Beyond the capital, Ethiopia is full of wonders — ancient churches, volcanoes, holy cities and incredible wildlife. I organize private multi-day tours to all of these places.
Harari Region
A centuries-old tradition you can only find in Harar: every night, the 'hyena men' call wild hyenas from the darkness and feed them by hand — sometimes even mouth-to-mouth with a stick of meat. Brave visitors can take part themselves. It sounds scary, but it's safe, controlled and absolutely unforgettable — one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world.
Harari Region
Another amazing Harar experience: feeding the huge black kites (birds of prey) that fill the skies of the city. Hold a piece of meat up and these magnificent birds swoop down at full speed and snatch it right from your hand — or even land on your head. The photos you'll take here will amaze everyone back home.
Harari Region
Harar Jugol is the fortified old town of Harar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — considered the fourth holiest city of Islam, with 82 mosques and over 100 shrines packed inside its walls. The historic wall was built with five famous gates, each opening a path into the maze of 368 narrow alleyways. Harar is also the city where the French poet Rimbaud lived, and its colorful markets, coffee and unique Harari house architecture make it unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia.
Amhara Region
Home to the famous rock-hewn churches, carved straight down into solid volcanic rock in the 12th–13th centuries — a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the 'New Jerusalem'. The most iconic, Bete Giyorgis (Church of Saint George), is shaped as a perfect cross. Eleven churches, connected by tunnels and trenches, are still active places of worship today. A truly once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Afar Region
One of the hottest, lowest and most otherworldly places on Earth. Around Dallol you'll see neon-green acid pools, yellow sulfur fields and salt formations in colors you won't believe are real. Sitting about 125 meters below sea level, it feels like walking on another planet — an unforgettable adventure for the bold traveler.
Afar Region
Erta Ale — the 'Smoking Mountain' — is one of the very few volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake. Hiking up at night and standing at the crater rim, watching glowing red lava bubble and move below you, is one of the most powerful experiences Ethiopia has to offer. Truly the 'gateway to hell', in the best possible way.
Tigray Region
The heart of the ancient Axumite Kingdom, one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Axum is famous for its giant carved obelisks (stelae), some over 1,700 years old and weighing hundreds of tons. It is also home to the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where — according to Ethiopian tradition — the original Ark of the Covenant (Tabote Tsihon) is kept, guarded by a single monk for his entire life. Axum is the spiritual heart of Ethiopia.
Tigray Region
The most spectacular church you will ever see. Abuna Yemata Guh is carved into the side of a sheer sandstone cliff, 2,580 meters high — reaching it means climbing barefoot up the rock face. Inside, you'll find stunning 5th–15th century frescoes, some of the oldest and best-preserved church paintings in the world. Often called 'the most inaccessible place of worship on Earth' — and worth every step.
South Ethiopia Region
Arba Minch — meaning 'Forty Springs' — sits between two beautiful lakes: Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. A boat trip on Lake Chamo is a highlight of southern Ethiopia: you'll see the famous 'crocodile market', where huge Nile crocodiles gather on the shore, plus hippos and incredible birdlife. Watching (and even feeding) the giant crocodiles from the boat is an experience you will never forget.
South Ethiopia Region
The Omo Valley is one of the most culturally rich places on Earth — home to dozens of indigenous tribes who have kept their way of life for thousands of years. The Mursi, famous for their clay lip plates and elaborate body decoration, the Hamar with their bull-jumping coming-of-age ceremony, the Karo known for their colorful body painting, and many more. Visiting these communities is a powerful, eye-opening experience: you'll meet people living traditions that exist nowhere else in the world. It is a journey into the very roots of humanity, and a chance to witness cultures that have survived unchanged for generations.
Oromia Region
Debre Zeyit — also known as Bishoftu — is a peaceful town just a short drive southeast of Addis Ababa, famous for its stunning crater lakes set deep inside ancient volcanic cones. It's the perfect escape from the busy capital: fresh, clean air, green hills and calm water as far as the eye can see. Beautiful resorts line the lakeshore, many with rooms and terraces offering a direct lake view where you can relax, enjoy a meal, and watch the sunset over the water. A trip on a boat across the crater lake is a highlight — gliding over the still water surrounded by steep forested walls and birdlife is deeply peaceful and unforgettable. A wonderful day trip or weekend getaway for anyone wanting nature, comfort and fresh air close to Addis Ababa.