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 has a character unlike any other you'll find on the planet. The only African nation to have avoided European colonialism, it retains a strong cultural identity that can be felt everywhere you go. The amazing people, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife are just some of the things that make Ethiopia so Brilliant.
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'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.
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 …
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 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…
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, …
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 …
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 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, …
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.
Views from the Simien Mountains.
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.
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.
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.
Sitting amongst the Gelada Monkeys.
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.
Explore the Simien Mountains from a luxury lodge perched high in the escarpment, discover the architectural remains of ancient civilisations, and watch the sun set over the sandstone cliffs of Tigray. The Historic North Circuit is a flagship itinerary in…
Fusing history, culture, landscapes and wildlife along a perfectly paced circuit, this trip is a synthesis of the very best experiences on offer in Ethiopia’s northern highlands. Explorations of the ancient cities Axum, Gondar, Bahir Dar and Lalibela are broken…
A true adventure across the northernmost reaches of Ethiopia. Experience community trekking on the plateaus of Tigray, where horizons stretch for miles, distant mountain peaks morph into hazy silhouettes lit by the evening sun, and pockets of light and shadow…
Explore the very best that Southern Ethiopia has to offer. Combining the Omo Valley with the scenic delights of Yirgalem and Bale Mountains National Park, this adventure is a perfect blend of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.…
Charter aircraft takes you to the wild Gambella National Park, into the Omo Valley, and across the Bale Mountains National Park. Luxury hotels and exclusive tented camps are your base for exploring these remarkable regions.…
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet. In the northernmost pocket of Ethiopia, it is home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes and neon acid springs. The remoteness of the Danakil combined…
Our community trekking routes are among our favourite experiences in Ethiopia. Offering a unique insight into rural Ethiopia through trails off-the-beaten-track, we're yet to find anyone who isn't blown away by the beauty of the rolling hills of Lalibela, the…
Combining the best that Ethiopia has to offer south of Addis Ababa, this two-week odyssey takes you to the farthest corners of the Omo Valley, through the verdant forests of the Bale Mountains, and across the lakes of the Great…
The classic northern trail extends south into the Omo Valley, passing through the Rift Valley Lakes and highland peaks of the Bale Mountains. A once in a lifetime adventure combining the very best that Ethiopia has to offer.…
Community trekking in Wollo and Tigray and hiking through the Simien Mountains National Park highlight the staggering natural beauty of Ethiopia. Tours of the ancient cities of Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Gondar and Axum play supporting roles.…
Hike across electric landscapes of thick forests, Afro-alpine moorland, peaks and plateaus, and jungle thickets. An extraordinary outdoor adventure, with high altitude hikes unlocking staggering viewpoints, beautiful clearings, and endemic wildlife. At night, the sky is ablaze with starlight in…
The Simien Mountains are one of Ethiopia’s most stunning destinations. With its diverse flora and fauna, immense views and extraordinary geography, it’s an exceptional place that can be enjoyed by hardy trekkers and afternoon strollers alike. A couple of nights…
Experience the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park on this in-depth tour of the ‘Roof of Africa’. Trek to peaks breaching 4,000 meters, experience the panoramic vistas, cross the rivers that flow into the lowlands and get up close with endemic…
Experience Ethiopia's northern circuit in style. Explore the incredible highland scenery, visit ancient monuments, discover unique cultural traditions, and break up your journey at luxury lodges set amongst incredible backdrops.…
Every city in Ethiopia has a story to tell. In under 10 days, discover some of Ethiopia's most important towns, each different from the last in so many ways.…
This trip packs in a myriad of history, culture and some of the best scenery in Africa. Explore the palaces of Gondar, the world-famous rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, and the sweeping plateaus of the Simien Mountains. Leave enough time either…
This classic route is perfect if you're looking for an introduction to Ethiopia, but don't have a lot of time. The focus is on the historic cities, monuments, and culture of northern Ethiopia, with plenty of wildlife and vistas along…
We love helping people plan adventures to Ethiopia, and with a network of local partners and years of experience, we can help you decide when to travel, where to go and what to see.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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