Ethiopia

When you think of Ethiopia, a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa with a history stretching back thousands of years. Also known as the cradle of humanity, it's where some of the earliest human fossils were found, and where coffee was first cultivated. Unlike many African nations, Ethiopia was never colonized, and its independence shaped a culture that’s deeply proud, uniquely Christian, and rich in traditions you won’t find anywhere else. This isn’t just another destination on a map—it’s a place where ancient rock-hewn churches cling to cliffs, where Orthodox priests chant in Ge’ez, and where the smell of roasting coffee fills the air in every village.

What makes Ethiopia stand out? It’s the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, a centuries-old branch of Christianity with its own calendar, fasting rituals, and stunning painted icons. It’s also the Simien Mountains, a rugged highland range home to gelada baboons and dramatic escarpments that rival the Grand Canyon. And then there’s the food—injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread used to scoop up spicy stews like doro wat. You don’t eat with forks here—you use your hands, and it’s part of the experience.

Travelers come for the history, the landscapes, and the warmth of the people. But they leave with something deeper—a sense of timelessness. You can stand in Lalibela and touch walls carved out of solid rock in the 12th century, then walk into a market in Addis Ababa where women sell spices in woven baskets and men argue over the price of honey in Amharic. It’s not a place you visit once. It’s a place that stays with you.

Before you go, know this: visas are easy to get online, altitude can hit hard in the highlands, and English is widely spoken in cities but less so in remote villages. The best time to visit? October to March, when the skies are clear and the festivals are in full swing. Don’t miss Timkat in January or the Genna celebrations in December. And if you’re planning to trek, pack strong boots—Ethiopia doesn’t do easy hikes.

Below, you’ll find real travel stories, tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to avoid the common mistakes tourists make. Whether you’re drawn by the churches, the mountains, or the coffee culture, these posts will help you plan a trip that’s more than just a photo op—it’s a real connection to one of the world’s oldest living civilizations.