Things to do in Ethiopia

Best Things to do in Ethiopia

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Ethiopia? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 552 activities in Ethiopia, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 2046, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Ethiopia in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Top Things to Do in Ethiopia - A Country That Runs in Its Own Time

About Ethiopia

A landlocked country located on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is known for its ethnic diversity, with about 80 ethnic communities living in the country. It is also widely popular for its various attractions, landmarks and activities. You can explore some top things to do in Ethiopia on your own or via a guided tour here.

Some most popular attractions that you can explore when touring Ethiopia include the likes of Lalibela’s Rock Hewn Churches, the Danakil Depression landscape, the spectacular beauty of the Simien Mountains National Park and castles and the history of Gondar city.

Irrespective of whether you are going for a cultural tour or here to seek authentic African cuisine and know about the tribal culture, Ethiopia is just the right place for you.

Your Ultimate List of Popular Things to Do in Ethiopia

Unique Experiences

Taste of Ethiopia

Go on a guided Taste of Ethiopia tour that takes you through various ingredients, both new and known, for the preparation of the local cuisine. It provides a great introduction to the culinary scene of the country, which is thriving with various delicacies preserved from its heritage. You can try a number of traditional Ethiopian dishes with fresh flavours on the tour.

• Where: Addis Ababa
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,300 per person
• Timing: Starts from 4:00 PM (Takes about 4 hours)
• When to Visit: October to March

Omo Valley Tribal Photography Expedition

Get a glimpse of one of the most indigenous tribes of Africa, located in the Omo Valley, with this extended tour that takes you through the top tribal regions in the country. Putting a new lens to the Ethiopian discovery, this photography expedition is best for curious travellers who want to capture the travelling nuances of Africa, as well as filmmakers and photographers, making it one of the most sought-after things to do in Ethiopia.

• Where: Omo Valley, Addis Ababa
• Pricing: Starting from INR 110,100 per person
• Timing: Starting from 7:00 AM (Takes approximately 5 hours)
• When to Visit: From March to May and September to November

Addis Ababa Culinary and Walking Tour

Check out this popular walking tour in Addis Ababa that takes you through Piazza and Marketo, two of the largest districts with markets in Ethiopia. From fruits and vegetables to souvenirs, this market has it all and is culturally rich. You can also visit places like Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral, located nearby, as well as Merkato, which is known for its authentic spices, which are flavourful and are used in making authentic dishes from the Ethiopian cuisine. You must add this trip to your list of top things to do in Ethiopia because of its diverse coverage.

• Where: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Pricing: Starting from INR 6,100 per person
• Timing: Multiple slots, starting from 8:00 AM up to 5:00 PM (Takes 4 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: October to March

Top Attractions

Rock Churches of Lalibela

Explore the impressive Rock Churches of Lalibela that have been carved to perfection and are known for their history of over 900 years. These churches are surrounded by tunnel mazes, and you can find iconic paintings as well as various monolithic structures around it. Among history enthusiasts, this is a must-visit destination to add to the list of top 5 tourist attractions in Ethiopia.

• Where: Lalibela, Ethiopia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,200 per person
• Timing: Visits starting from 2:00 PM (Takes about 8 hours)
• When to Visit: From October to March

Awash National Park

Your trip to Ethiopia is incomplete without a visit to the Awash National Park, which is known for its tranquil surroundings and natural flourishing habitat for wildlife. Introducing you to the world of Ethiopian flora and fauna, this National Park is also known for its waterfalls, hot springs and deep gorges.

• Where: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 36,200 per person
• Timing: Trip starts from 8:00 AM (Takes 2 days approx.)
• When to Visit: October to March

Debre Libanos and Portuguese Bridge

Go on a historic excursion to the Debre Lebanos, which is a monastic centre of the country, known for its 13th-century saints and mysticism. You can also explore a cave near the church known for its historic association with the popular mystic saint. The Gorge nearby is a great place to spot various animals and birds. Crossing the Portuguese Bridge is also one of the top things to do in Ethiopia that you cannot miss.

• Where: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Pricing: Starting from INR 11,800 approximately per person
• Timing: Starts from 7:00 AM (Takes approximately 8 to 9 hours)
• When to Visit: October to March

Sightseeing Tours

Danakil Depression Tour

Get on an exciting Danakil Depression trip that takes you to the Afar Triangles’ northernmost part. This geological feature is unique and worth capturing in photographs. Resulting from the tectonic plate divergence in Africa, it is one of the most interesting sightseeing destinations of Africa and a must-see on your list of things to do in Ethiopia.

• Where: Ethiopia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 40,700 per person
• Timing: Starting from 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM (Takes about 3 full days)
• When to Visit: November to February

Simien Mountain, Lalibela, Danakil, Tigray Churches

Go on this guided excursion to visit the top attractions of Ethiopia located in its various places. Like, you can visit the Simien Mountains National Park, the Danakil Depression and the historic ruins of the Rock Hewn Churches, all of it in a single trip. On this trip, you can also enjoy trekking to the Simien Mountains, which should take about 2 hours and is a moderate climb. Hiking in the region is also one of the best things to do in Ethiopia. Through the trip, you will come across Erta Ale, which is known for its diverse landscape, comprising rock sand, solidified lava and oasis at some places that are palm-lined on both sides.

• Where: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 148,300 per person
• Timing: Starting from 6:00 AM (Takes about 12 days)
• When to Visit: April to October

Day Trips

Day Trip to Adadi Mariyam and Melka Kunture

Take a trip to the prehistoric archaeological sites off Melka Kunture, which belong to the Palaeolithic age, to discover the city's history and descent. The ruin has various artefacts and fossils that tell its ancient tale. The Adadi Mariyam here is also a 12th-century rock-hewn church that is known for its historic roots. You can visit this church on your way to Tiya towards the prehistoric site. To discover the region's rich history, visiting these sites is definitely one of the best things to do in Ethiopia.

• Where: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,100 per person
• Timing: Starting from 8:00 AM up to 5:00 PM (7 to 10 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: November, April

Boat Tours

From Addis to Bisheftu: Lake Side Boat Tour

Hands down one of the best things to do in Ethiopia in December, a visit to the crater lake Bisheftu from Addis Ababa is something you cannot miss. Boating around this lake introduces you to a scenic water body covered in a blue-green layer and a stark, picturesque landscape forming behind. It is Ethiopia's second deepest lake and is also a part of the local folklore.

• Where: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,800 per person
• Timing: Starting from 8:00 AM; multiple slots available (Takes approx. 6 hours)
• When to Visit: All year round

Getting Around

In Ethiopia, various means of transport are available both for public and private use that allow you to travel from one place to another within the country conveniently. Here's a list of the top means of transport that you can use when visiting Ethiopia as a tourist.

• Flights are one of the most convenient means of commuting in Ethiopia if the distance between two places is long. You can book a domestic flight easily when travelling from one city to another here as per the available schedule. Make sure to stay updated with the flight schedule as it may change.
• When choosing a bus as your preferred mode of transportation for exploring the top things to do in Ethiopia, you can choose from public buses as well as luxury buses, depending on your comfort and budget. Private companies operate top bus services in the country.
• Shared taxis are also one of the great ways to access transportation in Ethiopia. Make sure to negotiate for a fair price, though, as the drivers may charge high prices.
• To travel to nearby cities and towns, you can also avail minibuses, which run across various routes here.
• Private taxi service is also available in Ethiopia, providing a comfortable and convenient transportation from one place to another.
• If you need quick transit from one place to another, a ride-hailing service is one of the best ways to go. For a more tailored and flexible trip, consider car rentals.
• Tuk-tuks in Ethiopia are also popularly used as a means of transport to travel locally.

Traveller Tips

• Plan Ahead: Ethiopia is a destination best explored with advance planning. When booking your trips in the country, make sure to do so early on so that you do not miss out on the available seats for your required day of visit as the seats and tickets for top attractions may sell out fast.
• Prepare for the Weather: Ethiopia has varied climatic conditions and has different seasons. It is thus best to be prepared for any sudden changes in the weather conditions here and carry the necessary things accordingly. You must also check the latest weather forecast for Ethiopia before stepping out. For instance, if the day is going to be sunny, carry an umbrella and sunglasses with you. For the rainy season, carrying a raincoat at all times is a must.
• Cultural Etiquette: The Ethiopian culture and traditions are based around hospitality and the country welcomes its guests and tourists with lots of kindness and respect. You simply need to be respectful towards the locals, greeting the elders with a smile and shaking hands with the young ones to abide by the cultural norms here.
• Currency: You must also carry some Ethiopian Birr in cash for making easy transactions with small sellers in the country when exploring things to do in Ethiopia. At various locations, you can find transactions that can be done through cards and online.