Find an adventure in Ethiopia

Find hotels in Ethiopia, bus in Ethiopia and visa to and from Ethiopia

EXPLORE ETHIOPIA

View all hotels in Ethiopia

Popular cities in Ethiopia

1
Hotels in Bishoftu

Hotels in Bishoftu ethiopia

36 Hotels

1
Hotels in Gondar

Hotels in Gondar ethiopia

33 Hotels

1
Hotels in Mekele

Hotels in Mekele ethiopia

31 Hotels

1
Hotels in Hawassa

Hotels in Hawassa ethiopia

30 Hotels

1
Hotels in Nazret

Hotels in Nazret ethiopia

24 Hotels

1
Hotels in Aksum

Hotels in Aksum ethiopia

20 Hotels

1
Hotels in Ziway

Hotels in Ziway ethiopia

16 Hotels

1
Hotels in Shashemene

Hotels in Shashemene ethiopia

16 Hotels

1
Hotels in Harar

Hotels in Harar ethiopia

15 Hotels

1
Hotels in Dese

Hotels in Dese ethiopia

11 Hotels

Hotels in Jima

11 Hotels

Hotels in Sebeta

8 Hotels

Hotels in Kolito

8 Hotels

Hotels in Bedelē

8 Hotels

Hotels in Butajira

7 Hotels

Hotels in Burē

6 Hotels

Hotels in Debark

6 Hotels

Hotels in Adigrat

6 Hotels

Hotels in Fiche

4 Hotels

Hotels in Gambela

4 Hotels

Hotels in Boditi

4 Hotels

Hotels in Sirre

4 Hotels

Hotels in Waliso

3 Hotels

Hotels in Huruta

3 Hotels

Hotels in Dila

3 Hotels

About Ethiopia

Ethiopia is the second-most populous nation on the African continent with over 102 million inhabitants. Its capital city, Addis Ababa has many attractions, which includes the Ethnological Museum, St George Cathedral & Museum, the National Museum, home to the most important collections in sub-Saharan Africa. The best time to travel to Ethiopia is October to February as it marks the beginning of the dry season - one of two only climate seasons in Ethiopia, the other being wet season.

Ethiopia is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country, full of vibrant and colourful festivals. The biggest, Timket, is a three-day annual festival that honours the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan. There are a number of festival across the country, such as:
  • Enkutatash - Ethiopian New Year (September 11th)
  • Fasika - Easter
  • Kullubi, Feast of Saint Aregawi
  • Maskal - Finding the True Cross
  • Buhe - Feast of Transfiguration

Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been brought under colonial control and its official language is Amharic, but you will often hear the locals speaking Oromifa and Tigrinya.  Its people are predominantly Christian.

Ethiopia is a vast country and its road infrastructure, though greatly improved in recent years, is still elementary by most standards. Because of this, the most efficient way to move about is through aeroplanes. For intercity or intra-city travel, the main form of public transport is buses. Ethiopia is ranked among the top 10 safest countries in Africa. Most of Ethiopia is relatively trouble-free. But for visitors coming to Ethiopia, it is advised that they avoid the Ogaden region and parts of the south. These are a couple of areas where trouble does flare with worrying frequency.

Axum happens to be one of the oldest cities in Africa and home to the Akusumite Empire. There are ruins around the entire city and if you choose to explore the city, you will find some of the best relics and artifacts in the center of the city. Other places you can visit are:
  • Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
  • Bale Mountains National Park
  • Harar - Islam’s fourth holiest city in Ethiopia
  • Rift Valley Lakes
  • Simen Mountains.

Ethiopia has a different calendar to the Western Calendar. The Ethiopians believe that one more is always better and have been counting 13 months to their year ever since. This means that 2018 is still 2010 there. 

Facts about Ethiopia

Capital:

Addis Ababa

Languages Spoken:

Amharic

Demonym:

Ethiopian

Currency Name:

Ethiopian birr

Currency Code:

ETB

Currency Symbol:

Br

Bus Providers in Ethiopia

View all providers
Salem Bus

Salem Bus

How do I travel out of Ethiopia?

Get Visa from Ethiopia

For Ethiopians looking to travel out of the country. You can check out the list of destinations, how to Get Ethiopia visa to those countries, Embassies in Ethiopia and Visa Free Countries for Ethiopian passport holders

Common Questions Travellers Ask About Ethiopia

Is Ethiopia safe for Europeans tourists?

Ethiopia has been at peace for more than 15 years and its economy is one of the fastest growing in the world. There could be pickpocketing and thefts as in any city. If one takes proper care, there is no problem.

Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?

You will need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Visas on arrival are also available for tourists at Addis Ababa (Bole) International airport. It is recommended that you bring cash to pay for this.

Why was Ethiopia never colonized?

Italians attempted to have Ethiopia as their share of Africa. They invaded in 1893 but were defeated by the Ethiopians to become the first European losers in a colonial war.

Fast-forward to the 1930s, however, when Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini (successfully) invaded and conquered Ethiopia, and held onto it until the end of World War II.  So technically, Ethiopia was invaded and colonized, albeit not for very long at all.

What are some interesting facts about Ethiopia?

  • Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world, founded in 980 B.C
  • The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months and it is 7 or 8 years behind Western Calendar.
  • Ethiopian cooking is some of the tastiest, healthiest and most diverse cuisine on the continent.
  • Abebe Bikila, an Ethiopian, became the first black African to win gold in the Olympics.

What currency is spent in Ethiopia?

The birr is the unit of currency in Ethiopia. Before 1976, dollar was the official English translation of birr. Today, it is officially birr in English as well.

What does thirteen months of sunshine mean?

Ethiopia follows a different calendar, which consists of twelve months of thirty days each and a thirteenth month of five days (six days on leap year). You can see the sun every day of the year That is why Ethiopians call their country - a country where the sun shines thirteen months. 
Fun Fact: You will be seven years younger when you arrive in Ethiopia because the calendar is seven years and eight months behind the western calendar.

Where are you going?

Hotels in Bishoftu

36 Hotels

Hotels in Gondar

33 Hotels

Hotels in Mekele

31 Hotels

Hotels in Hawassa

30 Hotels

Hotels in Nazret

24 Hotels

Hotels in Aksum

20 Hotels

Hotels in Ziway

16 Hotels

Hotels in Shashemene

16 Hotels

Hotels in Harar

15 Hotels

Hotels in Dese

11 Hotels

Hotels in Jima

11 Hotels

Hotels in Sebeta

8 Hotels

Hotels in Kolito

8 Hotels

Hotels in Bedelē

8 Hotels

Hotels in Butajira

7 Hotels

Hotels in Burē

6 Hotels

Hotels in Debark

6 Hotels

Hotels in Adigrat

6 Hotels

Hotels in Fiche

4 Hotels

Hotels in Gambela

4 Hotels

Hotels in Boditi

4 Hotels

Hotels in Sirre

4 Hotels

Hotels in Waliso

3 Hotels

Hotels in Huruta

3 Hotels

Hotels in Dila

3 Hotels

Hotels in Kombolcha

3 Hotels

Hotels in Robit

3 Hotels

Hotels in Wenji

3 Hotels

Hotels in Abomsa

3 Hotels

Hotels in Bako

3 Hotels

Hotels in Goba

3 Hotels

Hotels in Metu

2 Hotels

Hotels in Shakiso

2 Hotels

Hotels in Jijiga

2 Hotels

Hotels in Turmi

2 Hotels

Hotels in Korem

2 Hotels

Hotels in Awash

1 Hotels

Hotels in Semera

1 Hotels

Hotels in Konso

1 Hotels

Hotels in Yabelo

1 Hotels

Hotels in Gorgora

1 Hotels

Hotels in Metahara

1 Hotels

Hotels in Hirna

1 Hotels

Hotels in Gedo

1 Hotels

Hotels in Ginir

1 Hotels

Hotels in Asosa

1 Hotels

Hotels in Kemise

1 Hotels

Hotels in Shambu

1 Hotels

Hotels in Dukem

1 Hotels

Hotels in Werota

1 Hotels