Home > Destinations > Destination: Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
ETB (Ethiopian Birr)
Oromo, Amharic and English
UTC+03:00
Ker & Downey® Africa organize unforgettable travels to Ethiopia, taking in all that makes this country so special. Think isolated regions undisturbed by man, outstanding natural beauty, stunning views, and mythical historic architecture to rival anywhere else in the world. This is Africa at its most intrepid.
Ethiopia may be one of Africa’s largest countries, but it is still one of the world’s off-the-beaten-track destinations. Adventurous travelers will be treated to bustling cities with historic neighborhoods as old as time, towering mountain ranges shrouded by thick clouds, and rare endemic wildlife native to Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa
ETB (Ethiopian Birr)
Oromo, Amharic and English
UTC+03:00
Ethiopia is a huge landlocked country in East Africa, surrounded by Eritrea and Sudan to the north, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south and South Sudan to the west. This East African country covers an area of 1.1 million kilometres, and its capital and largest city is the ancient city of Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia’s terrain is as varied as its ancient culture. Towering rocky mountains dominate the landscape, and the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley divide the country from southwest to northeast. There are extensive lowland areas, semi-arid deserts, hilly steppes, and forested regions that are home to countless endemic animal and bird species unique to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is a vast country, and as a result, it has no shortage of wildlife to discover. Whilst the larger and more well-known game animals such as ferocious prides of lions, huge herds of elephants and hyenas are abundant, it is Ethiopia’s rarer wildlife that attracts most visitors to the country. More than 242 mammals are listed as living in Ethiopia, including fox, ibex, bushbuck, nyala, hartebeest, and wild foxes. Gelada baboons roam the mountainous regions, as do 30 bird species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Ethiopia has something to offer throughout the year, with a temperate climate in most areas. The major highland destinations across the Northern Circuit, including Addis Ababa and Harar, enjoy daytime temperatures between 22˚C and 28˚C with cool nights. The southern Rift Valley and South Omo are warmer and can get seriously hot in the summer months between June and August.
Ethiopia doesn’t really have a high season, but most travelers visit during the dry season between October and June.
The rainy season between late June and September brings flooding to the lowland areas. Hiking routes and safaris are less busy at this time of year.
The so-called Green Season in September and October is when the forests and mountain areas are at their most lush.
Ethiopia boasts a wonderful selection of national parks. Some of the best include:
Simien Mountains National Park
With its breathtaking vistas and staggering beauty, Simien Mountains National Park is a must-visit during a luxury safari in Ethiopia. The park is dominated by jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and sharp precipices. Home to rare species, highlights include the Gelada monkeys, the Simien fox, and the Walia Ibex, a goat found nowhere else on Earth.
Omo National Park
The Omo National Park is located in southern Ethiopia and is known for its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and Omo Valley tribes, who have lived in the area for centuries. Many of the tribes live on the banks of the Omo River, a lifeline that cuts through the Omo Valley. The park supports large herds of buffalo, zebras, and gazelle, as well as lions, giraffes, hyenas, and warthogs.
Maze National Park
The Maze National Park is known for its critically endangered, endemic population of Swayne’s Hartebeest. The park is primarily made up of vast swathes of savannah grasslands, which support a diverse range of wildlife, including buffalo, bushbuck, bush pigs, lions, leopards, vervet monkeys, and a vast array of birdlife.
Gambella National Park
This is Ethiopia’s largest national park, spanning over 1,937 square miles. It’s home to several major species, including buffalos, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, warthogs, and several big cats, making it an ideal park for enjoying traditional safari game drives.
Mago National Park
Home of the Mursi tribe, the Mago National Park offers a truly immersive experience and an opportunity to not only see some of Ethiopia’s stunning wildlife and endemic species, but also to meet and interact with local tribes. Buffalo, giraffe, and elephant can all be found in this national park, in addition to a wide array of bird species.
Erta Ale National Park
Erta Ale is an active volcano in the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia’s Afar region and is considered one of the world’s most challenging environments. It is just one of four volcanoes with a lava lake that has been active since its discovery in 1969. Climbing Erta Ale must be done in the evening or at sunrise due to the intense heat of the Danakil.
Bale Mountains National Park
The Bale Mountains National Park contains wonderfully diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to glacial lakes and volcanic ridges. The park’s afro-montane Sanetti Plateau rises 4,000 meters above sea level and includes the highest peak in the southern Ethiopia highlands. The park is a superb destination for hikers, wildlife watchers, and nature enthusiasts. The park’s Sanetti Plateau is also one of the best spots to see the rare and endangered Ethiopian wolf.
Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia include:
If you want to visit Ethiopia on a luxury safari experience, contact the safari specialists at Ker & Downey Africa.
Ethiopia’s iconic rock churches can be found in northern Ethiopia in Lalibela, a World Heritage Site and considered by some to be the eighth wonder of the world. The 11 rock-hewn churches were built during the 12th century and carved out of a single piece of volcanic rock.
When you book a luxury safari in Ethiopia, you will stay in only the best accommodations, including luxury hotels with superb amenities and exclusive safari lodges that offer a truly immersive and authentic African safari experience. Browse our luxury safari packages in Ethiopia or contact a member of our team to learn more about an African adventure in Ethiopia.
If you want to enjoy a luxury safari in Ethiopia or any other destination in Africa, contact the luxury safari specialists at Ker & Downey Africa. Our safari travel experts have access to the best accommodations, including luxury lodges and safari tents, and can craft a bespoke Ethiopia tour with unique experiences and adventures that are bespoke to you. We boast intimate knowledge of the best safari destinations, including Ethiopia, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Start planning your Ethiopia safari today.
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