Of Ethiopian origin, I reveal to you all the places not to be missed for your stay in Ethiopia:
Ethiopia is probably one of the richest African countries historically and culturally speaking. A stay in Ethiopia is also the guarantee of being amazed with spectacular landscapes. You will undoubtedly start your stay in Addis Ababa, a capital renowned for being very festive. Hiking enthusiasts will not be disappointed between the Simien National Park which is home to many endemic species, the Mago National Park which will surprise you with its amazing mix of deserts, savannah plains and green mountains and finally, the Balé Mountains National Park which offers breathtaking views.
For a bit of history, the cities of Aksum, Gondar and Lalibela, all classified as World Heritage by Unesco, are essential stops. Between the churches cut in the rock, the historical remains and the medieval castles, you will almost have the impression of being in Europe! Qualified by some as one of the most beautiful cities in Ethiopia, the fortified city of Harar is also worth a detour. Strolling through its narrow streets full of color is a real pleasure. Finally, the Rift Valley lakes will immerse you in the heart of what is historically considered the cradle of humanity.
Simien National Park
Don’t forget good walking shoes to walk around the park.
Qualified by Unesco as “one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world”, the Simien National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful jewels of Ethiopia. Endowed with exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, this unique place is home to many endemic species such as the walia ibex, a wild mountain goat or the canis simensis, the Ethiopian wolf. It is also here that the highest peak in the country is located, Ras Dashan, which culminates at 4550 meters above sea level. Just that ! To better discover this incredible park located in the north of Ethiopia, do not hesitate to indulge in trekking. From a simple walk to a hike lasting several days, there are many options available to you.
Visit Harar
Don’t hesitate to hire a local guide who will take you for a walk in the incredible alleys of Harar.
Located nearly 500 kilometers from Addis Ababa, in the southeast of the country, the city of Harar is considered by Ethiopians to be the fourth holiest city in Islam. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic fortified city has managed to preserve its authentic character. Walking through the narrow, colorful alleys with a false Moroccan air is therefore a real visual pleasure. It is also here that Arthur Rimbaud spent the last years of his life. A residence in his honor has therefore been authorized. A great way to discover more about the life of the French poet.
Visit Gondar
End your day with a drink at the Goha Hotel located at the very top of the city, the view of the surrounding landscapes is magical!
Former capital of Ethiopia, the city of Gondar located in the north of the country and perched at more than 2200 meters above sea level is home to beautiful treasures classified as World Heritage by Unesco in 1979. It is thus possible to discover the historical remains of this ancient imperial city. On the program, fortifications, palaces and ruins of medieval castles, baths of Fasilidas, incredible frescoes and dozens of churches to observe during your walks. An extremely surprising decor that would almost give the impression of being in Europe!
Visit Lalibela
Take a trip to Ben Abeba, a restaurant with a very special architecture that will allow you to discover Ethiopian gastronomy while admiring the sublime mountains surrounding the city.
Located in northern Ethiopia, the town of Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. This monastic city perched at an altitude of 2630 meters is more exactly home to eleven medieval churches, the most impressive of which is undoubtedly the Saint-Georges church. With its colorful frescoes, its churches entirely dug into the rock dating from medieval times, Lalibela, also known as the “Jerusalem of Ethiopia”, offers a magnificent journey through time.
Visit Addis Ababa
End your day of sightseeing by attending a typical Ethiopian dance performance, a must-see for locals.
The bubbling capital of Ethiopia is both the economic and cultural heart of the country. An essential trip to shop for souvenirs in the city’s famous market, the Merkato, THE largest open-air market in Africa. Do not miss to discover the gastronomy of the country as well as the Ethiopian culture by making a passage to the National Museum of Ethiopia in which you will discover the famous Lucy, the oldest hominid ever discovered.
Visit Mago National Park
Pay close attention to the tsetse flies that roam the park and can have dreadful effects.
Extremely remote, in the very south of Ethiopia, 782 kilometers from the capital more precisely, the Mago National Park offers a curious mixture of deserts, savannah plains and green mountains, including the Mago in particular. Giraffes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles and even elephants also inhabit this gigantic park with an area of more than 2000 km2! You may also have the opportunity to discover the fabulous Mursi ethnic group, a semi-nomadic tribe considered primitive.
Visit Aksum
Go with a guide to learn more about the smallest secrets of Ethiopia’s oldest city.
Located in the very north of Ethiopia, the city of Aksum was from the 4th century BC. in the 10th century, the capital of the Aksumite Kingdom, one of the most important states in the Horn of Africa at this time in history. It is full of real archaeological treasures including the unmissable obelisk over 23 meters long, witness to the greatness of the Axumite kingdom at the time. Also not to be missed around Aksum, the monastery of Saint Pantalewon, the palace of Dongar as well as the tombs of kings Khaled and Gebremeskel.
Visit Blue Nile fall
Bring good shoes to get to the Blue Nile Falls.
Qualified by Ethiopians as one of the prettiest cities in the country, Bahar Dar is located in the northwest, more than 800 kilometers from Addis Ababa. The area’s must-see attraction is the Blue Nile Falls, a breathtaking spot in the middle of the countryside. The 45 meter waterfalls are sure to impress you. You can also take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country, which will allow you to discover the monasteries of the surrounding islands
Bale Mountain National Park
it is possible to do the trek on horseback, which will make the discovery of the park even more spectacular.
In the heart of Ethiopia is Mount Balé, a true paradise for hikers. And for good reason, it is here that the highest peaks in the country are located! Little visited, this place nevertheless offers breathtaking scenery such as the ascent of Mount Batu at an altitude of 4600 meters. On the program: several species of endemic birds, the Ethiopian wolf, the mountain nyala, the Anubis baboon or even the giant forest pig. Don’t miss a trip to the Dinsho market at the entrance to the park to do some shopping.
Rift Valley Lakes
Climb to the very top of the town of Arba Minch to have an incredible view of the surrounding landscapes.
Ethiopia is home to most of the Rift Valley lakes, an impressive collection of lakes that crosses the eastern part of Africa from north to south, considered the cradle of humanity. Among the most beautiful treasures to discover here is the Abijatta-Shalla National Park, which is home to Abijatta and Shalla lakes. Here you will find hot springs and many pink flamingos. The Chamo and Abaya lakes located near the town of Arba Minch will also seduce you, these contrast by their color, blue waters for the first and copper red for the second.
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