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Ethiopia is an incredible destination on its own, but for those seeking some relaxation to round off their trip, it pairs perfectly with the Kenyan coast, Zanzibar, or the Seychelles.
With intoxicating names such as the Queen of Sheba and the King of Lalibela; a land full of timeless legends; ancient medieval castles; the source of the Blue Nile and breath-taking scenery … it is impossible not to fall under the spell of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is in a league of its own, so utterly contrasting to its neighbouring countries, it is almost of another world. Remaining the only country in Africa to have resisted colonisation, it has maintained its own sense of identity, adding to its allure. Ethiopia’s uniqueness comes from its history and culture. Formally known as Abyssinia, it boasts one of the richest histories on the African continent, dating back some 3000 years, and is one of the oldest locations of human life known to scientists. Its landscape is a treasure trove filled with plenty of visual reminders of this ancient civilisation.
From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the island monasteries on Lake Tana, adorned with religious art, and the palaces of Gondar—many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites—Ethiopia offers a captivating historical journey. With over 80 diverse tribes, the country also adds a rich cultural layer to your travels.
Ethiopia is also home to stunning landscapes, offering incredible hiking and trekking opportunities. The Simien Mountains, often referred to as the ‘Chessboard of Africa,’ make a perfect addition to a historical tour. While not primarily a wildlife destination, the country is home to a few unique species, such as the gelada baboons and the Ethiopian wolf, which add to the richness of the experience.
A truly distinctive country in Africa.
Time difference: + 3 hrs GMT
Visa:You need a visa and a valid travel document to enter Ethiopia, including a passport or emergency travel document (ETD). Visitors without valid documents can be detained and fined.
Health: You are advised to take anti-malaria pills for your trip if you are visiting areas below 2000m. Addis Ababa and parts of the north are in the highlands and therefore the risk is very low. No specific vaccinations are required to enter. We do recommend you visit a travel health clinic prior to departure to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
Language: There are over 90 languages spoken, however the official language is Amharic. English is widely spoken in all the tourist areas.
How to get around: We usually incorporate a mixture of scheduled flights and road transfers where appropriate. It is also possible to do helicopter safaris, allowing you to access very remote areas. We do not recommend self driving.
How to get there: There are direct flights to Addis Ababa from London Heathrow. Alternatively, you can fly via Nairobi (one of Africa’s major hubs) and then onto Addis Ababa.
Who does it suit? Ethiopia is not a safari destination. It is very much a cultural tour rather than a relaxing getaway. Accommodation is still fairly basic, so it can be quite a challenging country to visit and not necessarily for the first time visitor to Africa.
Ethiopia is best enjoyed in the ‘dry months’ between October – April, with trekking in the Simien Mountains being particular good in October. Should you wish to include the south, then we would recommend from November onwards.
Ethiopia is an incredible destination on its own, but for those seeking some relaxation to round off their trip, it pairs perfectly with the Kenyan coast, Zanzibar, or the Seychelles.
Get in touch and let us start planning your special trip… info@sarahjamestravel.com
