Ethiopia, land of the origins, lions, kings and Haile Selassie is one of the most enigmatic countries in the world. Sitting at the horn of Africa between Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea and the two Sudans, it is one of the largest countries in Africa, the second most populous and potentially the oldest civilization after Egypt. It is also an incredible tourism destination with history, culture and religion dating back to the 10th century BC.To tour Ethiopia is like to walk far back in time to when everything was medieval, amazing and mind boggling; An ancient civilization of unparalleled beauty, history, culture, religion and larger than life characters.
The history of Ethiopia dates back centuries. And it all begins in the far northern town of Axum, the birthplace place of the biblical Queen of Sheba whose encounter with King Solomon birthed the imperial dynasty that ruled Ethiopia for 3,000 years beginning with Menelik I, son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and ending with the death of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1975. Axum is home of the magnificent St. Mary’s Cathedral, the biblical Arch of the Covenant,the Stelaepark hosts massive blocks of sculpted granite stone that were used as pagan tomb stones and the underground ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba are just some of her principal landmarks.
History then descends to Lalibela, the presumed second Jerusalem with her ancient rock-hewn churches which are still being used today; they are not only a marvel to behold but are of especial importance because they are not just historical relics but also form thebasis of all Ethiopians’ culture, customs and traditions. To them, Christianity is a way of life deeply intertwined with their history and religion; to visit, tour and learn about these churches is to know about the Ethiopian person. The churches are certainly grand, but they portend even greater meaning and importance telling the story of a people, their ancient myths and legends, their life today and aspirations for the future.Lalibella is attains special importance during the Ethiopian Epiphany because it is the birthplace of King, St. Lalibela, who was born on the same date as Jesus Christ. Starting two weeks ahead of genna (The Ethiopian Christmas celebratedevery year on 07thJanuary)people from all corners of Ethiopia undertake a pilgrimage to Lalibela to attend the colorful ceremony get spiritual blessings from the high priests.
And further south, it is in Gondar where the last of Ethiopia’sreigning kings settled and the final battle with the Italians climaxed. Their magnificent ancient castles have a deep story to tell; of bravery, diplomacy, resilience, defeat, and standing again. There are also relics of the famed cages used by Ethiopian kings for rearing lions as immortalized by Haile Selassie.Gondar is also the center of the Ethiopian Epiphanyalso called Timkat, another colorful Ethiopian religious ceremony. Every year from 18th through 19th to 20th of January, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians all over the country commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ, by St. John, on the River Jordan in colorful mimicry ceremonies led by tabot-carrying high priests accompanied by masses of colorfully dressed adherents. The biggest celebrations take place in Gondar where young pilgrims dip and swim in blessed/holy water in the massive King Fasilides’ pool in mimicry of Jesus’s baptism and the masses are splashed with holy water in a ritual that has been practiced for centuries.
Addis Ababa the capital (means the new flower), is a modern and well developed cosmopolitan city of 10m inhabitants with nice boulevards, a tram, a world class airport, hotels and restaurants, the Ethiopia national museum, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, local foods and crafts markets and a vibrant night life.
Ethiopia is also home to several wildlife-infested national parks with unique animal species like the blood-heart baboon and many others as well as over 860 species of Birds including 18 endemic to Ethiopia, and 14 endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Her southern-western fringes also known as the OmoValley are renowned as some of the most culturally authentic tourism destinations in the world encounteringancient peoples, cultures and customs that seem to have frozen in time for hundreds of year.
Getting Around: Being a relatively large country, travel around Ethiopia is most efficient by air. Avoiding the long drives allows one to spend most of your time where it mattersmost; on tour enjoying the nature, adventure, culture and wildlife. Almost all the key tourism sites are within easy reach of a good airport and decent 3* to 3.5* hotels. And because the distances are also quite vast, it can actually save money especially if you are travelling as a small group.Ethiopian Airlines conducts a well-coordinated and fairly priced domestic flights schedule. From each of the towns, one can drive the shorter distances to the parks and other attractions. Using local guides in each location allows you to take advantage of their deep local knowledge.
Imagine an ancient, Christian and powerful African city, that was in the heart of a great power.
Read MoreLalibela is a northern Ethiopian town most famous for her monolithic rock hewn churches dating back.
Read MoreGondar is considered the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Fasilides in 1636.
Read MoreETHIOPIA’s Simien Mountains National Park, lying at the center of a triangle between Gondar (110km).
Read MoreBahir Dar sits on the shores of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, one of the two major tributaries.
Read MoreThe Blue Nile Falls is a magnificent waterfall on the Blue Nile River which originates in Lake Tana.
Read MoreThe dry and arid south-western fringes of Ethiopia bordering Kenya and South Sudan are a mind-boggling.
Read MoreAddis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city (means the new flower) is a modern and well developed cosmopolitan.
Read MoreGenna, the Ethiopian Christmas is unique and colorful annual religious festival celebrated.
Read MoreThe Meskel is an Ethiopian Christian festival celebration every year on 27th September and one.
Read MoreAddis Ababa the capital (means the new flower), is a modern and well developed cosmopolitan city of 10m inhabitants with nice
Read MoreBahir Dar sits on the shores of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the mighty River Nile and
Read MoreFrom your hotel, you will be driven to Tis Issat village to marvel at the Blue Nile Falls. The Blue Nile Falls is a
Read MoreCollected from your hotel and proceed on a sightseeing town tour of Gondar, considered the Royal Capital of Ethiopia.
Read MoreToday, you will drive to BuyitRas (122kms/4½hrs), a section of the Semien Mountains considered the most wild and
Read MoreIn the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Axum, an ancient, Christian and powerful African city, that at was once in the
Read MoreLalibela is most famous for her monolithic rock hewn churches dating back to the late 12th-C and early 13th-C AD during the reign
Read MoreThe dry and arid south-western fringes of Ethiopia bordering Kenya and South Sudan are a mind-boggling cultural melting pot and
Read MoreJoin your guide in attending Genna (the Ethiopian Christmas) celebrations held every year on 07th January to commemorate the birth of
Read MoreOur most popular activities in Zanzibar include leisurely walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean, different types of water-sports including
Read MoreBeing rather large, Ethiopia is still an emerging tourism destination. Within the country outside of Addis Ababa, there are no 5 hotels, only local ones. The ones we featured in our tours are a mix of 3 to 4* standard or tourist class local establishments. But they cater for international travelers and tourists and completely suffice. And we ensure we select the best available at each location subject to our clients budget. Do please contact us, info@safaridmc.com and one of our tour consultants will revert back to you with appropriate suggestions.
The Radisson Blu Addis Ababa is a 5* hotel situated in the Kirkos suburb of Addis Ababa barely 6 kms
Read MoreYared Zema International Hotel is a 2startourist hotel providing luxurious accommodation, dining.
Read MoreJupiter International Hotel Bole is located about 2 kms from the international airport, 5 kms.
Read MoreKaleb Hotel is a brand new hotel in Addis Ababa named after the famous king Kaleb of Axum.
Read MoreWarm, Gracious, Inviting. Wabe Shebelle Hotel in Addis Ababa offers unmatched service with elegance.
Read MoreImmerse yourself in the rich history of Ethiopia with landscapes of Bahir Dar's native architecture.
Read MorePerched on the edge of the escarpment, Limalimo Lodge is a beautiful place.
Read MoreGoha Hotel stands on a hill with an enchanting view of the city. Equipped with the most up-to-date.
Read MoreFlorida International Hotel is a four star hotel located in the historic City of Gondar to serve you better.
Read MoreLocated on the cliff surrounded by magnificent views of the Lasta Mountains.
Read MoreIn the heart of Tigrai, the northern region of Ethiopia, lies a special accommodation structure
Read MoreThe Awash Falls Lodge (AFL) is located in the most southwestern limit of an ancient conservation area
Read MoreBale Mountain Lodge is an eleven room boutique forest wilderness lodge, deep within the Bale.
Read MoreParadise Lodge was opened in 2008 as a means to transform the hospitality industry in Africa
Read MoreEco Omo is an eco-friendly permanent safari tents lodge constructed in harmony
Read MoreSituated in the heart of Southern Ethiopia in the Omo Valley, Buska Lodge is an unpretentious
Read MoreThat combines five unique ecological zones, a secluded setting that is host to over 400 bird species.
Read MoreExperience the heart of the Omo River Valley at the Kizo Lodge. Recently opened in the summer .
Read MoreAddis Ababa’s Bole International Airport is the principal gateway to Ethiopia. It is frequented by many international air carriers including KLM, Qatar, Emirates, Air France, South African Airways, Kenya Airways as the award winning national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, which has a worldwide routes network and makes access to Ethiopia easy and efficient.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is a mandatory requirement for entry into Ethiopia. Ethiopia sits within the African tropics in areas that are Malaria prone. Anti-Malarial Prophylactics and other protections recommended by doctors are advised. Please consult with your physician before departure.
All persons, except nationals of Kenya, require a Visa to enter Ethiopia. Visas for all, except nationals of a stipulated 36 countries, must be obtained in advance before boarding. Please always reconfirm with your Travel Agent and Air Carrier before departing. For more specific information about your passport nationality, how to apply and the entry requirements, please check https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home.
Ethiopia exercises strict anti-terrorism measures at her airports which can slow down processes but it is a necessary procedure and has borne good results.
@SafariDMC does not accept responsibility for denied entry into any country due to wrong or improper travelling documents or any consequences of any manner that may accrue.