Ethiopia Holidays

Name: Ethiopia
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (19 reviews)

Rock-hewn churches, dramatic and imposing mountain plateaus and surprising wildlife

Holidays to Ethiopia

Blessed with diverse landscapes, ancient history and unique traditions, Ethiopia is unlike anywhere else on the planet. On our holidays to Ethiopia, you’ll be truly immersed in the culture as well as the wildlife to ensure you have the most authentic and exciting experience as possible. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, this soulful country has developed a religion, calendar and language all of its own.

The Simien Mountains is arguably the most spectacular mountain range in Africa and is just one of the incredible destinations on our Ethiopia holiday. The famed historic route is a well-trodden route for visitors on Ethiopia tours and is filled with fascinating places along the way, including Lalibela with its 13th-century rock-hewn churches; Bahir Dar with the nearby Tississat Falls (also known as Blue Nile Falls) and Lake Tana; Gondar with its medieval castle; and Axum, the alleged resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. In the east is Harar, which is considered the fourth most holy city by Muslims.

Being one of the oldest countries in the world, it should come as no surprise that it’s filled with historical wonders, yet Ethiopia still manages to astound anyone that visits here. From the monasteries of Lake Tana to the monolithic churches at Lalibela, there’s always something new and wonderful to discover on Ethiopia tours that will stir your soul. As well as visiting many of the country’s natural wonders and historical sites, our holidays to Ethiopia also give you an insight into the people and their ancient customs.

Our Top Destinations in Ethiopia

Gondar Lalibela Simien Mountains

Our Ethiopia Tours

Ethiopian orthodox church at dawn, Addis Ababa

13 Days from CAD 4,945

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Journey along Ethiopia's magnificent northern circuit

Culture

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Activities in Ethiopia

Culture in Ethiopia

Top 5 Ancient Sites in Ethiopia

The Monasteries at Lake Tana: Studded with 37 islands, Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and home to 19 monasteries, many of which date back to the13th century. On our Ethiopia trip, a boat tour of the islands steers you between the islands where you can step inside some of these beautiful buildings and learn about their history. Many adorned with colourful murals, the monasteries once housed religious artifacts and ancient treasures. Among the most notable monasteries are Debre Maryam, Narga Selassie, and Tana Qirgos, which, according to local history, is believed to be where the Ark of the Covenant was stored.

The Palaces and Castles of Gondar: Located in Gondar, the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi is a fortress city that was once home to the emperor Fasilides. This fascinating site houses the fortress ruins and other 16^th and 17^th-century monasteries and palaces that can be found in the city of Gondar. Up until the mid-19^th century, the fortress city was the centre of the Ethiopian government. The main castle has been well-preserved and is an impressive piece of medieval history.

Axum Stelae: Stealing the show on Axum’s skyline, the towering granite obelisks known as stelae were thought to have been erected as markers for underground burial chambers. The tallest stelae that still stands is the Obelisk of Axum, which towers at 24 metres high, weighs in at 160 tonnes and features two false doors and decorative windows. For 1,000 years it had stood in place until it was stolen from the Ethiopians in the 1930s. Unbelievably, it was rediscovered by Italian soldiers and transported to Rome where it remained until 2008 before finally being returned to Ethiopia. Even in modern times, erecting these impressive structures isn’t an easy feat so to witness them first hand is mind-blowing.

Medhane-Alem Adi Kesho: Also referred to as Adi Kesho, Medhane-Alem Adi Kesho is one of the oldest and most beautiful of the rock-hewn churches in Tigray. On our Ethiopia holiday you’ll have the opportunity to take a look inside this curious church where you can see the roughly hewn walls that provide a stark contrast against the elaborately carved and wonderfully frescoed ceiling.

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela: Carved into the mountainous landscape in the heart of Ethiopia, these medieval monolithic churches are a must-see on any Ethiopia tour. It’s said that they were constructed for King Lalibela in the 12^th century as he wished to create a New Jerusalem. To see how these structures were created complete with doors, windows, roofs and drainage ditches is simply fascinating. The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are well-preserved and give an insight into the religious heritage of Ethiopia.

Expert opinion: Timkat Festival

“Throngs of white-clad festival-goers sleepily make their way to the holy baptismal pool. As the early morning sun starts to warm the crowds, the feeling of anticipation is palpable. Children climb trees to get good views and adults jostle for space. The priests and deacons arrive, their blue velvet robes and yellow capes throwing a splash of colour amidst the sea of white. They line up on the water’s edge and start chanting, swaying and clapping their hands. It is bewitching. The ceremony climaxes as the head priest dips an ornate gold cross into the pool blessing the waters. Right on cue, dozens of boys jump into the holy water, symbolising Jesus being baptised in the River Jordan.”

Exodus Expert Tom Harari

Overall, it was an interesting and very enjoyable experience. Our guide, Yitbarek, was very well organized, knowledgeable, and his love for his country and people shone through. Scenery was spectacular. Hotels, food, and wine ranged in quality, but I went knowing Ethiopia’s infrastructures were poor as were many of the roads. Timket was amazing.
Rosemary Sampson Ethiopia in Depth

Ethiopia is not like any other African country. It is Orthodox Christian by choice not conversion and had no colonial period. It’s modern economic development is astonishing with people being lifted out of poverty before your eyes. It is still strange and erratic at times – they turn off the internet from time to time – but the scenery is astonishing and the people generally welcoming and pleased to meet you, even if the children have all figured out that tourists mean rich pickings.
John Gilligan Ethiopia in Depth

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