Full of wonderful sights and experiences, you can paint the town red & explore Northern Ethiopia for a taste of Africa’s less visited areas. Plug in to a vibrant culture and great food make this a must-do for any serious traveller, & it won’t damage your finances too harshly.

Try the local drinks

Tej, a fermented honey wine that can be sweet or dry, is something you can’t miss if you’re into alcoholic beverages. There are other local wines and beers to enjoy, as well as the local firewater, Araqe, and Tella, a homebrew that is similar to beer and made from sorghum or millet.

If you prefer non-intoxicating drinks, then you definitely need to check out a coffee ceremony. Served in small cups after being brewed in clay pots, you’ll be given a nice snack to enjoy alongside your tasty coffee.

Hike the Simien Range

70% of Africa’s mountains are in Ethiopia, so it makes sense that one of the most stunning ranges is there!

Go on short guided hikes, or trek over multiple days, to take in the spectacular scenery and see the many animals that call this range home. From over 180 species of bird to wolves and baboons, animal lovers will be in heaven.

Visit the Gheralta Churches

There are 30 churches that have been chiselled out of the outcrops and mountains of Gheralta, and while some require some skill and dexterity to get to, others are much more accessible.

The views from these churches will take your breath away, and getting to see their religious culture up close is an incredible privilege.

Visit Harar

Harar was established over 1000 years ago, and is full of colour and life. Instagrammers, this town is your dream come true! Gorgeous houses, streets, mosques and the wonderful spice market will have you snapping pictures constantly. Harar is also home to a museum dedicated to Arthur Rimbaud, a French Poet who used to reside in the town, and is an interesting visit for history buffs.

An activity for those who are into wildlife is taking a tour (or going by tuk-tuk or taxi) to watch the ‘hyena man’ feed the hyena local to the area. You can feed the hyena too, using meat attached to sticks – getting up close and personal with these beasts is an experience you’ll never forget!

While you may not have considered Northern Ethiopia before, it’s an exciting place with a rich culture that will make you wonder why more people aren’t travelling there!