Ethiopia

Ancient, Defiant And Never Predictable

Ethiopia is famed for its rich history and unique cultural heritage, promising a journey like no other. Begin your exploration in Lalibela, home to rock-hewn churches that are a UNESCO World Heritage site, following which you can head to the Simien Mountains for breathtaking landscapes and rare wildlife, including the Gelada baboon.

At A Glance
Nearest Airport
Addis Ababa
Best Time to visit
All Year Depending on what you want to do
Activities
Game Drives, Privately Guided Trips, Trekking, Culture
Min Recommended Stay
07 to 08 days

Visit the ancient city of Aksum, where legends of the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant come to life taking you back in time. Ethiopia’s vibrant culture is showcased in its traditional coffee ceremonies and flavorful cuisine, featuring dishes like injera and doro wat. With its diverse landscapes and deep historical roots, Ethiopia offers a captivating and unforgettable travel experience.

HAPPY HATHI TIP

Lalibela is Ethiopia’s crown jewel; a living, breathing heritage site where 11 medieval rock-hewn churches are still in active use. Time your visit around a religious festival like Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) for an unforgettable glimpse into ancient faith and ritual that hasn’t changed in centuries.

Trip Extensions: Kenya and other parts of Africa

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Happy Hathi Recommends

1
Surma Tribe, Omo Valley: Visit Ethiopia’s remote Omo Valley to meet the Surma tribe. Witness lip plates, body painting, and stick fighting ceremonies, a rare cultural encounter with deep traditional roots. 
2
Simien Mountains & Gelada Monkeys: Trek the dramatic Simien Mountains to spot Gelada monkeys. These “bleeding-heart” primates are endemic to Ethiopia and known for their striking appearance and complex social behaviors. 
3
Hamar Tribe & Bull-Jumping Ceremony: Join the Hamar tribe for a bull-jumping ceremony—a coming-of-age ritual for young men. It’s a unique opportunity to experience traditional rites within a close-knit community. 
4
Bale Mountains & Ethiopian Wolves: Explore the Bale Mountains’ diverse landscapes, from Afro-alpine meadows to cloud forests. Spot the rare Ethiopian wolf and immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most biodiverse highlands. 
5
Hike to Blue Nile Falls: Hike to “Tis Issat,” the Blue Nile Falls. Surrounded by lush scenery, this powerful cascade offers a refreshing and scenic highlight near Bahir Dar. 

Suggested Itineraries

Wildlife, History, Exploration Privately Guided

Geladas, Wolves & Ancient Hills: Ethiopia Revealed

10 nights, 11 days

Trek rugged escarpments and plateaus to see the endemic Gelada baboon troops and scarce Walia ibex, high in the Simiens.

Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest offer rare chances to spot the Ethiopian wolf, alongside highland flora and dramatic vistas.

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

Kenyan Wild & Waves

13 nights, 14 days

Game drives in Maasai Mara during the Great Migration

Spot the Big Five and dramatic river crossings

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

The Great Kenyan Safari

13 nights, 14 days

Game drives in Maasai Mara during the Great Migration

Spot Wildebeest, Zebras, and Big Five sightings

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

Southern Tanzania’s Hidden Gems

13 nights, 14 days

Boat and walking safaris in Selous Game Reserve

Game drives in Ruaha, home to Lions, Elephants, and rare Antelopes

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

Untamed Tanzania

13 nights, 14 days

Game drives in Serengeti during the Great Migration

Spot wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO site

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

DRC – The Heart of Africa

13 nights, 14 days

Gorilla trekking in Virunga’s misty forests

Track eastern lowland chimps in Kahuzi-Biega

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

Uganda Uncovered

13 nights, 14 days

Trek to see gorillas in Bwindi’s dense rainforest

Track chimpanzees and spot birds in Kibale

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

Rwanda’s Pristine Wilderness

13 nights, 14 days

Trek to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Spot golden monkeys and enjoy the misty forest trails

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Safari, Wildlife, Exploration Privately Guided

South Africa’s Wild Heart

14 nights, 15 days

Embark on a classic safari in Kruger National Park, rich with elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Visit Addo Elephant National Park, where hundreds of pachyderms roam alongside marine life and scenic backdrops.

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Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

Ultimate Botswana – A Private Charter Safari

13 nights, 14 days

Drift silently in mokoro canoes through papyrus-lined Okavango Delta channels

Track lions, leopards, and wild dogs on game drives

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