ethiopia tours

Ethiopia Tours & Vacations

Ethiopian women in tribal dress, with red and black skirts dancing in a circle on a clear sunny day

Due to the ongoing political and security concerns, we have decided to pause our tour operations in Ethiopia. Our thoughts are with the Ethiopian people, including our tour leaders, team members and their families.

Please visit our Travel Alerts page for more information.

The great land of Ethiopia is one of Africa's veiled treasures. Archaeological, cultural and natural riches await for travelers keen to delve into this ancient yet often overlooked destination. From its rugged ranges and simple mountain villages to the beloved bursts of colors and time-worn relics dipped in mysticism, Ethiopia is a uniquely captivating destination and one we hope to explore with you again. Any future decisions to resume operations in Ethiopia will be based on the safety of travelers, staff and local communities.

Our Ethiopia trips

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Articles of Ethiopia

10 surprising facts about Ethiopia

Why Ethiopia is Africa’s next must-visit destination

6 creepy natural wonders from around the world

Why you should experience Ethiopia’s Timket Festival

A walk in the wild: one traveller’s hike through Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains

Ethiopia just took the running world by storm. Here’s why the travel world is next.

8 African snacks you’ve just got to try

Ethiopia at a glance

Capital city.

Addis Ababa (population 5 million)

Approximately 120 million

Ethiopian birr (ETB)

(GMT+03:00) Nairobi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type L (Italian 3-pin)

Learn more about Ethiopia

Best time to visit ethiopia.

Travelers can expect plenty of sunshine while visiting Ethiopia. Temperatures are typically warm and balmy, although they can vary greatly with altitude. The lowland areas tend to be more hot and humid, while the highlands offer cooler temperatures. Rain is common from July to September but otherwise, sunshine prevails for the rest of the year.

Geography and environment

Landlocked Ethiopia is bordered by Kenya , Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti . Home to some of the most stunning and varied landscapes in Africa ,

Ethiopia is easily the most mountainous country in Africa, with the Simien and Bale ranges providing the highest peaks. The iconic Blue Nile (which is considered holy by locals) originates in Ethiopia's Lake Tana and runs through the country into neighboring Sudan.

Top 5 must-see sights of Ethiopia

1. churches of lalibela.

These miraculous, ancient churches cut from rock are the main reason travelers journey to the town Lalibela. Surrounded by myth and legend, these unique churches have stood for centuries and remain a sacred site for Ethiopians.

2. Aksum Ruins

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site is home to some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the world. Located in the north of Ethiopia and featuring obelisks, royal tombs and remnants of palaces, fables suggest that this was once the home of the Queen of Sheba.

3. The Palace of Fasiladas

The city of Gonder is home to many incredible buildings, but the restored Palace of Fasiladas counts among the most impressive. Located within the Royal Enclosure, this castle possesses an intriguing fusion of Portuguese, Indian and Moorish decorative styles.

4. Blue Nile Falls

Meaning "smoking water" in Amharic, these legendary falls are best seen during the rainy season when the water levels swell, creating a thunderous amount of white water.

5. Debre Berhan Selassie Church

This unusual little church located in Gonder was built in the 17th century and features an elaborately decorated interior like no other - more than 100 winged cherubs are painted on the ceiling. A must-see when in Ethiopia.

Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?

Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.

Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Ethiopia. If you are flying into Addis Ababa you can obtain a visa on arrival. You'll need two passport photos and approximately US$40.

You may be asked for proof of a return ticket, so please carry your tour notes as proof that you are leaving overland. If you are entering at any border other than Addis Ababa airport you MUST obtain your visa in advance via your nearest Ethiopia embassy or consulate.

Is tipping customary in Ethiopia?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Ethiopia but is considered polite in restaurants and bars. It's up to the individual to choose to tip or not but rounding up a bill for good service or leaving 1-2 birr is appropriate.

What is the internet access like in Ethiopia?

Internet cafes can be found in cities and large towns but less so in rural and remote places.

Can I use my cell phone while in Ethiopia?

Cell phone coverage is quite good in Ethiopia's urban areas, but less so in rural, remote and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in Ethiopia?

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Ethiopia, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as this is rarely provided.

Can I drink the water in Ethiopia?

Tap water isn't considered safe for tourists to drink. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed. Also, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Ethiopia?

Credit cards are accepted only by a few large hotels in Addis Ababa as cash is the main mode of payment in Ethiopia. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Ethiopia?

There are a few ATMs that accept foreign cards in Ethiopia, mainly in Addis Ababa and other large cities. Withdrawing cash from ATMs can't necessarily be relied on, so carrying foreign currency (like US dollars) is recommended.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

The heart of the country, Addis Ababa

Unforgettable excursions from addis ababa, living history - cultural heritage.

Tribes Of Omo Valley

A Wildlife Journey

Hottest place on earth, old walled town, colorful celebrations.

Pre Departure
Why Travel Ethiopia

WELCOME TO TRAVEL ETHIOPIA

Explore our trips.

ENIGMATIC QUESTS

Unevil wonders.

Travel Ethiopia and be seven years younger

Welcome to Travel Ethiopia, where we invite you to embark on a journey to a land where time stands still, with our calendar trailing seven years behind the rest of the world. With over two decades of experience, we assure you of a rejuvenating adventure, enriched by Ethiopia's diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes, leaving you not just satisfied, but enlightened and inspired. Contact us today to begin planning your unforgettable adventure.

Flexible itinerary

Handcrafted trips, swift processing, peerless expertise, trusted standards, time of your life.

Trips by region

Africa's capital, Addis Abeba is a hub of economic, social, and political activity, as well as the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. There are a number of galleries, parks, monuments, churches, markets, mosques, and museums including the Ethiopian National Museum, which holds the fossilized bones of Lucy, the Australopithecus.

We provide a wide range of day excursions from Addis that include the greatest tours and activities. Day visits let you immerse yourself in local culture, learn about history and religion, and gaze out at beautiful scenery and nature.

The region is rich in historical and archeological sites since it was the hub of an ancient civilization. The ancient road is also home to four world heritage sites, including the only natural cultural places in the country, the Simien Mountains National Park.

TRIBES OF Omo Valley

Home to some of the most interesting tribal communities in Africa. Celebrate people's uniqueness and the wide spectrum of diverse cultures. You will see the inhabitants of this distant region, an old crossroads of trade routes that eventually led to the migration and settlement of many ethnic groups.

Bale Mountain is a place of rocky mountains, cloud-dappled alpine forest, and the highest population of big animals in the country. Mountain Nyala and Semien Fox are indigenous to the area, while bigger wildlife such as kudu and bushbucks may also be found there. You may discover the Simiens' fantastic hiking paths with breathtaking views. The park's main endemics include the Walia Ibex, Gelada Monkeys, and Ethiopian Wolf. You'll also drive through rural agriculture and through hills and valleys, and these camps are a terrific way to learn about living in this part of Ethiopia.

Dallol is regarded across the world as the "hottest inhabited area on the earth" due to its wonderfully colorful volcanic topography and outrageously high temperatures. The Danakil Depression, a geological depression formed by the continental drift of three tectonic plates, is one of Earth's most bizarre landscapes. It's home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes, and vibrant acidic springs. It's a fantastic, strange environment.

Harar and Dire Dawa are wonderful places that should be explored. It is the fourth holiest city for Muslims, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, and has a labyrinth of narrow alleyways encircled by historic city walls. Its architecture is heavily influenced by Islam. Harar is a very old town with a rich history and a rich cultural and religious heritage. Dire Dawa, on the other hand, is a new town that is clean and contemporary and has grown to become an important industrial and commercial center. It is also Ethiopia's second largest town in terms of population.

Ethiopian celebrations are vibrant and colorful. Religion is a big element of life in Ethiopia. People dress up in traditional costumes and hold colorful, one-of-a-kind ceremonies to mark festivals around the country. Ethiopian festivities you should not miss if you visit the country.

ENJOYABLE & MEMORABLE

Embark on a captivating journey.

Our trips are designed as a melting pot of free time, culture, adventure, sightseeing and of course, lots of fun!

A beautiful country with splendid culture, beliefs, nature and history. Welcome to an immersive experience of timeless beauty.

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Tailor-made for refined & personalized experiences.

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Wellness Tour

Unforgettable experience, thanks to Travel Ethiopia's impeccable planning and service!

Client testimonial.

Efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable staff made our trip extraordinary!

Travel Ethiopia exceeded our expectations, showcasing Ethiopia's beauty flawlessly.

Let's explore the beauty of Ethiopia!

ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILTY

Committed to offering best-in-class experiences for every penny spent.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILTY

True local perspective to the region by conserving it’s authenticity.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY

Improve the livelihoods of the local communities where our guests travel.

4.3 5,346 reviews

Quick Links

Travel Ethiopia PLC. Walking Distance from UNECA, Guinea Conakry Street,Ayat Apartment Ground and First Floor P.O.Box 9438, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Telephone: +251 11 552 5478, +251 11 551 0168, +251 11 552 5479, +251 11 550 8870

Email: [email protected], [email protected], subscribe to our newsletter.

Attractions
Photography Tours
Historic Route of Ethiopia
Festival Tours
Festival Tours - Fixed Group Departure
Tribes of Omo Valley
Simien Mountain
Bale Mountain
Dallol, Danakil & Erta Ale Expedition with Tigray Rock-Hewn Churchs
Ethiopia Birding Tour

Tailor-made holiday & small group tours to Ethiopia

Local experts . unique experience, ethiopia tours with local adventure travel specialists.

Planning to travel to Ethiopia? Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours has been delivering unique and enjoyable travel experiences throughout Ethiopia for more than 14 years. At Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours, we specialize in small group departure package tours and tailor-made tours. From photographic expeditions to the remote tribes of the Omo Valley to treks to the Danakil-Dallol Depression and Erta Ale lava lake, a mountain trekking holiday in the Simien Mountains, and bird watching tours in the Bale Mountains and Awash National Park, we provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you will treasure for years to come.

Latest travel videos from national geographic adventure magazine award wining local tour operator

Why Travel to Ethiopia With Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours?

Unique experiences.

Travel with our expert local guides to get to know Ethiopia really well.
Have a unique local experience and get close to people and nature.
Witness some of the most colorful festivals, tribal rituals, and cultural activities.
Relax in some of the best lodges and hotels in Ethiopia.

Personalized tours & expertise

We are always here to serve you, whether it is a private tailor-made holiday, family adventure, or group tour.
Our team of dedicated travel experts and expedition leaders in the office are always ready to help you choose a unique holiday to Ethiopia that is right for you.

Small group size

Enjoy a small group tour. Our average group size is 8–12 PAX.
All of our tours are led by passionate and knowledgeable tour guides.
Our travel experts always come up with flexible and innovative itineraries.

Culture and nature

Witness and explore an ancient African civilization with an undiluted living ancient culture.
Mingle with the friendly and charming Ethiopian people.
Meet with the remote tribes of the Omo Valley and the people in the Simien Mountains.
Test some of the most delicious and varied Ethiopian dishes.
Discover some of the most beautiful nature and magnificent landscapes.

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About Grand Holidays

Tips and Travel Fact
Filming in Ethiopia

Popular Tours

Cultural Tour to the Historic Route
Omo Valley Tribal Exploration
Dallol Desert Expedition
Simien Mountains Trekking
Bale Mountains Trekking
Addis Ababa City Tour
Ethiopia Festival Tours
Why Visit Ethiopia
Bird Watching

Major Attraction & Sites

Nature and Wildlife
Harar and Awash
Bahirdar and Blue Nile Falls
The Great Ethiopian Rift Valley
Natural Attractions of Ethiopia

Short Tours & Excursions

Short Tours
Addis Ababa city tour - half day
Addis Ababa City tours - full day
Short Tours Around Addis Ababa
Menagesha Forest and Wonchi Crater Lake
DebreZeit and Awash National Park
Weekend Trips
Great Ethiopian Run

United Kingdom

Ethiopia Travel

We are Ethiopian specialists, helping you discover this unique and important country in the Horn of Africa. With our dedicated team and a network of local partners, we will help you plan a trip that matches your dreams, budget, and appetite for adventure.

Travel in 2024/2025 with Brilliant Ethiopia

We custom-build every trip we run to match your dreams , budget , and appetite for luxury and adventure .

So, if you're interested in exploring the wonders of East Africa, get in touch with our expert team and let's get planning.

3 Types of Adventure

Choose one of our Brilliant itineraries

Design a tailor-made holiday

Discover Luxury Adventures in Ethiopia

Our most popular tours, historic north circuit.

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…

Historic North and Luxury Lodges

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.…

Historic North Circuit and Community Trekking

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…

Best of Southern Ethiopia

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.…

Volcanic Explorer

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…

Northern Highlights

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…

Highlights of the North and South

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.…

Simien Mountains and Northern History

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…

Community Trekking and the Danakil Depression

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…

Classic Simiens Safari

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…

Historic Towns of Ethiopia

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.…

Two Days in the Danakil Depression

Join a group of like-minded explorers and drive into the Danakil Depression in convoy. One of the most geologically fascinating destinations on the planet, the Danakil Depression is renowned as the hottest place on Earth. Discover the kaleidoscopic landscape of…

Extraordinary Experiences in Ethiopia

Simien mountains national park.

Jaw-dropping plateaus, ridges, gorges and gullies characterize this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With some of the world's best trekking routes, endemic wildlife and luxurious lodges…

Danakil Depression

A geological depression caused by the continental drift of three tectonic plates, the Danakil Depression is one of Earth’s most unusual environments. Renowned as the ‘hottest …

A place of faith, festivals, mystery and legends that will engage your heart as much as your mind. Atop wide valleys and weather-gouged escarpments, Lalibela is the living, beating…

Experience another way of life as you’re welcomed by some of the 88 cultural communities of the Omo Valley. Famed for its cultural traditions and tribal diversity, this remote …

Ethiopia Community Trekking

Trek through rural Ethiopia and stay overnight at charming, community run guesthouses with views among the best you'll find anywhere in Africa. The majority of money for our …

Bale Mountains National Park

The Bale Mountains are one of Ethiopia's most beautiful wilderness destinations. A verdant, jungle environment packed with endemic wildlife, staggering vistas, boutique lodges and …

Highlands around Lalibela

After exploring the ancient rock churches in the centre of the town, head up into the surrounding mountains and discover a world of breathtaking views, charming lodges, welcoming …

Gambella National Park

Gambella is a place reserved for true explorers. In a remote corner of southwestern Ethiopia, Gambella is only accessible via charter aircraft. Those that come exploring here will …

Incredible rock churches, stunning landscapes, luxury & boutique Lodges. Spend the day climbing to ancient cave monasteries, to be rewarded by magnificent views, before …

Our guide to Ethiopia

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 …

Woman looking at Gelada Monkey in the Simien Mountains

Things to do in Ethiopia

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 …

Places to visit in Ethiopia

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 …

How Can We Help You?

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.

Ready to plan your Ethiopia adventure?

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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We've spent decades in East Africa and can help you avoid the common pitfalls when travelling in this region. That's why hundreds of travellers choose to explore East Africa with Brilliant every year.