Ethiopia tours & holidays
At this stage we don't have any organised trips to Ethiopia.
Please visit our Travel Alerts page for more information on safety.
We hope to once again share the sights and stories of Ethiopia with travellers. Any future decisions to resume operations in Ethiopia will be based on the safety of travellers, staff and local communities.
Our Ethiopia trips
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Ethiopia at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Addis Ababa (population 5 million)
POPULATION
Approximately 120 million
CURRENCY
Ethiopian birr (ETB)
LANGUAGE
Amharic
TIME ZONE
(GMT+03:00) Nairobi
CALLING CODE
+251
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
Travellers 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 neighbouring Sudan.
Top 5 must-see sights of Ethiopia
1. Churches of Lalibela
These miraculous, ancient churches cut from rock are the main reason travellers 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.
Further reading
| Title | Author |
| Beneath the Lion's Gaze | Maaza Mengiste |
| Sweetness in the Belly | Camilla Gibb |
| Greater Ethiopia: The Evolution of a Multiethnic Society | Donald N. Levine |
| Chameleon Days: An American Boyhood in Ethiopia | Tim Bascom |
| Chains of Heaven | Philip Marsden |
Ethiopia travel FAQs
Foreign governments are strongly advising against travel to Ethiopia due to political and security concerns in many regions of the country. With these travel advisories in place, we have made the decision to halt all current and future tours in Ethiopia for 2024 and beyond. The safety of our travellers, operators and team members is our top priority and any future decisions to resume operations will depend on the security of those involved.
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.
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.
Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
Internet cafes can be found in cities and large towns but less so in rural and remote places.
Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
Mobile 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 mobile phone.
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.
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.
Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
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.
Note: This information is under review due to the current situation in the country.
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.
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.
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise 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
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.
We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Travelling 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