Ethiopia

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Top 10 attractions in Ethiopia

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Mount Entoto
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Mount Entoto

6
4.9/5
29 reviews

Mount Entoto is the main peak of the Entoto Mountains that surround Addis Ababa. The summit is approx. 3,200 m above sea level, nearly 1,000 m higher than the city center below. It is noticeably cooler on the mountain, making it a rare, refreshing highland near the city. It is also the starting point of the city: Emperor Menelik II once established his capital here, building palaces and churches. Later, the court moved to the valley below, which was full of hot springs, and gradually developed into the Addis Ababa of today. You could say the entire city "walked down" from this hillside. Many of the sights on the mountain are connected to this history: the Palace of Menelik II still stands today, and you can see old royal artifacts in the attached exhibition. The Entoto Maryam Church, built during the same period, along with religious buildings like the Saint Raguel Church, are scattered among the trees, making this a holy mountain in the hearts of believers. The entire hillside is covered with eucalyptus forests introduced from Australia, known as the "lungs of Addis Ababa," and the forest trails are perfect for a leisurely hike. The summit also houses an observatory for the Ethiopian Space Science Society, with a telescope set up inside the dome, serving as an important base for astronomical observation in Ethiopia. On clear days, you can take in the entire city from the summit. It is windy and cold on the mountain, with a noticeable temperature difference from the city center, so it is recommended to bring a jacket before heading up. If you want to see the city skyline clearly, it is best to visit on days with clear air.

Ethiopia · Sululta
National Museum of Ethiopia
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Addis Ababa

National Museum of Ethiopia

5.8
4.6/5
85 reviews

National Museum of Ethiopiais located in the capital, Addis Ababa, and while the building itself is unassuming, its collection is anything but. The basement exhibition hall is the museum's main highlight, where Lucy, known as the "grandmother of humanity," is displayed: This *Australopithecus afarensis* skeleton, unearthed in the Afar region of Ethiopia in 1974, dates back approximately 3.2 million years and preserves about 40% of her bones. Her name comes from the Beatles song that was played repeatedly at the camp on the night of her discovery. The museum permanently displays a high-precision replica of Lucy's skeleton, while the original is carefully preserved by the museum. However, standing before this discovery that reshaped our understanding of human evolution is still enough to make anyone pause for a long time. Omo I and Omo II on the same floor are equally renowned: These two fossils were unearthed in the Omo Valley of southern Ethiopia and are considered to belong to early anatomically modern humans. After re-dating, their age was pushed back to over 200,000 years ago, and they are regarded as important fossil evidence for the African origin of modern humans. You can also see exhibits related to "Selam," a juvenile hominin fossil unearthed in Dikika that dates back about 3.3 million years and, like Lucy, belongs to *Australopithecus afarensis*. The upper floors shift the narrative: from artifacts of ancient kingdoms like Aksum, royal costumes and memorabilia from various dynasties, to the large painting "Africa Heritage" by artist Afewerk Tekle, paintings depicting the meeting of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and to the traditional costumes, utensils, and musical instruments in the ethnographic display, all of which unfold the life scenes of Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups. The museum is not large and has a clear layout, so you can comfortably view the main exhibits in one or two hours. We recommend starting from the basement and moving upwards. The Lucy exhibition area is often crowded, so linger a while to listen to the on-site commentary for a more rewarding experience.

Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Holy Trinity Cathedral
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Holy Trinity Cathedral

5.6
4.4/5
62 reviews

Holy Trinity Cathedralis located in Addis Ababa and serves as the main cathedral of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the capital. Known in Amharic as "Kidist Selassie," it is where the enthronement ceremonies of successive patriarchs are held, holding great significance for local believers. Construction of the church began in the early 1930s under the direction of Emperor Haile Selassie I, but was temporarily halted due to the Italian invasion, only to be completed in the 1940s. It was originally built to commemorate the victory against Italy and the martyrs, making it a visible piece of modern Ethiopian history. The interior is packed with highlights: the north transept houses the stone sarcophagi of the last emperor, Haile Selassie I, and Empress Menen, with large murals painted above them. Nearby, the thrones used by the emperor and empress during worship are on display. The stained-glass windows feature both biblical stories and historical scenes of Ethiopia, and you can even find images of the emperor holding a flag in the murals. The courtyard is also worth exploring; an old church built during the time of Menelik II stands quietly, and the monument nearby is the burial site for victims of the 1937 massacre. The British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst is also laid to rest here. You can ask an on-site guide to explain the stories behind the site. The inner circle of the altar area is restricted to clergy, and modest attire is recommended. If you happen to visit during a service, you can hear the chanting accompanied by drums and experience the atmosphere of an Orthodox ritual. With its white exterior walls and large stained-glass windows, both the interior and the facade are perfect for taking photos.

Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Ethnological Museum
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Ethnological Museum

5
4.7/5
28 reviews

The Ethnographic Museum, located at Addis Ababa University, is without a doubt one of the best monuments to explore in Ethiopia: it can broaden your horizons and allow you to explore Ethiopia deeply. The museum is the former residence of the famous Ethiopian king Hailiesillasi and the place where the kings of Solomon lived. The amount of information here is very rich, and there are many exhibits reflecting Ethiopian cultural relics and modern civilization. Outside the museum are stone materials, the second floor displays materials of natural science, anthropology, archaeology, etc., as well as art works, and the third floor is ethnological materials. You can see the lives and clothing of people in the past, as well as the history of the Ethiopians' struggle against the Italian colonists.

Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Great Rift Valley

Great Rift Valley

4.7
5.0/5
1 reviews

The Great Rift Valley is one of the Earth's geological wonders, stretching across Ethiopia and into the rest of East Africa. The result of the movement of tectonic plates, this rift demonstrates the dynamic forces of our planet. The Rift Valley in Ethiopia attracts many tourists with its diverse natural landscapes and rich ecosystems. In Ethiopia, the Rift Valley region includes several national parks, such as Awash National Park and Abigata-Shala National Park, which are ideal for wildlife and bird watching. Visitors can see flamingos, hippos, and several species of antelope in these parks. Rift Valley lakes such as Lake Awasa and Lake Abi are also popular tourist destinations, known for their unique ecological environment and beautiful lake views. Travelers can easily reach these attractions by road, and it is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to cope with some rugged sections. The recommended time to visit is the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

Ethiopia · Afar Zone 1
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

4.6
4.9/5
43 reviews

Lalibela Rock Church was built around 1000 BC and is known as the "African Miracle". It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. Legend has it that in the 12th century, the seventh king of Ethiopia, Lalibela, received an oracle in a dream: "Build a new city of Jerusalem in Ethiopia and ask to build a church with a single piece of rock". So Lalibela took 24 years to chisel 11 rock churches on the rock plateau at an altitude of 2,600 meters in northern Ethiopia according to the oracle. People call it Lalibela. Since then, Lalibela has become a famous place for Ethiopians. These churches sit in huge deep pits in the rock. The intricately carved churches resemble massive sculptures, hewn from solid rock like the temples of Ellora. Perhaps the most striking of the churches in Lalibela is the Church of Jesus Christ, which is 33 meters long, 23 meters wide and 11 meters high, with intricately carved cornices supported by 34 square columns.

Ethiopia · Lalibela
AU Conference Center

AU Conference Center

4.5
4.5/5
4 reviews

AU Conference Center is the headquarters of the African Union. Located in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, it is the primary venue for summits of heads of state from over 50 AU member countries. This complex was built with aid from China at a cost of approx. US$200 million. Upon its completion in early 2012, it was handed over to the AU as a "gift." The nearly 100m-tall main office tower redefined the city's skyline at the time and remains a highly recognizable modern landmark in Addis Ababa today; many locals even use it as a reference point for directions. The architecture itself is worth a closer look. The building complex is U-shaped, symbolizing China and Africa joining hands to support Africa's future. The height of the main tower subtly references the "African Union Day" of September 9, 1999, while the circular main conference hall sits like a pearl in the center of the complex. The circular atrium uses stepped skylights to bring in natural light and ventilation, requiring almost no artificial lighting during the day. In the square in front of the building stand statues of Ghanaian Pan-Africanist pioneer Kwame Nkrumah and Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, which are both symbols of the AU spirit and classic foreground elements for visitors' photos. The conference center is used daily for AU office work and meetings and is generally not open to individual tourists, so visits are mostly limited to viewing the exterior. If you happen to be there during a summit or other large meeting, security in the surrounding area will be significantly tighter, so just pay attention to on-site arrangements when taking photos. To capture the full main tower and conference hall, you can stand in the square in front or in the open areas on either side, framing your shot with the flags and statues for a more impressive effect.

Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም

4.3
4.0/5
7 reviews

The Red Terror Victims Memorial Museum is a profound historical memorial located in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. It was established to commemorate those who lost their lives during the military regime. The exhibition in the museum brings this dark history to life through photographs, documents and personal items. Visitors can learn about the political context of the time, the stories of the victims and the profound impact this history had on Ethiopian society. The museum also has interactive areas that allow visitors to think more deeply about the importance of human rights and democracy. English guided tours are available at the entrance of the museum to help better understand the exhibition content. The atmosphere in the museum is solemn and visitors are advised to dress appropriately and keep quiet. For those who want to learn more about Ethiopia's modern history, this museum is a must-see place. It not only provides historical education, but also serves as an important place for reflection and remembrance.

Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Unity Park

Unity Park

3.9
5.0/5
1 reviews

Unity Parkfeatures an aquarium, gardens, a zoo, a playground, and restaurants, as well as a palace. It is very beautiful.

Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Erta Ale

Erta Ale

3.5

This attraction is located in Ethiopia and is an active volcano with spectacular scenery, including lava lakes and salt lakes nearby, drawing many explorers and travelers.

Ethiopia · Afar Zone 2

Traveller favourites curated for you

St. George Church

St. George Church

3.5
0.0/5
0 reviews
Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Free attraction
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1-day tour with private charter in Addis Ababa city area, including hotel pick-up and drop-off service within the city area

1-day tour with private charter in Addis Ababa city area, including hotel pick-up and drop-off service within the city area

Departs from Addis Ababa

Book now for tomorrowDuration: 13.3 hrsEnglish
From£135.98
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5D4N • 5 DAYS Lalibela, Axum, Tigray churches and Danakil

Level 2
5D4N • 5 DAYS Lalibela, Axum, Tigray churches and Danakil

3.4/5
7 reviews
EnglishPrivate Tours
From GBP 743
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8D7N • 8 Days Historical tour to Ethiopia

8D7N • 8 Days Historical tour to Ethiopia

5/5
2 reviews
EnglishPrivate Tours
From GBP 1,782
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Experiences you can't miss in Ethiopia

Featured Culture & history in Ethiopia

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Day trip Debre Libanos, Bule nile George &Portugal Bridge
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Day trip Debre Libanos, Bule nile George &Portugal Bridge

Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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From£115.08
Addis Ababa city culture and National Museum of Ethiopia 1-day tour
󱌍

Addis Ababa city culture and National Museum of Ethiopia 1-day tour

Duration: 1 hr
English
From£108.79
1-day private tour from Addis Ababa to the East African Rift Valley lakes for bird watching
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1-day private tour from Addis Ababa to the East African Rift Valley lakes for bird watching

Duration: 2.7 hrs
English
From£417.21
1-day tour to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge in Ethiopia
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1-day tour to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge in Ethiopia

Duration: 4.3 hrs
English
From£203.97
Ethiopia: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (11 churches) + panoramic mountaintop monastery
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Ethiopia: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (11 churches) + panoramic mountaintop monastery

Duration: 6.8 hrs
English
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From£71.21
Addis Ababa City Tour: National Museum, Mercato & Culture
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Addis Ababa City Tour: National Museum, Mercato & Culture

Duration: 1 day
Free cancellation
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From£44.55
Addis Ababa: National Museum Guided Tour with Lucy Fossil
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Addis Ababa: National Museum Guided Tour with Lucy Fossil

Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£24.43
Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour
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Addis Ababa & Mount Entoto View Point, Museums Palace,Market Tour

Duration: 4–6 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£54.96

Featured Food & drink in Ethiopia

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1-day tour to Bishoftu Volcanic Lakes in Ethiopia
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1-day tour to Bishoftu Volcanic Lakes in Ethiopia

Duration: 7 hrs
English
From£161.33
City Tour with Cooking Class & Meal
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City Tour with Cooking Class & Meal

Duration: 7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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From£187.09
Taste of Ethiopia
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Taste of Ethiopia

4.9/5
· 23 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£76.18
Discover Addis Your Way: Museums, Markets & Coffee
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Discover Addis Your Way: Museums, Markets & Coffee

Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£32.67
Addis Ababa: Berbere Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings
󱌍

Addis Ababa: Berbere Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings

Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
From£37.01
Addis Ababa: Ethiopian History, Culture and Coffee Day Trip
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Addis Ababa: Ethiopian History, Culture and Coffee Day Trip

Duration: 9 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£58.85
Guided City Tour with Lunch and Dinner
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Guided City Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£100.23
Addis Ababa Debrezeit Day Trip with Lakefront Lunch
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Addis Ababa Debrezeit Day Trip with Lakefront Lunch

Duration: 12 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£126.63

Featured Outdoor & sports in Ethiopia

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Simien Mountains One-Day Trip: Wildlife Spotting, Hiking Tour
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Simien Mountains One-Day Trip: Wildlife Spotting, Hiking Tour

Duration: 10 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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From£148.48
Simien Mountains Day Trek from Gondar with Lunch
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Simien Mountains Day Trek from Gondar with Lunch

Duration: 12 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£260.70
Addis Ababa Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu
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Addis Ababa Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu

Duration: 7–24 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£147.74
Wenchi Crater Lake Day Trip with Horse Ride, Bird Viewing
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Wenchi Crater Lake Day Trip with Horse Ride, Bird Viewing

5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£148.48
Addis Ababa Wenchi Crater Lake Day Trip with Boat Ride
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Addis Ababa Wenchi Crater Lake Day Trip with Boat Ride

Duration: 1 day
Free cancellation
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From£186.22
Excursion to Wonchi Crater Lake
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Excursion to Wonchi Crater Lake

Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£223.46
Menagesha Suba Forest Park Day Trip
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Menagesha Suba Forest Park Day Trip

Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
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From£184.86
Day Trip to Suba Park – Ancient Forest Wildlife & Nature Walks
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Day Trip to Suba Park – Ancient Forest Wildlife & Nature Walks

Duration: 10 hrs
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From£163.33

More things to do

Private Tours in Ethiopia

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Free things to do in Ethiopia

Ethnological Museum

Ethnological Museum

5
4.7/5
28 reviews
Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም

4.3
4.0/5
7 reviews
Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
St. George Church

St. George Church

3.5
Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Merkato

Merkato

3.4
3.0/5
1 reviews
Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Blue Nile Falls

Blue Nile Falls

3.1
4.8/5
19 reviews
Ethiopia · West Gojam
Meskel Square

Meskel Square

3.1
Ethiopia · Addis Ababa
Shola Market

Shola Market

3
5.0/5
1 reviews
Ethiopia · Addis Ababa

What travellers say about Ethiopia

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Pakistani Traveler24 December 2019
5.0
A green location.. Serene and peaceful, overlooking the booming infrastructure of Addis baba, has some old churches and some traditional shops, a must visit in Addis baba

Mount Entoto

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Jain Jil23 March 2025
5.0
The National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa houses the famous Lucy fossil, ancient artifacts, and Ethiopian art. Though small, it offers deep historical insights. Some exhibits need better maintenance. Worth a visit!

National Museum of Ethiopia

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真的在一起的时候2 April 2020
5.0
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is an important religious site in Ethiopia. It was built in the early and mid-1900s. The former King of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie and his wife are buried here. The black granite mausoleum in the church is worth seeing. The church has a special tour guide to explain, there are scheduled hymns every day, and sometimes alms are given to the poor. The exterior of the church is very beautiful and suitable for taking pictures.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

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乖小咪4 September 2019
5.0
The Addis Ababa National Museum is a comprehensive cultural museum that introduces the Ethiopian nation. It houses folk utensils from many tribes, as well as archaeological discoveries, as well as some local animal and plant specimens. It is the best place to fully understand Ethiopia and is definitely worth a visit.

Ethnological Museum

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艾尚旅行记25 October 2024
5.0
Standing on the edge of the crater, overlooking the bottomless canyon in the rift valley, it seems as if you can see the long history of the earth. The volcanic eruption in the distance makes the whole sky red, giving people the illusion of traveling through time and space.

Great Rift Valley

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Mamaru Endris25 December 2023
5.0
The 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of this 13th-century 'New Jerusalem' are situated in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village with circular-shaped dwellings. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilmigrage and devotion.

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

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juki23521 February 2020
5.0
Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union. The AU Conference Center here looks very impressive. In fact, it was built with Chinese aid. Many important meetings and decisions about Africa are made in this conference center, so it has important political significance for Africa.

AU Conference Center

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M35***243 July 2020
4.0
Various exhibits on the crimes and atrocities committed during the Hungarian dictatorship are displayed. Many people were detained, interrogated, tortured and even killed here. The exhibition of the famous incident in 1956 constitutes the theme of the exhibits.

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም

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Elizadepaysement18 January 2026
5.0
Though beautiful and worth a visit (it might take a day long since it is a complex), it is quite expensive.

Unity Park

Trip Moments in Ethiopia

🌋 Danakil Depression, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 — A Journey to Another Planet!

🌋 Danakil Depression, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 — A Journey to Another Planet!

“What if you could visit a place where the ground glows in shades of yellow, green, and orange, volcanoes reshape the horizon, and vast salt plains stretch across one of the hottest regions on Earth?”

@NOMADIC NOMAN · danakildepression · 9 days ago
Lalibela, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 — A Journey into the Heart of Ancient History!

Lalibela, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 — A Journey into the Heart of Ancient History!

“Some places take you to another landscape.”

@NOMADIC NOMAN · lalibela · 10 days ago
ethiopia

“🌋 Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression: Earth’s Most Alien Landscape 🇪🇹 Imagine walking across a landscape painted in brilliant yellow, emerald green, rusty orange, and white.”

@Rojoni · ethiopia · 10 days ago
Dallol, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 — The Otherworldly Landscape That Looks Like Another Planet

Dallol, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 — The Otherworldly Landscape That Looks Like Another Planet

“What if I told you that one of the most alien-looking landscapes on Earth is hidden in the Horn of Africa?”

@NOMADIC NOMAN · dallol · 12 days ago

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Ethiopia?

Don't miss these attractions in Ethiopia: Mount Entoto, National Museum of Ethiopia, and Holy Trinity Cathedral. If you like Culture & history, try Day trip Debre Libanos, Bule nile George &Portugal Bridge. If you enjoy Food & drink, try 1-day tour to Bishoftu Volcanic Lakes in Ethiopia.

You can give 1-day tour to Bishoftu Volcanic Lakes in Ethiopia and City Tour with Cooking Class & Meal a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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