Ethiopia

Journey to sub-Saharan Africa's oldest civilisation, and discover a land rich in historical treasures.

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Ethiopia Holidays

Ethiopia has history and cultural richness in abundance. Trace the past from the skeleton of one of the earliest discovered hominids, our ancestor of 3.5 million years, to the remains of the Kingdom of Haile Selassie, Emperor of Abyssinia.

History, culture and festivals in Ethiopia

My very competent young guides were enthusiastic, forthcoming, resourceful, and patient with my many questions

Mr Daniell

Ethiopia By Region

Axum

The modern-day city of Axum takes its name from the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, a naval trading power that ruled over Northern Ethiopia from 400 BC into the 10th century.....

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Bahir Dar

The city of Bahir Dar sits on the southern shores of Lake Tana, in Ethiopia's northern Amhara region. It is an attractive, hospitable city that serves as a base for visiting a number of attractions in....

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Bale Mountains National Park

The Bale Mountains constitute a 2,400 sq km national park in the Ethiopia Highlands, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. They provide marvellous trekking territory, though they are somewhat ov....

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Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes

The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes form the northernmost section of the African Rift Valley, which extends into Kenya, Tanzania and as far south as Mozambique.....

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Gondar

Gondar, formerly the royal capital of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635. The town is famous for its many medieval castles and churches. The oldest of these structure....

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Harar

Harar is an important Muslim holy city, home to no fewer than 90 mosques. Though it lacks the historic marvels of Gondar and Axum, Harar is one of Ethiopia's liveliest, most welcoming cities.....

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Lalibela

Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, is a remote town in northern Ethiopia considered to be the country's holiest site after Axum. Built in response to the capture of Jerusalem by the Muslims, Lalibela w....

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Omo River Valley

The Omo River Valley in south-western Ethiopia presents a dramatic contrast to Ethiopia's northern highlands. Removed from the dominant Christian/Islamic traditions of northern Ethiopia, the southern ....

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Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains, which include Ras Deshen (Ethiopia's highest mountain), are located in the north-western corner of the country. Now a world heritage site, the Simiens boast some of Africa's most....

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Tigray

Tigray is Ethiopia's best-kept secret. This northernmost region of the country was the birthplace of Ethiopia's Axumite Empire, and among the first regions to have embraced Christianity, a heritage st....

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Our Ethiopia Itineraries

Ethiopia's Historic Route (with Tigray and Simiens)

This 2-week itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of Ethiopia's Historic Route - including Axum, Gondar, Lalibela, Lake Tana and Addis Ababa - as well as remote Tigray and the Simien Mountains.

Destination

  • Ethiopia

Experience

  • Cultural Holidays
  • Walking and Climbing

Prices from £3095 pp

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Simien Mountains Full Trek with Historic Route

Our full Simien Mountains trek takes you to remote parts of the Ethiopian Highlands, including Ras Dejen, Arkwasyie, Lamo and Mulet. This guided trekking tour also includes as standard some aspects of the Historic Route, and can be extended to include the Rift Valley Lakes, Omo Valley, or Bale Mountains.

Destination

  • Ethiopia

Experience

  • Walking and Climbing
  • Cultural Holidays

Prices from £2970 pp

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Ethiopia's Historic Route

Discover Axum, Lalibela, Lake Tana, Bahir Dar and Gondar on this guided 10-day tour of Ethiopia's Historic Route. This sightseeing programme can also be extended to include walking in the Simien & Bale Mountains, remote Tigray, or the Rift Valley Lakes.

Destination

  • Ethiopia

Experience

  • Cultural Holidays

Prices from £2770 pp

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Simien Mountains Trek with Historic Route

Our standard Simien Mountains trek takes you to the summit of Ras Deshen, Ethiopia's tallest peak, via Geech and Ambiko. The tour also includes as standard some aspects of the Historic Route, including Gondar and Lalibela, and can be extended to feature more.

Destination

  • Ethiopia

Experience

  • Walking and Climbing
  • Cultural Holidays

Prices from £2480 pp

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Walled City of Harar

This short tour of the walled city of Harar can be booked as an extension to a longer Ethiopia itinerary, such as our escorted Historic Route tours or our Simien trekking expeditions. We recommend at least two nights in Harar, though longer stays are also possible.

Destination

  • Ethiopia

Experience

  • Cultural Holidays

Prices from £890 pp

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Ethiopia By Activity

Ethiopia Trekking and Walking Holidays

Our adventurous Ethiopia trekking itineraries focus on the awe-inspiring Simien Mountains. In addition to the Simiens, we offer excursions into the Omo Valley, Bale Mountains NP, the Rift Valley Lakes....

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Ethiopian Festival Tours

Religion is at the heart of Ethiopian culture, past and present. The country’s Christian and Jewish heritage dates back to the Kingdom of Axum (roughly contemporaneous with Imperial Rome), while Islam....

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Additional Information

Visa Requirements

A full passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Ethiopia, is essential. A visa is also required and can be obtained on arrival in Addis Ababa at a cost of approximately US$50 each. Payment must be made in cash. An e-visa can also be obtained prior to travel at https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home. Visas are valid for 30 or 90 days from the date of arrival into Ethiopia.

Travel advice is available from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Non-UK passport holders: please consult your Ethiopian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest advice on visas and entry requirements.

Group trekking expedition in the Saghro Mountains

Overall, I could not be more pleased. There was never a moment when I felt that the team was not there for us.

Dick