Things to do in 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Erta Ale

3.6

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

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3.5

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Free things to do in Ethiopia

Ethnological Museum

5

4.7/5

28 reviews

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም