Places to Visit

Awash National Park:

Awash National Park and Game Reserve is situated 225Km Southeast of Addis Ababa. There is a signboard around the park to indicate the boundary. It is advisable to drive down towards the Awash River first, which constitutes the Southern boundary of the park. Here, one can observe the Awash falls, the gigantic gorge, palm tree hot springs and species of wild animals like oryx, hartebeest, water kudu, lion and gazelle.

Axum:

Axum was the capital city of the ancient Axumites. (Click here to learn more about the Axumite Kingdom). The ruins of what is believed to be the Palace of Queen Sheba can be found in the city. Axum is famous for its obelisks or monolith stelae. In addition to these huge stone carvings, the imposting St. Mary of Zion Church is the oldest of all churches in Ethiopia, rich for its historic and ecclesiastical relics. The Ark of the Covenant, which housed the Ten Commandments from the Bible, is also believed to exist in one of the monasteries in Axum. 

Bahar Dar and The Blue Nile:

Bahar Dar is a small commercial town situated on the Southern tip of Lake Tana. The Blue Nile Falls is about 30Km from the town. (The Blue Nile Gorge itself is situated 130Km North of Addis Ababa). The majestic and enormous gorge has a magnificent and alluring physical feature and natural beauty. The source of the Blue Nile is Lake Tana. The lake provides access to about 30 islands which house many island monasteries. While touring this area, it is worth your time to stop by and see the Waito craftsmen constructing Papyrus boats in the nearby Fogera area.

Debre Berhan & Ankober:

Debre Berhan is situated 130Km Northeast of Addis Ababa. It is one of the oldest towns in the country. This town is the center of many institutions and factories. Above all, it is famous for its wool-processing factory. The city also has several historical sites in it. One such historic place is the Sellassie Monastery. Ankober is a small town 35Km South of Debre Berhan, where Emperor Menelik was born. It is situated on top of a great escarpment. There, we find the ruins of Menelik's palace still standing near St. Michael's Church.

Debre Libanos:

Debre Libanos is 100Km North of Addis Ababa and on a 13th monastery is found here. Nearby lie the great Jema Gorge and the Portuguese Bridge, which was built in the 16th Century and is still in use. The monastic community of Debre Libanos annually receives thousands of people who travel to this holy place on pilgrimage.

Debre Zeit:

Debre Zeit (also known as Bishoftu) is 45Km Southeast of Addis Ababa. Attractive and lovely crater lakes, ideal for bird watching and boat ride, surround this town.

Gonder:

Gonder was once the capital city of Ethiopia. During the reign of Emperor Fasiledes and his predecessors from the seventeenth century onwards. This city is known for its ancient cities and castles. It also has several monasteries such as Quesquam.

Lalibela:

Lalibela is a small town which is secluded by mountains. It is named for the famous Zagwe Emperor, Lalibela, who reigned in the 13th century. (Click here to learn more about the Zagwe Dynasty). This is the place where you can find the elevan rock-hewn churches of the 13th century, carved out of single, solid rocks. Lalibela is considered as the "second Jerusalem" by most Ethiopians.

Langano:

Langano is located 200Km South of Addis Ababa. It is a sand beach that attracts many visitors. Along the road to Langano, one can see beautiful landscapes. As you continue driving, the first lake to be seen among the rift valley lakes is Lake Zeway. It is a shelter for a variety of birds and fish. Proceeding further to the South, Lake Abiyata and Lake Shala can be reached. These lakes are breeding places for Flamingos and ideal for bird watching. Nearby is lake Langano, a resort area and a paradise for holidaymakers. Traditions for most vacationers include setting up tents along the beach, eating (fresh-meat) barbeque.

Menagesha Forest:

Mengesha Forest is about 35Km West of Addis Ababa. The park is densely wooded with 400 year old trees. In this park, you can find species of various birds and animals, such as the Menelik Bush Buck and the Black & Blue Wind Goose.

Sodere:

Sodere is situated 126Km Southeast of Addis Ababa. It is a very popular resort area with new hotel complexes. The Olympic size pool and physiotherapy centers are frequented by visitors of all ages. The vegetation of Sodere and its vicinity is evergreen, healthy and scenic. Nearby, the Awash River meanders through the forest that forms giant shade trees.