Where Ancient
Kingdoms Still
Breathe

Explore Majestic Rock-Hewn Churches

The isolated town of Lalibela is famous for its incredible rock-hewn churches — six to the north and five to the south, linked by a series of rock-hewn tunnels carved over 800 years ago.

Celebrate the Timkat Festival

Witness Ethiopia's most important Coptic festival where thousands of colorfully robed monks carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant through the streets in extraordinary procession.

Trek the Simien Mountains

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic escarpments and breathtaking vistas. Home to the endemic Walia ibex and Gelada monkeys — found nowhere else on Earth.

Explore the Danakil Depression

Africa's lowest point and one of the world's hottest environments. Neon sulfur springs, active lava lakes, and ancient salt caravans make this one of the planet's most otherworldly landscapes.

Meet the Omo Valley Tribes

The Omo Valley is home to 16 distinct ethnic groups — the Mursi with their lip plates, the Konso with terraced farming, and the Hamer famous for their bull-jumping ceremony.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. A traditional ceremony — beans roasted over charcoal, ground by hand, brewed in a clay jebena — is one of the most intimate cultural experiences you can have.

Kuriftu Resort & Spa, Bishoftu

A luxurious lakeside resort just 45 minutes from Addis Ababa. 150 elegantly designed rooms, spa, water park, and 3 restaurants. Perfect for a relaxing start or end to your Ethiopia adventure.

Kuriftu Resort & Spa, Bahir Dar

The finest accommodation in Bahir Dar, set on the shores of Lake Tana. 28 rooms with stunning lake views, a swimming pool, spa, and extraordinary dining. A must-stay on the northern circuit.

Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains

A luxurious eco-lodge perched on the edge of the Simien Mountains escarpment with breathtaking panoramic views. The finest base for trekking Ethiopia's greatest mountain range.

Gheralta Lodge, Tigray

An intimate Italian owner-managed lodge in the heart of Tigray's dramatic rock landscapes. The ideal base for exploring Tigray's extraordinary cliff-face churches and ancient history.

Ethiopia's weather is fairly consistent year-round. The main variable is rainfall — and all our tours run between the end of the long rains (September) and the beginning of the short ones (April), so this should not be a problem.

During the day temperatures hover around the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F), falling to 6-8°C overnight — and even colder in the mountains. Pack layers.

January is the most spectacular month — the Timkat festival draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to Lalibela in one of the world's most extraordinary religious celebrations. Book well in advance.

Health & Vaccinations

No mandatory immunisations for Ethiopia, though you should be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Yellow fever risk exists and Malaria is present in some areas — consult your GP before travel.

Currency

Ethiopia's official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). USD is widely accepted at hotels and tour operators. ATMs are available in major cities. Bring some cash for rural areas.

Language & Religion

Ethiopia has 83 languages — Amharic is the official language. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas. Ethiopia is predominantly Orthodox Christian, with significant Muslim and Jewish communities.

Time Zone

Ethiopia is 3 hours ahead of GMT. Note that Ethiopia uses the Julian calendar — their year is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Christmas is celebrated on January 7th and New Year on September 11th.

Food & Drink

Ethiopian food centers on injera — a spongy sourdough flatbread — served with meat and vegetable stews called wot. Dining is communal, eaten from a shared platter. Vegetarians are very well catered for. Coffee is outstanding.

Cultural Sensitivity

In churches, women should cover their heads and men remove hats. Remove shoes before entering all churches. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered. Always ask permission before photographing people.