Where To Visit After Your Trip To Addis Ababa?

Here’s a list of destinations that offer a deeper dive into the country’s unique heritage and natural beauty, making them perfect follow-up trips after your Addis Ababa adventure.

Known for its remarkable rock-hewn churches, Lalibela is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a spiritual center for the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian faith. Carved from solid rock in the 12th and 13th centuries, these churches are an architectural marvel and offer an unparalleled glimpse into Ethiopia’s medieval past.

2. Gondar

Often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar was the royal capital of Ethiopia in the 17th and 18th centuries. The city is famous for its castles and palaces, particularly those within the Royal Enclosure, and the stunningly decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church.

3. Simien Mountains National Park

A paradise for trekkers, the Simien Mountains offer dramatic landscapes, including deep valleys, jagged peaks, and rare wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf and Gelada baboons. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides some of the most breathtaking trekking routes in Africa.

4. Axum

The ancient city of Axum, or Aksum, is the heart of early Ethiopian civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, visitors can explore archaeological wonders like the obelisks (stelae), the ruins of Queen Sheba’s Palace, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.

5. The Omo Valley

Home to an astonishing array of ethnic groups, each with its distinct language, culture, and traditions, the Omo Valley offers a fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia’s rich ethnic diversity. This remote area provides opportunities for cultural visits to local villages, where traditions have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

6. Danakil Depression

One of the most extreme and spectacular landscapes on earth, the Danakil Depression features active volcanoes, vast salt flats, and colorful hot springs. Visiting this otherworldly destination offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, though travelers should be prepared for the challenging conditions.

7. Harar

The walled city of Harar is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam and boasts 82 mosques and 102 shrines. It’s known for its vibrant markets, unique Harari architecture, and the tradition of feeding wild hyenas that come to the city walls each night.

8. Bahir Dar and Lake Tana

Bahir Dar, situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, serves as a gateway to the Blue Nile Falls and the lake’s island monasteries, which are adorned with beautiful frescoes. The city’s palm-lined avenues and lakeside setting make it a relaxing place to unwind.

9. The Bale Mountains National Park

Offering a stark contrast to the arid landscapes of the Danakil, the Bale Mountains are a haven of alpine moorlands, cloud forests, and abundant wildlife, including the Ethiopian wolf. The park is perfect for hiking, bird watching, and experiencing Ethiopia’s high-altitude landscapes.

10. Awassa

Awassa (or Hawassa) is a laid-back lakeside city in the Rift Valley, known for its vibrant fish market, beautiful lake views, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. It’s a great spot to enjoy a slower pace of life while still experiencing the natural beauty and culture of Ethiopia.