The 6 Best Ethiopia Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!

Ethiopia is a land of mystery and adventure, where ancient civilizations and spectacular natural beauty collide to form a memorable experience. Ethiopia is a place of extremes, from the towering heights of the Simien Mountains to the blistering heat of the Danakil Depression; believe it or not, even the most seasoned tourist will be challenged and captivated by the beauty and magic of Ethiopia. Trek through the lush jungles of the Bale Mountains in search of rare and unusual wildlife, or explore Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, which tradition says were sculpted by angels.

Explore Addis Abeba’s colorful marketplaces and interact with the locals in a unique way, eat the spicy cuisine, and immerse yourself in the intriguing country’s rich culture and history. Ethiopia is certainly a magical place that entices people like you, whether you seek adventure or simply want to get away from the ordinary.

Did you know that Ethiopia is one of the few African countries that has never been formally colonized by a European power? That is correct. The country faced several attempts by European countries who wanted to conquer yet another African land and establish control over it.

Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Ethiopians fought valiantly to maintain their nation’s independence and sovereignty. Inspiring.

Because the absence of a colonial power may be the reason why Ethiopia has its own timing and 13 months in the year, Don’t you think so? Bizarre! The uniqueness of the country makes it so much easier to navigate and we will make it even easier by giving you the 6 best tours to explore Ethiopia with ease.

There are countless things you can do in this ever-sovereign nation. Try visiting one of the magnificent national parks of Ethiopia and you will be amazed. For example, Nechisar National Park is a park in the Great Rift Valley known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife, which includes elephants, zebras, and various antelope species.

Visiting this national park will be a rare opportunity to sight these animals that we have only watched on TV or drawn on paper while in kindergarten.

Or if hiking is your way to go, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning landscape of this magical country. The Simien Mountains and the Bale Mountains will give you awe-inspiring moments on a scenic hike. So when you are packing for your trip to Ethiopia, do not forget your hiking boots because they will come in very handy.

You will agree with us that hiking is best when you go in groups. This is one of the reasons why joining a group tour will make a lot of sense. Group tours will make your hiking experience a lot more enticing and joyful as you get along with your fellow travelers who equally want to explore the magic of Ethiopia. You can share rare travel moments that will last a lifetime and that alone is enough to join a group tour. 

Even though there is more to it than we can possibly give, group tours offer a unique form of traveling that makes you really confident of your journey knowing that industry experts are leading the way. They make it possible for you to get the most out of your travel experience while keeping you safe and secure under their watch.

Having said that, let’s dive into the 6 best tours to discover Ethiopia with ease. These tours were filtered and selected from the best tour operators in Ethiopia.

5 Days Historical North

Addis Ethiopia Tours

Addis Ethiopia Tours is an Addis Ababa-based tour company formed by a college graduate who grew up trekking Ethiopia’s numerous stunning sights. You will have the opportunity to visit some of Ethiopia’s most spectacular natural treasures, with Addis Ethiopia guiding the way and having extensive knowledge of the area.

Because Addis Ethiopia Tours was formed by an Ethiopian who was born and nurtured in the culture and tradition you wish to discover, you can anticipate an authentic experience of Ethiopia’s rich cultural history, from the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the bustling markets of Addis Ababa.

They will show you what it is like to interact with the locals. With their skilled guides, unique knowledge of the region, and commitment to responsible tourism, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable trip that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

This tour will take you to the northern section of Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, and Lalibela. These incredible attractions include Ethiopia’s key historical sites, some of which stretch back thousands of years. You will get the opportunity to explore each one and learn about their history through the museums you will visit and the locals you will meet.

You will drive towards the Gondar countryside and make stops to explore the WaterFalls of the Blue Nile which is 30 kilometers from Bahir Dar. Standing in wonder at the edge of the majestic Blue Nile Falls, where the sheer power of the water will leave you breathless, and will capture your attention.

When you arrive in Gondar, you will be given a one-of-a-kind tour of the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising five fortresses constructed by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century.

This antique sculpture has survived multiple battles, including World War II air strikes. The castles bear witness to the tenacity of this once-mighty African Empire. Your tour will include a stop at the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, which is known for its religious art, particularly its distinctive ceiling showing angels.

This tour takes a group of 8 people between the ages of 1 to 99. It is family-friendly and fully guided costing $1000 and includes your lodging, transport and meals for 7 days.

Northern Historic Site Circuit 7 days / 6 Nights ( Comfort)

Across Africa Tours

Across Africa Tours & Travel is a prominent African travel company with in-depth knowledge of Ethiopia’s most popular tourist destinations. Experienced in creating unique itineraries that combine spectacular vacations to the vast Simien mountains with amazing retreats to the Nile Falls.

Not only that, but they also give their clients the opportunity to discover what it’s like to be in the middle of people who are complete strangers to them, allowing them to discover the various facets of an authentic Ethiopian adventure.

This tour is jam-packed with excellent things to do in a variety of locations. You will see the 17th Century Royal Enclosures in Gondar, Ethiopia’s capital in the 17th century.

You will be driven to Simien Mountain National Park, which is 120 kilometers from Gondar. You will visit some of the most notable features of the area. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to one of the greatest mountain ranges in Africa.

You will have the opportunity to witness various plant and animal species that are completely native to Ethiopia. To make the most of your trip to the highlands, take a moderate stroll along the high-rising hillside and escarpment, which provide stunning views of the entire area.

This fascinating adventure will begin in Addis Ababa. Your first trip will be at the Ethiopian National Museum, where you will meet LUCY, a 3.2 million-year-old humanoid thought to be the mother of all contemporary humans. 3.2 million years is a long time, and our age must be extremely fortunate to have witnessed such a creature from as far back in time as human history can go. 

Remember that you are in a place that heroically battled for its sovereignty as you wander about the museum gazing at artifacts and reading historical plaques on the wall. As you learn about Ethiopian culture and history, the museum can teach you a lot more about that story. 

You will continue your journey from the museum to Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where thousands of people exchange products and services in the traditional manner. This is the ideal time to pick up some handmade items for your souvenir collection while also mingling with the locals.

This portion of the journey will allow you to experience the real day in the life of a typical Ethiopian. After a busy day, you will get the opportunity to scale Addis Ababa’s highest peak, Mount Entoto (3200 meters above sea level), where you will have a 360-degree perspective of the city.

The tour takes 8 people between the ages of 5 to 90. It is family-friendly and fully guided costing $1249 and includes your lodging, transport and meals for 7 days.

Incredible Ethiopia

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a travel firm that combines a fantastic holiday with giving back to the communities that provide so much to us as travelers. It does this while being cognizant of your personal time. Even while you’re on vacation, your most valuable asset is certainly time.

You may be concerned that if you take a group tour, you would spend all of your important time with the group and have little time for yourself. You won’t have to worry about finding time for yourself when you travel with Intrepid Tours. This is because the tour alternates between group time and your own personal time. So don’t be concerned; Intrepid Travel is very considerate of your own time.

With the growing need for responsible travel and reducing our carbon footprints as travelers, Intrepid Travel is at the forefront of urging its guests to do their part in saving our precious world. We can all believe that any corporation is worried about the future of our planet because, let’s face it, if anything happens to our home, no one will even consider traveling.

This tour will take you on an exciting journey through parts of this wonderful land that have been untouched by contemporary culture. It’s a fantastic journey filled with history, tradition, culture, and the environment. From seeing 3 million-year-old fossilized hominid remains in Addis Ababa to touring Lalibela’s spectacular rock-hewn churches, underground crypts, and grottoes. This journey will immerse you in human history.

On this tour, you will visit the 500-year-old monastery islands of Bahir Dar located in Lake Tana. Lake Tana, by the way, is the source of the Blue Nile and Ethiopia’s largest lake, carrying 50% of the country’s fresh water. It includes 37 islands, some of which house some of Ethiopia’s oldest and most important monasteries, dating back to the 13th century.

There is far more information than we can possibly cover in this tour. You’ll visit the exquisite castles of Gondar, the majestic natural formations of the Simien highlands, the massive obelisks that rise from Axum, and even the rumored location of the Ark of the Covenant. You have 13 days to discover the best of Ethiopia with experienced guides taking the lead.

This tour is for a group of 12 people ranging in age from 15 to 99. It is a family-friendly, fully guided trip that costs $4135 and includes hotel, transportation, and food for 13 days.

Ethiopia in Depth

Exodus Travel

For 45 years, Exodus Travels has been providing amazing and exhilarating adventure vacations throughout Europe and beyond. They’ve always believed that seeing a new country, learning about a new culture, or simply being in a completely different environment – whether it’s a mountain range, desert, or rainforest – is unparalleled.

We all can agree that there is something unique about travel in general. The feeling you get when you find yourself in a completely new environment and try new things is just epic.

Exodus Travel will assist you in discovering Ethiopia’s hidden jewels while also taking significant steps to encourage responsible travel. Their knowledgeable tour guides collaborate with the communities that make our travel experiences possible. You are in good hands if Exodus Travel leads your travel journey

You will begin your tour with a site-seeing in Addis Ababa. Where you will see the National Museum which houses some of the country’s historic artifacts. During your visit to the museum, you will get the opportunity to learn about Ethiopia’s various civilizations.

Do not be startled if you are told that Ethiopia was never colonized by Europeans; this is a source of national pride. You will also see the Holy Trinity Church, Ethiopia’s major church and the final resting place of Haile Selassie.

You will begin your tour with a site-seeing of Addis Ababa. Where you will visit the National Museum which houses some of the country’s historic treasures. You will have the opportunity to learn about the different cultures in Ethiopia during this visit to the museum.

Do not be surprised when you are told about how Ethiopia was never colonized by the Europeans; that is a national pride. You will also visit the Holy Trinity Church, Ethiopia’s main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor, Haile Selassie.

For your journey on a flight to Bahar Dar, you can gaze across the extraordinary nature of the Ethiopian Plateau, repeatedly cut by immensely deep gorges. This view will be breathtaking and mind-blowing. You are visiting a small but fast-growing town on the southern shore of Lake Tana, which got its source from the Blue Nile.

When you arrive at Bahar Dar, you will have free time to enjoy the fantastic bird-watching around the lake or to tour the bustling town’s local market. This is an excellent time to go shopping for handcrafted items and interact authentically with the locals.

This tour will take a group of 16 participants ranging in age from 18 to 99. It’s a family-friendly, fully guided tour that costs $4179 and includes 13 days of lodging, transportation, and meals.

Ethiopia Explorer

World Expeditions

World Expeditions is a leading small-group travel company that was started in 1975. For more than 48 years, the organization has worked on the basic concept of offering outstanding experiences for small groups of travelers while emphasizing ethical tourism and community involvement.

This attitude is even stronger today, with itineraries covering every continent, ranging from multi-day authentic adventures and cultural treks to exploring unique and pristine natural wonders through inspiring trips and connecting with locals along the route.

World Expedition is backed by some of the world’s most seasoned and recognized travelers, and it is well-known for its ethical travel efforts, which remain at the heart of its global operations. On each voyage, they guarantee to keep designing breakthrough itineraries, rethinking standards, and bringing their travelers off the beaten road.

You will begin your journey in Addis Ababa, the world’s third-highest capital city at 2400 meters above sea level. There are numerous activities available in the capital city. You will go on a walking tour of the city and visit the National Museum. Before continuing on to other places, there is an opportunity to visit an open-air market.

Your next voyage will take you on a paid flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, which is located at an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level. This enchanted city is home to 11 monolithic churches that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These gigantic works of art were carved out of the local pink basaltic scoriae rock in the 12th century. Each church has a distinct architectural style and is exquisitely carved.

This tour will take a group of 14 participants ranging in age from 16 to 80. It’s a family-friendly, fully guided tour that costs $2399 and includes 10 days of accommodation, transportation, and meals.

Shortest Tour to the Most Famous Tribes in Omo Valley – Mursi – Karo and Hamer

Tankwa Tours and Travel Agency

Tankwa Excursions & Travel Agency is Ethiopia’s first Adventure Booking Platform, allowing you to easily book individual, group, and tailor-made multi-day organized tours throughout Ethiopia. Booking an organized tour from the best tour planners used to be a time-consuming process.

Tankwa Tours & Travel Agency offers multi-day excursions simple and quick to book by collaborating with tour and travel experts, guides, and operators to provide more holiday packages throughout Ethiopia. They were among the first to move multi-day excursions to an internet marketplace, making them the industry leader in Ethiopia.

Tankwa Tours enthusiastically embraces the growth attitude and collaborates on new and innovative projects with the communities that so generously support us as travelers.

They do this to ensure that their guests have life-changing travel experiences. With offices in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa, as well as remote teams who understand how to select the best virtual backgrounds, you can always reach them at any time, whether you like physical or virtual backgrounds.

This journey will take only three days to cover two major tourist attractions in Ethiopia. You will be guided through the best of Jinka and Turmi. This tour is ideal for those who are on a tight schedule but want to see the best of Ethiopia.

The Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia is a less-visited part of Ethiopia that is home to some of the most colorful tribes and ethnic groupings. The intriguing clothing, colorful ceremonies and festivities, arts, crafts, music, and dancing.

Many tribal tribes in the Omo Valley region have altered little over hundreds of years and provide visitors with unparalleled insight into a range of traditional civilizations. This journey takes you off the main path by experiencing the Southern remote villages and colorful tribal markets.

The Mursi are the most populous ethnic group in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley. They are highly recognized for their unusual lip plates and are famed for the strange habit followed by their women who, when they reach maturity, have their lower lips sliced and circular clay discs inserted and live around the Omo River and the Mago National Park.

No matter how much we try to explain this tribal rite, nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes. Imagine putting a clay disc in your lower lip. This demonstrates how distinct ethnic practices differ from one ethnic group to the next.

This is what you will be set to explore during this short but worthy trip to Ethiopia’s Omo Valley. The tour takes a group of 4 participants between the ages of 12 to 90. It’s a family-friendly, fully-guided tour that costs $870 and includes 3 days of accommodation, transportation, and meals.

All the above tours prove our point that Ethiopia is indeed a land of mystery and adventure. There is so much you can experience and learn during your visit, so take along some notes and cameras for your souvenir collections.

If none of these tours work for you in Ethiopia, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in Ethiopia now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.