Personalized trips to Ethiopia
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Introducing Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a unique destination in many ways. It has its own languages (more than 84), its own calendar (7 years behind the Gregorian, 13 months per year), its own strand of Christianity (Ethiopian-orthodox) and unparalleled history, culture and landscape.

In the high mountains of the North, called the roof of Africa, one feels neither part of Africa nor Asia. The Semitic people, speaking age-old languages, plow their stony fields with ox-drawn wooden plows. Peoples' cultures and habits are as various as the different natural sceneries that Ethiopia has to offer and that embrace all different landscapes from the driest desert with the world's hottest temperatures to the greenest forests. Ethiopia has 9 Cultural or Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, together with Morocco more than any other African country.

Ethiopia Travel Insights

Ethiopian Sky
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ethiopia?

Most parts of Ethiopia experience two main climate seasons - a dry season (October - May) and a rainy season (June - August). However, differences in altitude tend to add a number of variations, both in terms of temperatures and rainfall. Lowland areas usually see hotter temperatures than the Highland regions, which cover a great portion of Ethiopia. Here, weather conditions are noticeably cooler and there are also generally higher levels of rainfall to be expected.

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.

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.

Simien Mountains
Map of Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days
Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days

Explore the Simien Mountains and climb Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. You'll also have the chance to visit the capital city of Addis Ababa and the historic palaces of Gondar, making for an itinerary that combines both the cultural and natural highlights of Ethiopia.

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.

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.

Ethiopia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Ethiopia map: Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days
Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10 Days
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Ethiopia map: Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days
Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days
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Ethiopia map: Day Trips from Addis Ababa
Day Trips from Addis Ababa
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ethiopia
Travel specialist Marco Degasper
active 17 hours ago

Marco Degasper

I was born in 1979 in Bruneck, Province of Bolzano, in northern Italy and speak fluent German, Italian and English. I worked as project manager in Bolzano for almost 10 years (PMP certified), and...

read more...
Travel specialist Birhan Asmamaw

Birhan Asmamaw

   I was born in 1983 in Debark where the headquarters office of Simien Mountains National park is found and speak fluent English and the official language of Ethiopia (Amharic). I was certified...

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Travel specialist Solomon Girmay
active 7 days ago

Solomon Girmay

I was born on February 3rd, 1978 in the small and remote village of Mekarebya in the Simien Mountains. I completed my primary school there. Having finished the primary education I moved to Debark...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Ethiopia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

East Africa
Ethiopia | Sep 29 - Oct 9, 2018

T
Tom W.
Ormond Beach, FL | Reviewed on Oct 13, 2018

Our guide Elayas was simply superb. We were greatly surprised and excited about the rich scenery, history and traditions in Ethiopia . Evenings of traditional dancing, and foods were an unexpected bonus. The ritual coffee ceremony almost every day was most appreciated, giving us a welcome boost. Local markets were festinating & robust , especially in Lalibela. The people everywhere were friendly and helpful.

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Oct 17, 2018

Hi Tom,
I'm happy to hear that with Elyas we've chosen the correct guide for you and you enjoyed the tour in its full extent.
Hope to see you soon here in Ethiopia again,
Marco, Elyas and the rest of the team

Photography Tour
Ethiopia | Sep 23 - Oct 4, 2018

Solovkin
Solovkin S.
Somerville, MA | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2018

Its has been amazing 12 days trip with Mihiret being a tour guide and organized by Marco.

Ethiopia is not an easy country when it comes to street and people photography. However every visit to a location was organized with much knowledge, expertise and love., and as a result I got thousands of great photos.

Mihiret speaks local languages, knows, traditions, all do's and what is also very important - dont's.

Highly recommended!

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Oct 08, 2018

Dear Stan,
thanks for 5 stars!
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the time with Mihiret.
Hope to see you again...
Marco

Jewish heritage
Ethiopia | Jul 9 - Jul 16, 2018

M
Malka R.
Tucson, AZ | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2018

My experience in Ethiopia was great. Our guide, Tadele Molla, was very accommodating and tried his best to to meet our needs. Since we did not eat all the meals we asked for our laundry to be paid for instead which worked our great.

There were a few miscommunications which were frustrating. When corresponding with Marco I asked about tipping and how much money I should bring. He said everything was covered and all we needed was for things I wanted to buy. Tadele had us tip the daily... read more

My experience in Ethiopia was great. Our guide, Tadele Molla, was very accommodating and tried his best to to meet our needs. Since we did not eat all the meals we asked for our laundry to be paid for instead which worked our great.

There were a few miscommunications which were frustrating. When corresponding with Marco I asked about tipping and how much money I should bring. He said everything was covered and all we needed was for things I wanted to buy. Tadele had us tip the daily guides, of which there were 3 different ones. That needs to be made clearer. Two of the hotels did not have working toilets or showers so we asked for a change of rooms/hotels.

We had hoped to get into the Jewish village in Addis Ababa but that did not work out either. Our entire purpose in going to Ethiopia was to see our roots so it would have been nice to be told ahead of time that that excursion might be difficult. We talked to so Israeli volunteers that said they had no difficulty and all that needed to be done was contact the local rabbi of the village.

I know language can be an issue in communication so I am willing to take on some of the responsibility and tried to be clear in my questions and concerns.

Local specialist: Marco Degasper
Marco
Marco Degasper
Local specialist in Addis Ababa | Replied on Jul 20, 2018

Dear Melka
It is nice to know that you have enjoyed the trip. It is also great that you had two fantastic events,despite the fact that there has been some disappointment which will be a good feeback for us. We wish you had an opportunity to meet those jewish family in Addis and we will be aware of that in the future, if we receive the same kind of people like you, having the same interest.
Thank you very much for all
Best regards
Marco