8 Must-visit tourist spots in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, known as the Tourist Paradise, is the oldest independent country in Africa. It is filled with historical buildings and streets that make you feel like you've traveled back in time, diverse ethnic groups, rich cultures, and abundant nature. It is brimming with attractions that draw in tourists.

Here are eight recommended sightseeing spots in Ethiopia that, surprisingly, are not as far away as you might think.

1. Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, consist of 11 churches and are a major tourist attraction in Ethiopia. They are named after King Lalibela, who ruled this region from the 12th to the 13th century. Guided by his wish to make this land a second Jerusalem, the churches continue to serve as places of worship today.

These rock-hewn churches were carved out of a single massive rock, and it is said that they were created by 20,000 people over a span of 24 years. Among them, the Church of St. George, also known as Noah's Ark, is the most famous rock-hewn church, taking the shape of a cross.

2. Gondar

Gondar is known as Africa's Camelot and flourished as the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th century. Within its 900-meter-high walls, you will find a number of architectural structures, including churches and monasteries in the Gondar style. Not to be missed are the European-style Gondar Castle, referred to as the Castle of Wonders, and the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, which features 80 angels painted from corner to corner on its ceiling!

Additionally, on the outskirts of Gondar, you can find the factory of the Dashen Beer company, where you can enjoy fresh beer at a low price. With its majestic scenery and delicious beer, it’s a paradise for alcohol enthusiasts.

3. Simien Mountains National Park

This is another tourist spot located in the Gondar region. It is a natural park that features a range of mountains over 3,000 meters high, including Ras Dashen, which is considered the highest mountain in Ethiopia, standing at an elevation of 4,620 meters. Here, you can enjoy a unique ecosystem with wildlife such as the Gelada baboon and the Walia ibex, as well as stunning landscapes of lush green valleys and waterfalls.

You can choose between trekking on foot or horseback riding. Tours range from day trips to extensive climbs that take over a week to complete. The recommended time to visit is during the dry season from November to March.

4. Dallol Volcano

The Dallol Volcano offers a world that seems otherworldly. Located in the deepest rift caused by tectonic activity on the eastern side of the continent, its elevation is surprisingly at minus 100 meters below sea level. It is called the harshest place on Earth within Ethiopia, with summer temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, and all accommodations are camping. Additionally, armed robberies targeting tourists have been reported, so thorough safety precautions are necessary.

However, it is still a tourist spot worth visiting. You will be greeted by breathtaking landscapes where the sky is blue, the ground is yellow and green, and the water is red and purple.

5. Blue Nile Falls

In Amhara, Ethiopia's name for the Blue Nile Falls is Tis Issat, which means smoking fire. This waterfall features a magnificent curtain of water, 400 meters wide and 45 meters high, where beautiful rainbows can often be seen overhead. You can reach the falls on foot or by boat, enjoying the scenery as you hike up the hills or observing the daily lives of the people in Tis Issat village while on a boat ride.

6. Sof Omar Cave

The Sof Omar Cave was formed over thousands of years by the Web River flowing underground, eroding the limestone. Upon entering the cool and comfortable interior of the cave, you will find many attractions, including the Pillars of the Hall, named after the giant limestone columns, 20-meter-high marble pillars, and arched passages etched with vertical grooves.

Please note that during the rainy season, the water level rises, making the cave inaccessible from April to May and from August to October. It is also recommended to bring a map and a flashlight when exploring.

7. Axum

The ancient city of Axum, which prospered as the center of Ethiopia's oldest Axumite Empire, was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1980. The Church of St. Mary of Zion, built in the 4th century, is said to be the oldest church in sub-Saharan Africa and is a major tourist attraction. The stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, as described in the Old Testament, were previously located at the holy site of Jerusalem in King Solomon's palace but later went missing.

According to one theory, the Ark of the Covenant is said to be housed here as well.

8. Harar

Harar, located in eastern Ethiopia, is a city that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Surrounded by walls known as Jugol, the city is home to 99 mosques and is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, attracting pilgrims from around the world.

The city is also a treasure trove of tourist attractions, including the former residence of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, the Jamia Mosque built in the 16th century, the Medhane Alem Cathedral, and Mount Kundudo, which is home to wild horses.

◎Summary

We introduced a total of eight recommended tourist spots in Ethiopia. The beauty of Ethiopia, with its many different facets, can leave you speechless. Using this article as a reference, why not consider visiting Ethiopia?

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8 Must-visit tourist spots in Ethiopia