Tourist Attractions in Ethiopia

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Ethiopia

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Ethiopia

People travel to Ethiopia to admire the unspoilt and striking nature of the African continent. There is the picturesque Lake Tana, the bizarre reliefs of the Ethiopian Highlands, national parks with rare endangered species of animals and endless savannah. Many tribes living in the country live exactly as they did hundreds of years ago. Tourists have the opportunity to observe the mysterious rituals of local shamans, visit colourful festivals and touch almost primitive culture.

Top-12 Tourist Attractions in Ethiopia

Aksum

 0/5

Located in the north of the country almost on the border with Eritrea. It is the most visited city and the main tourist attraction. According to legend, the founder of the Kingdom of Axum, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon, ruled here. In the archaeological area there are about 200 huge obelisks erected by human cyclops (according to local legend).

Fasil Ghebbi

 4.5/5

310 reviews

A UNESCO-listed complex of temples, palaces and castles dating from the 17th to 18th centuries. The fortress combines several architectural styles: Baroque, Arabic, Nubian and Indian. Several centuries ago, the structure served as a residence of local rulers, and now the complex is open to tourists.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Church of St. George

 4.8/5

326 reviews

It was erected in the 12th century by the king who decided to establish a new Jerusalem in the country. The temple is dedicated to St George, the patron saint and protector of Ethiopia. The building was carved out of the rock in the form of a Greek cross sinking into the ground. The church is buried in a stone well 25 metres deep.

Open time

Fasilides' Bath - ፋሲለደስ ጥምቀተ ባህር

 4.5/5

163 reviews

Royal baths built under the Ethiopian ruler Fasilidas in the 17th century. Today, they are used during the Timkat festival organised by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church once a year. The pools are filled with water and residents bathe after the official ceremony is over.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Erta Ale

 4.5/5

264 reviews

It is the most troublesome volcano in Ethiopia. In its crater there is a glowing lava lake. The volcano has been continuously active since 1967. It is a constantly growing volcano – with each lava release and eruption the mountain rises higher and higher above the ground. Now its height is 613 metres.

Dallol

 4.5/5

39 reviews

It is considered one of the most unusual places on Earth. According to some researchers, the landscapes in the vicinity resemble those of one of Jupiter’s satellites. After a big explosion in 1926, a large lake of yellow-purple colour was formed here, which is located 48 metres below sea level.

Simien Mountains National Park

 4.6/5

234 reviews

A unique natural monument with a total area of 22.5 thousand hectares. The Ras Dashen peak, which reaches a height of 4,620 metres, is located here. On the territory of the park there is an opportunity to see different natural zones of Africa: mountain deserts, savannahs, highlands. There is also a large number of unique and interesting animals.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Sunday: 8:30 – 11:30 AM

Lake Tana

 4.5/5

190 reviews

One of the main waterways of Ethiopia. The Blue Nile originates here. The water body is not only a vital source of water and food. The hydroelectric power plant, which uses the waters of Tana, provides energy for the whole of Ethiopia. There are 37 islands on the lake and 20 Christian monasteries and churches have been built on them.

Lake Abhe

 4.5/5

28 reviews

A salt water reservoir set amidst completely unearthly landscapes. Limestone pillars and towers, formations of the most unusual shapes and colours can be found here. Steam puffs constantly erupt from the ground, reminding of the powerful volcanic activity of the surrounding area.

Holqa Soof Umar(Sof Omar Cave)

 4.5/5

39 reviews

A large cave in the Balé National Park. It was formed by the Weib River, which has been forcing its way through the mountain for thousands of years. For a long time it played the role of a religious centre and was a sacred place for Muslims and representatives of local pagan religions.

Awash River

 4.4/5

36 reviews

A large, full-flowing river with fertile plains along it. Sugar cane and cotton have long been cultivated here. There is a national park along the banks of the river, which is home to large populations of antelope and gazelles. During floods, the water level rises almost 20 metres.

Blue Nile Falls

 4.5/5

226 reviews

One of the waterfalls of the Blue Nile. A very picturesque natural attraction of Ethiopia, demonstrating the power and strength of the river. It is located near the popular tourist centre of Bahir Dar. Many tourists and locals come to admire the waterfall.