Ethiopia Cultural Tours & Trip Packages

Ethiopia Cultural Tours & Trips

49 Ethiopia trips. Tours from 54 tour companies. 149 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.

20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Cultural
Exotic Ethiopia: Spectacular Wildlife and Ancient Kingdoms
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Gondar, Lalibela, Rift Valley

Highlights

  • With a local naturalist, visit Bale Mountains National Park, home to more endemic species than any terrestrial habitat in the world
  • Learn about the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, which some Ethiopians believe were built by angels
  • Marvel at the scenic Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples & Sacred Places
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Bagan, Etosha National Park, Gobi Desert, Jerusalem, Lake Inle, Lalibela, London, Rangoon, Shwedagon Pagoda, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Ulaanbaatar, Yangon

Highlights

  • See the world withNational Geographic Explorer-in-ResidenceDr. Spencer Wells
  • Travel in a privateBoeing 757 jet
  • Go off the beaten path to discover some of the most incrediblelegacies of legendary civilizations
  • Enjoy a private tour of theGeorgian National Museum
  • Explore thevibrant bazaars ofSamarqand inUzbekistan
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Journey in Diversity
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4.8/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Dubai, Lalibela

Highlights

  • Visit the 17th century royal palace compound, the bath of King Fasil, the Debre Birhan Selassie Church,
  • Visit the Stelae Park, Queen of Sheba’s palace, the Axum Museum, church of Saint Mary of Zion
  • See King Kaleb’s Castle, Mai Shum
  • Visit the tomb of King Bazen and museum inside the church grounds.
  • Visiting the National Archaeological Museum and the Mercato
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Themes

Birding, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I took the most amazing tour across Portugal and Spain through Bestway Tours last year. It was a 10 day tour visiting historic cities across the countries and was blown away by level of service and convenience the team provided. I've learned so much through the knowledgeable tour guides and enjoyed lots of delicious local food. I cannot wait to take another Bestway Tour in the future!"

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Ethiopia: The Island of Africa
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By GeoEx
preferred
5/5 Excellent
19 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Gondar, Lalibela, Simien Mountain National Park

Highlights

  • Explore from the urban capital to the Simien Mountains, where we study geladas with baboon researchers
  • Meet tribal people in the entrancingly remote, aridly beautiful Lower Omo Valley
  • Feast your eyes on Lalibela's famed monolithic churches and Gheralta's lesser-known cave-carved sanctuaries
  • Opt to extend your trip in Harar or with a helicopter excursion to the otherworldly Danakil Depression

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I have had a couple great travel experiences through GeoEx. My first trip, she helped book my travels to Ireland for my brothers wedding. She did a great job coordinating hotels with other family members and planning my entire trip including events, dinners, transportation, etc."

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Extraordinary Ethiopia Safari
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4.9/5 Excellent
53 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Gondar, Lalibela

Highlights

  • Discovering the cultural and culinary wonders of Addis Ababa
  • The “living rock” churches of Lalibela
  • The monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs and the ruins of ancient castles of Axum
  • Gondar, the Camelot of Africa
  • The extraordinary inhabitants of the Beshada, Ari, Bumi, Hamer and Mursi villages
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We just got back from our 11 day Safari trip ALL PLANNED by Rothschild! We were celebrating my 50th birthday and I’ve always wanted to go on a safari. I researched many companies and after speaking many times with Pam Langhoff we decided upon choosing Rothschild to put together our safari trip. Best decision!!! Rothschild made all the arrangements and thought of every detail. I really had no clue about planning a safari. Pam planned everything! Every time someone was there to pick us up or take us to our next destination or see us off. Our guide and safari truck was arranged for us. All the park fees and registrations were already paid for and all the accommodations were booked and paid for and all details explained. Everything was timely and we had full communication with a contact in Africa (because of the time change 8 hours ahead if we needed anything). We even had them book our flights. They do everything and think of everything we had no idea we had to apply for a Tanzania visa.. This company is first class and takes care of every detail. We had no idea about planning and where to go. Pam put together an awesome tailored itinerary for us. We stayed 2 nights in Tarangire National Park in really really cool nice tents, then 3 nights at Gibbs Farm in the Ngorongoro Highlands and went to the crater, then flew to the Serengeti and stayed 3 nights at Serengeti Safari camp in mobile tents!! What an experience! We saw the great migration! I woke up in the Serengeti on my 50th birthday! Pam and Rachel and all the Rothschild staff were easy to work with and ask questions (trust me I had many) they planned a magical trip for my husband and 2 teenagers!! We all agree this was our favorite trip we have ever been on! We will use Rothschild again for sure!"

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Solo - Scenic and Cultural Treasures of Ethiopia
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4.4/5 Great
64 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Gondar, Lalibela

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"they are taking too long to refund our cancelled holiday from May 2020. cannot get any info from them when it will be refunded back to us."

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Scenic and Cultural Treasures of Ethiopia
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.4/5 Great
64 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Gondar, Lalibela

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"they are taking too long to refund our cancelled holiday from May 2020. cannot get any info from them when it will be refunded back to us."

Trip dates & details
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Cairo to Cape Town: Nile Expedition
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5/5 Excellent
10 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cairo, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, Okavango Delta, Sudan, Victoria Falls

Highlights

  • Explore Egypt
  • See Lake Nasser
  • Visit Ethiopia
  • See Mount Kenya
  • See Victoria Falls
Show more

Themes

Birding, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"Who said you can not enjoy a long Overland Safari? I had a wonderful time during the 7 month Trans Africa. Part of the West cost of Africa was a challenge which I will remember for a long time. The scenery and wildlife from Namibia onwards was breathtaking. The younger generation on the truck gave me the challenge to do things I always was to scared to do in my live. I did tandem skydiving, quad bike riding in the sand dunes, white water rafting on the Zambezi river, bungy jumping of the Victoria Bridge and the micro light flight over the Victoria Falls. Our driver Brian was excellent and a good mate. All in all I can recommend the tour to people who like something more exciting than a standard organised tour. A truly memorable experience of a lifetime."

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Cultural

Ethiopia Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
149  Reviews
See all Ethiopia tour reviews
Excellent
20
Great
2
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
M

Martin N.

Jan 2022

Written on

Everything was well organized

We returned from our 13-day East African Explorer trip two weeks ago. The trip fully met our expectations. Everything was well organized, accommodations and food wer...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Simien Mountain Bimble.......

Overall a very good trek. Yes, some of the days are a little hard but then it says that in the trip notes so read them! Great views and wildlife and a, mostly, gre...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Amazing views but hard work

A great trip through the Simien mountains, with spectacular views Seeing the baboons in their natural habitat as you walk past, you can watch them for hours they're...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Simen Mountains Ethiopia - 10days Camping

Just back from a seriously good trekking & camping holiday taking in the Simen Mountains in Northern Ethiopian. Filled all my expectation of a cultural trekking...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Great trek in an amazing country

This trip is a great mixture of culture and trekking. Time in Addis at the Ethnographic museum and the experience of the Debtre Birhan Selassie church in Gondor high...

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Ethiopia Tour Selection Trips

  • If you’re planning on going on an extended trek of the Ethiopian highlands, or even planning to summit Danakil’s volcano, be sure to exercise before your trip. You want to be in very good shape, as both activities are physically rigorous.
  • If you want super close encounters with wildlife, perhaps lower your expectations. The animals in Ethiopian wilderness are usually unaccustomed to human activity and are skittish as a result. One alternative, however, is to visit Harar, a town with the tradition of hand feeding hyenas.
  • Tap water is not potable in Ethiopia. To cut down on plastic, bring a filtered water bottle or simply a reusable one. Your guide will be able to point you to places where you can refill your bottle.
  • On a guided tour or trek, much of your food will be provided or even made specifically for you. This makes things a lot easier, considering many local restaurants don’t have menus, meaning you have to know both local dishes and their name in Amharic, and upcharge significantly for “Farangi” (foreigners). However, if you know you will be given time to explore on your own, consider buying a guide to Ethiopian food and drink.

Additional details

Who Will Enjoy an Ethiopia Tour?

You may hear Ethiopia and intially think safaris. While Ethiopia does offer some wildlife experiences, this destination isn't well known for this kind of experience. This country is rich with culture and history. From archaeological discoveries to ancient sites and ruins, Ethiopia is a great destination for travelers who value culture and history. For these travelers it's all about the immersion into the local communities and seeing what truly makes them tick. 

That being said, Ethiopia is also a great destination for wildlife and nature lovers. This country has many national parks and many great destinations to witness animals and explore natural landscapes. One popular activity here is hiking. With so much to offer, Ethiopia is a great for a complex range of travelers, not just wildlife enthusiasts.

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See all Ethiopia history tours >>

Ethiopian Guided Tours

If you're considering a trip to Africa, perhaps plan a visit to Ethiopia. Along with Morocco, Ethiopia has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa with nine in total. When planning a trip to Ethiopia, there are some things you should take into consideration. Most, to all, of these concerns can be resolved by booking a tour to Ethiopia rather than venturing out alone. Ethiopian guided tours are recommended for a number of reasons.

Each Ethiopia tour comes with a knowledgeable guide that knows the terrain, history and significance of the country. They are also very aware of current or possible issues that may arise on the trip. And if any hiccup should occur, the guide knows how to handle the issue in an efficient manner.

This travel style also provides a well-researched, thought out itinerary. Most of Ethiopia lacks a strong infrastructure, most of the roads are unpaved and difficult to travel on. Tour companies make sure to take this into account when creating its trip and how travelers with commute from one place to the next.

In order to capture the country’s diverse terrain, some days are strictly reserved for traveling from one destination to another. Each itinerary balances the time spent on a bus with the time spent at the destination, so that it is not overwhelming or tiresome. This is particularly important for short trips to Ethiopia.

Ethiopian guides also use their knowledge and insight of the country to capture its essence. Ethiopia has three components that each tour makes sure to include. The first is its cultural significance. Most tours visit local villages and towns where you can experience Ethiopian foods, music and art. One of the best ways to soak this up is to go on a tour with a homestay component.

Ethiopia is also known for its wildlife. The best way to experience Ethiopia’s fauna and flora is by visiting its national parks. The third main component is capturing its historical influences. Most of Ethiopia's historical sites are of ancient ruins in the form of fortified towns. Ethiopia also has many historical religious sites like the Church of Saint George, Lalibela.

There are a few different guided tour options. First is small group guided tours. These trips mean that you will be exploring Ethiopia with a group of others, often like minded individuals. You will all be led by the same tour guide who will be devoted to the group as a whole. This is a great option for travelers who want to meet new people and experience the world with others.

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Another guided tour options is private guided tours. This option is great for luxury travelers. Private guided tours mean you will have a guide dedicated specifically to you and all accommodations and transportation will also be private. Each tour will be private and independent of others. Private guided tours allow for greater immersion and richer experiences.

See all Ethiopia private guided tours >>

Ethiopia Weather

Weather in Ethiopia varies greatly and often depends on elevation. When visiting, you'll want to pack many layers  as you could go from one destination that is hot to another which is cold in only a matter of hours. Be sure to look at your itinerary to know the specific weather for each destination so you aren't left without the proper clothes after commuting.

Near Ethiopian's borders, the temperatures are the highest. On average, the temperature will exceed 85 degrees Farenheit or 30 degrees Celsius. Other locations like Ethiopia's capital rarely get over 77 degrees Farenheit. Whether you're looking for a warm or cool adventure, there are locations throughout Ethiopia that can accommodate you.

Safety Tips When Visiting Ethiopia

  1. Beware of scams: Common in the capital, Addis Ababa, locals will try to invite you to a "free gathering". They will lead you to the location and claim they gave you a tour and demand payment.
  2. Keep track of your belongings: Pickpocketing is a problem in Ethiopia so make sure to have all your important items tucked away and close at hand. 
  3. Be prepared for hiking: Hiking and trekking are common activities in Ethiopia but the terrain isn't always friendly. Be sure to pack appropriately so you are ready to take on the elements.
  4. Watch what you wear: To be both safe and respectful to culture, it is recommended that you dress conservatively. This often looks like long dresses, skirts and loose pants for women.

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