Best of Addis Ababa

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Addis Ababa
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Addis Ababa Essentials

Ethiopian orthodox church with sun rays in Addis Ababa
Best Things To Do In Addis Ababa

Almost everyone starts and ends their trip to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. No matter what your interests may be, there is a variety of cultural highlights and adventurous activities to explore. Below you'll find a list of some of the great things to do around Addis Ababa.

Mount Zuqualla from the Plane
Map of Day Trips from Addis Ababa
Day Trips from Addis Ababa

Looking for a list of great day trips around Addis Ababa? While starting and ending in Addis Ababa each day, you're still able to get away to explore the natural beautiful and cultural heritage outside of the city. Activities range from multi-hour hikes to visiting holy lakes and ancient monasteries.

Addis Ababa Itineraries

Mountains of Ethiopia
Map of Best of Ethiopia - 8 Days
Best of Ethiopia - 8 Days

During this eight-day exploration of Ethiopia, you'll discover ancient history, endless landscapes, artistic riches, and delicious cuisine. Starting in Addis Ababa, you'll meet 'Lucy', one of the oldest human skeletons found on earth. Traveling further afield, explore the incredible churches at Lalibela and the remains of millennia-old kingdoms at Axum and Gondar. Visit Simien Mountains National Park, with some of the highest peaks in Africa. You'll soon understand why Ethiopia is nicknamed the 'Land of Origins'. 

Bete Georgis church in Lalibela
Map of Short Trip to Ethiopia's North: 5-Day Itinerary
Short Trip to Ethiopia's North: 5-Day Itinerary

Whether you have an extended stopover or simply want to add some sightseeing to your business trip in Addis Ababa, this is the ideal tour if your time in Ethiopia is limited. This itinerary includes Bahir Dar and Lalibela, two of the main destinations on the country's classic northern route. On your day of driving and domestic flights between the historic cities, you'll be able to admire the dramatic landscape of Ethiopia's highlands.

Bete Georgis church in Lalibela
Map of Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days
Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days

Drive through the Simien Mountains and visit four UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites, along with the other main highlights of the classic historical northern route, like Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum, and Lalibela. At night, enjoy a stay in the highest hotel in Africa, the Simien Lodge.

Wechi Crater Lake
Map of Short Trips In and Around Addis Ababa - 8 Days
Short Trips In and Around Addis Ababa - 8 Days

Addis Ababa and its surroundings have more to offer than people think. This is the ideal short tour if you don’t want to drive too much and stay around the capital city Addis Ababa. You’ll have a glimpse of everything: churches, historical sites, gorgeous landscapes, nature, markets, wildlife and nice lodges. Staying all around Addis Ababa we can be really flexible to cut or add other days depending on your wishes or available time.