Ethiopia Tours and Travel for 2025 and 2026

YPT Tours to Ethiopia

Young Pioneer Tours are offering fully guided Ethiopia tours for 2025 and 2026, offering a mix of group tours and independent travel packages.

Ethiopia isn’t just the cradle of humanity and one of the world’s oldest Christian nations, it’s a journey through time. From ancient rock-hewn churches to active volcanoes and centuries old traditions, the country offers an experience unlike anywhere else. Still largely untouched by mass tourism, now is the perfect time to explore Ethiopia’s rustic beauty and deep history, because trust us, it won’t stay a secret for long.

Group tours to Ethiopia

Currently, we’re offering the following group tour to Ethiopia. We’re planning on adding more Ethiopia tours – keep watching this page and our social media to get all the news.

All of our group tours are capped at 16 people. What makes our tours stand out from other travel companies is that you’ll be accompanied by an expert YPT guide and the best local guides.

Explore Ethiopia & Danakil Depression Tour – March 8th 2026 – March 16th / March 18th 2026 – $995 / $2295 / $3290

Explore Ethiopia & Danakil Depression Tour

This Ethiopia group tour also combines with our South Sudan Budget Tour.

Independent tours to Ethiopia

We understand that it’s not always feasible to join our scheduled group tours or that you like a more in-depth experience. We can thus offer bespoke tours to Ethiopia and arrange everything you require for an independent tour.

Example Ethiopia Tour Itinerary (8 days)

Day 1 – Addis Ababa

Arrival at your convenience in Addis Ababa.
Be greeted at the airport by our driver and dropped off at your hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2 – Addis Ababa

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll begin exploring Addis Ababa.
Begin a scenic drive up to the highest peak of Mount Entoto – here you’ll be able to overlook the city with its panoramic views. Beyond its scenic charm, Mount Entoto remains a peaceful retreat and a deeply spiritual place for many Ethiopians.
Visit the National Museum and meet Lucy – the world-famous 3.2-million-year-old ancestor who offers a fascinating glimpse into human evolution.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local spot.
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral – the official seat of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Addis Ababa. A significant landmark to one of the most important religious sites in Ethiopia.
Explore the bustling Merkato – the largest open-air market in Africa, where we can get a taste of coffee, spices, and local snacks.
As you move through the city, you’ll pass by key monuments such as Meskel Square, the Lion of Judah, and the Yekatit 12 Memorial, each offering insight into Ethiopia’s resilience, independence, and national identity.
Dinner and drinks at a traditional restaurant.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 3 – Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to the airport to board your 1-hour flight to Bahir Dar.
Drop off your bags at the hotel and then head to Lake Tana for a scenic boat ride to explore the Zeghie Peninsula – home to some of Ethiopia’s most iconic monastic treasures.
Visit the Azwa Mariam Monastery, nestled within a peaceful forest and known for its vibrant religious murals and traditional Ethiopian church architecture.
Your second stop is Betre Maryam Monastery (AKA “House of Mary”) – one of the oldest and most striking churches on the peninsula.

Afternoon

Return to Bahir Dar for lunch and then take a round-trip drive (about 70 km) to Tississat – home of the Blue Nile River, the lifeblood for the Sudanese and Egyptians.
A short 30-minute walk brings you close to the powerful Blue Nile Falls.
Return to town and enjoy dinner and drinks.
Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 4 – Bahir Dar – Gonder

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin making your way to Gonder and stopping on the way at Guzara Castle – built on a once strategic hill, where we can admire the beautiful landscape and views.
Check into your hotel to refresh before heading out for lunch.

Afternoon

Visit the Royal Enclosure – an ancient home of kings and queens. You’ll visit the medieval castles of King Fasilidas, King Yohannes, King Eyasu, King Dawit, King Bakafa, and Queen Mentewab.
Explore the Debre Birhan Selassie Church – an important cultural and historic monument that plays an important role during the Ethiopian festival of Timket.
Dinner and overnight in Gonder.

Day 5 – Gonder – Simien Mountains – Gonder

Morning

After breakfast, you’ll hit the road toward Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes, often called the “Roof of Africa”. The Simien Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their jagged peaks, deep valleys, and unique wildlife.
You’ll stop by a village once home to the Ethiopian Jews, originating in the Amhara and Tigray regions of northern Ethiopia. They were historically spread out across more than 500 villages.

Afternoon

Lunch and then spend your afternoon hiking around Sankaber Camp to enjoy the views of the cliffs and the Jimbar Waterfalls.
Along the way, you may encounter Gelada Baboons grazing on the highland plateaus, and with some luck, catch a glimpse of the rare Walia ibex.
Return to Gonder.
Dinner and overnight in Gonder.

Day 6 – Gonder – Lalibela

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport in Gonder.
You’ll board a flight to Lalibela, a town famous for its incredible rock-hewn churches carved directly into the mountainside.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel to check in and enjoy a local lunch.

Afternoon

Begin your exploration of Lalibela with a visit to the first group of rock-hewn churches. Your tour starts at Bieta Medhane Alem (Chapel of Holy Savior), the largest of all churches. And then continue to Bieta Maryam (Chapel of Mary), a beautifully designed, three-aisled church featuring mural paintings and a mysterious, covered pillar believed to contain inscriptions foretelling the end of the world.
Visit the Bieta Danagel (Chapel of the Virgins) and Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the Cross), both smaller but rich in spiritual and historical significance. Conclude with the impressive double church of Debre Sina and Bieta Golgotha. Please note that Bieta Golgotha is not accessible to women, as it is believed to house the remains of King Lalibela and contains the Tabernacle of the Holy Trinity.
Dinner and overnight in Lalibela.

Day 7 – Lalibela

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your day hiking up to Asheton Mariam Monastery, perched high in the mountains above Lalibela. The trail itself is a scenic climb through rugged terrain and traditional villages, providing both a cultural and natural experience. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views and a visit to one of Ethiopia’s oldest monasteries.
Return for a well-earned lunch in town.

Afternoon

Explore the second group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Begin with Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, then continue to Bieta Mercurios, Bieta Emmanuel, renowned for its striking Axumite architecture style, and Bieta Abba Libanos, believed to have been built by King Lalibela’s wife, Queen Meskel Kebra.
Conclude the day with the most iconic of all – Bieta Ghiorghis (House of St. George). This stunning cruciform church is carved entirely from solid rock.
Dinner and overnight in Lalibela.

Day 8 – Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Morning

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Lalibela Airport to board your 1-hour flight back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, head straight to the Ethnological Museum – a public institution dedicated to ethnology and culture. The museum houses anthropological, musicological, and cultural objects that can take you across time and visualize the life of Ethiopian people.

Afternoon

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Bespoke Ethiopia Tours

We can offer the following bespoke programs. Should what you are looking for not be on this list, please get in touch to see if we can fix it for you.

Ethiopia in Brief

For those short on time, YPT offers a 4-day trip focusing on Addis Ababa and Lalibela. You’ll explore the capital’s lively markets, historic churches, and the fascinating National Museum – home to the famous fossil “Lucy.” Then, fly to Lalibela to witness its stunning rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ethiopia’s most iconic landmarks. This short itinerary offers a rich taste of Ethiopia’s unique history, culture, and spirituality.

Omo Valley

YPT can organize a tour focusing on Ethiopia’s most unique tribal cultures in the Omo Valley. Visit the villages of the Mursi, Hamar, and Karo peoples, each known for their distinctive traditions, body art, and ways of life. This journey offers an immersive look into one of the most culturally diverse regions of Africa.

Festivals Tour

YPT can arrange a tour to experience Ethiopia’s most spectacular religious celebrations, Timket (Epiphany) or Meskel, to witness vibrant processions, traditional music, and centuries-old rituals celebrated by thousands. These festivals offer an unforgettable insight into Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Orthodox Christian traditions.

Simien Mountains Trek

Explore the rugged Ethiopian highlands on foot, where sweeping panoramas and untouched nature await. Along the way, spot extraordinary creatures like the Gelada baboon, known for its striking red chest, and the rare Ethiopian wolf, a shy predator found only in this region. This trek combines awe-inspiring scenery with exceptional wildlife encounters.

Danakil Depression

Discover one of the hottest and most otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Explore the vivid sulfur springs of Dallol, witness the glowing lava lake of Erta Ale volcano, and traverse expansive salt flats where camel caravans have journeyed for centuries. This extraordinary destination offers a surreal adventure like no other.

Ethiopian Coffee Festival

Take part in an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a time-honored ritual that celebrates community and connection through the preparation and sharing of coffee. This experience offers a genuine insight into Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and social traditions.

School Trips to Ethiopia

We offer bespoke student and school trips to Ethiopia tailored to curriculum themes such as ancient civilizations, religious studies, anthropology, and environmental science. Programs can include visits to rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, talks with local elders, archaeology workshops, and guided treks through the Simien Mountains or the Rift Valley. Suitable for both schools and universities, we take care of all logistics, safety, and permits, crafting immersive educational journeys in one of Africa’s most culturally and historically rich destinations. Every itinerary is fully customisable to match academic goals, age groups, and specific fields of study.

Filming in Ethiopia Tour

Through our media arm, Pioneer Media, we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Ethiopia, from big-budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in the country, as well as correct visas for journalists wishing to do projects within Ethiopia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel to Ethiopia

Ethiopia FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?

Yes, most travellers need a visa to enter Ethiopia. You can easily apply for an Ethiopian tourist visa online through the official government website: www.evisa.gov.et. The eVisa is usually valid for 30 or 90 days and is typically processed within a few days. While some nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, applying online in advance is recommended to avoid any delays.

Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?

Ethiopia is generally safe for tourists, and visitors often find the local people welcoming and hospitable. That said, it’s important to stay informed about the current situation, as some regions may experience political unrest or travel advisories. In cities and crowded places, be mindful of petty theft and keep an eye on your belongings.

What currency is used in Ethiopia?

The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist hubs. However, smaller towns may rely on cash. It’s wise to carry some USD or Euros for exchange.

What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is typically during the dry season, from October to April, when the weather is more stable and ideal for exploring the country's diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. October to December brings fresh greenery and pleasant temperatures following the rainy season, while January is a highlight thanks to the colourful Timket celebrations. The wet season, from June to September, sees fewer tourists and vibrant scenery, but heavy rains can make access to remote regions like the Danakil Depression or the Simien Mountains more challenging. Each season offers a distinct atmosphere depending on your interests.

Are there any health precautions I should take before travelling to Ethiopia?

Travelers are advised to check with their healthcare provider before traveling. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever (especially if arriving from a country with a risk of transmission) are commonly advised. Some areas may also require malaria prevention.

What is the local etiquette and customs in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia has a rich and religious heritage, with Orthodox Christianity playing a major role. When visiting churches and religious sites, dress modestly – covering shoulders and knees is expected. Remove your shoes before entering churches. Greetings are important; a handshake is common, often accompanied by a slight bow or touching shoulders among close friends. Always show respect foe elders and avoid public displays of affection.c

What to pack for a trip to Ethiopia?

Pack for the specific activities you plan. Bring lightweight clothing for the hot lowland areas and warmer layers for the highlands, especially in places like Lalibela or the Simien Mountains. A good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots is essential, as is sun protection – a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Modest clothing is recommended for visits to religious sites. Also, pack any personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

Is it possible to use a SIM card for mobile communication in Ethiopia?

You can easily get a local SIM card upon arrival in Ethiopia. Ethio Telecom is the main provider, and you can purchase a prepaid SIM at the airport or in major cities. Mobile data is affordable, and coverage is generally good in urban areas, though limited in remote areas. Free Wi-fi is available in some hotels and cafes, but not widespread. It is also possible to buy an e-SIM before travelling to the country. We recommend using the Airalo app, which is easy to use and offers connectivity in most destinations: https://airalo.tpo.mx/nNyw4f2H.

Is Ethiopia vegetarian friendly?

Ethiopian cuisine offers many delicious vegetarian options. Dishes like shiro (spiced chickpea stew), misir wot (lentil stew), and various vegetable-based wats are widely available. Meals are typically served with injera, a sour flatbread made from teff. While veganism as a concept isn’t mainstream, many traditional fasting dishes are naturally vegan, making Ethiopia surprisingly accommodating for plant-based travelers.

Is there alcohol in Ethiopia?

Alcohol is widely available in Ethiopia. You’ll find a variety of locally brewed beers, such as St. George, Habesha, and Dashen, which are popular throughout the country. Traditional drinks like tej (a honey wine) and tella (a homemade beer) are also worth trying for a taste of local culture.

Is Ethiopia safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Homosexuality is considered illegal in Ethiopia, and same-sex acts can carry legal penalties. While enforcement varies, societal attitudes remain deeply conservative, and open expressions of LGBTQ+ identity may attract unwanted attention or hostility. For your own safety and that of your group, we strongly recommend discretion when it comes to sexual orientation or gender identity while traveling in Ethiopia.

Why travel to Ethiopia with Young Pioneer Tours?

Having been going to the country for several years and having a network of local partners on the ground, YPT ensures a safe trip as well as bringing you to some very cool places.