Overview Country

Ethiopia
A truly captivating
corner of Africa

Up close with the tribes of Ethiopia's imperiled Omo Valley

Climb up cool mountains and descend to one of the hottest places on earth. Encounter local tribes and grand landscapes. Your Ethiopian adventure starts here. A visual feast awaits, from churches carved out of a single block of stone in Lalibela to the extreme desert of the Danakil Depression or the desolate Erta Ale volcano. With a private guide, you’ll learn about tribal cultures and traditions in the Omo Valley. Taste the country’s delectable coffee and experience all that is wonderful in Ethiopia.

Visit the Danakil Despression in Ethiopia which is the hottest place on earth
where it is

Where it is

Eastern Africa

When to go

When to go

October to January

Why go there

Why go there

Ancient churches
Epic landscapes
Tribal cultures

what to see

What to see

Omo Valley
Simien Mountains
Lalibela

Explore the ethiopian stone churches of Lalibela

Look on in awe at Lalibela

Explore the ethiopian stone churches of Lalibela

You’ll be amazed by the distinctive rock-hewn churches around Lalibela, a centre of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. A true wonder to see.

Meet the ancient tribes along the omo river in Ethiopia

Visit the Omo Valley

Meet the ancient tribes along the omo river in Ethiopia

This remote part of Ethiopia is spectacularly beautiful and home to many different ethnic tribes. You’ll travel with a guide who practises sensitive and responsible tourism.

Enjoy a street market experience in the heart of Addis Abeba

Cultural & culinary capital

Enjoy a street market experience in the heart of Addis Abeba

Let us take you to historical landmarks and to experience Ethiopian music and cuisine in Addis Ababa, located at an altitude of 2355 metres.

Trekking on the roof of the world in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains

Climb the Simien Mountains

Trekking on the roof of the world in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains

Prepare for trekkers’ paradise in this spectacular range of plateaus, peaks, cliffs and gorges. Pack your binoculars for observing the Alia Ibex and Ethiopian wolf.

Getting up close with gelada monkeys in the Simien Mountains

Travel in Ethiopia

Getting up close with gelada monkeys in the Simien Mountains

Ethiopia has population of 115 million and is a large ecologically-diverse country. Temperatures in the capital, Addis Ababa, remain a pleasant 20-22°C all year round; however, in the Danakil Depression, they can soar to 50°C. Some parts of the country are at high elevations, which might result in altitude sickness. Let Cosa plan the perfect itinerary to take into account these extremes. We can charter a plane to remoter destinations and provide tips on cultural awareness as you travel round this wonderful country.

Ethiopia facts

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia, lies in the Horn of Africa in the north-eastern corner of the continent. It is landlocked, being surrounded by Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan and Sudan. Ethiopia was never formally colonised by Europeans, although it was invaded by Italy. Amharic is the official working language, but over 80 languages are spoken here. The Ethiopian calendar is approximately seven years and three months behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world.

How to know the time zone

Time zone

UTC +3

Check the flight time

Flight time

11 hours from Switzerland

local currency

Local currency

Ethiopian birr

Dial code by country

Dialling code

+251

Ethiopia