clues to the origin of life itself.
Ethiopia is unquestionably one of the most historically important countries on Earth.
3. Diverse Culture
When you think of cultural experiences in Africa, few countries come close to Ethiopia. Travelling the country is to gain a new perspective on humanities place in the world, from past and present to future.
Ethiopia is an incredible diverse country. There are over 80 recognised ethnic groups across the country and a similar number of spoken languages. A single trip can take you from the northernmost corners in the Danakil Depression, a sweltering volcanic terrain home to the Afar people, to the southernmost corners of the Omo Valley, home to over 80 indigenous tribes.
It's a cultural crossroads by its very nature.
4. Endemic Wildlife
While Ethiopia is not a classic safari destination, it still has its fair share of wildlife, many of which are found only in Ethiopia. The most famous among these endemics is the Gelada Monkey and Walia Ibex found primarily in the Simien Mountains, as well as the Ethiopian Wolf found in the Sanetti Plateau of the Bale Mountains.
Hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, raptors, pelicans, ostriches, hyenas, and warthogs are just some of the animals found along the popular trails. Further off the beaten track you can find lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and cheetahs.
Ethiopia is also a fantastic birding destination with an incredible range of bird life across the country, especially along the Rift Valley.
5. Range of Experiences
Ethiopia's diversity means a single itinerary can blend natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor activities with historical monuments and cultural experiences.
Ethiopia is not only diverse in culture and landscapes, but its growing portfolio of luxury lodges, tented camps and hotels means exploring the country is not limited to the outdoorsy. A night or two at a luxury lodge in the mountains might be contrasted with a community guesthouse or camp atop a volcano.
Every itinerary is a unique adventure, and that's what makes travelling in Ethiopia so exciting.
Our Pick of Ethiopia Adventures
Ready to plan your Ethiopia adventure?
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.