Things to do in  Ethiopia

One of Ethiopia's most important museums, the National Museum of Ethiopia is best known for housing the partial remains of Lucy, an Australopithecus ancestor of homo sapiens, believed to have lived around 3.2 million years ago. A cast of the delicate bones, and not the original, is on display.

Situated on the campus of Addis Ababa University, in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, the Ethnological Museum features an impressively large and diverse collection of art and ethnographic artifacts. It also offers visitors the chance to take a glimpse into the luxurious bedrooms where the famous king once lived.

In the heart of Ethiopia’s highlands, 11 rock-cut churches stand as a testament to the country’s rich heritage and architectural mastery. Commissioned by King Lalibela in the 13th century, the monolithic construction was one of the first landmarks to receive UNESCO-listed status, making it a must for first-time visitors to Ethiopia.

The chasmic valleys and towering peaks of Simien Mountains National Park are a beacon of wildlife conservation, sheltering rare species such as the Walia ibex and Simien fox. Though UNESCO-listed in 1978, the park remains off the beaten track, providing active sightseers an authentic glimpse of Ethiopia’s natural heritage.

On the southern slopes of Mount Entoto, just north of central Addis Ababa, Entoto Natural Park is a beautiful natural area that provides gorgeous views and respite from city life. It's a great place to go if you want to hang out in nature, and is popular with photographers keen to capture the Addis Ababa skyline.

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) is the most important Ethiopian Orthodox church in the capital, and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie I. Behind the church is a lovely museum full of religious items, including an impressive selection of Coptic crosses.

Towering over Addis Ababa in the Entoto Mountains, Mount Entoto is notable for its great views and its mix of natural and cultural attractions. Key points of interest include verdant Entoto Natural Park and Entoto Maryam Church, the final resting place of 19th-century Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu.

In the heart of Addis Ababa, this large public square is a popular place for events. It's at its liveliest during the annual Meskel Festival, which takes place in September, though all sorts of significant gatherings—from concerts to religious celebrations—take place here.

Within easy day-tripping distance from Addis Ababa, Menagesha Suba Forest Park offers ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and even camping. Wildlife abounds here, and many visitors spot black-and-white colobus monkeys during their hikes through the park.

Located on the edge of Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum honors those who died during the Red Terror (Qey Shibir), which took place between 1976 and 1978. Exhibits feature everything from photographs to blood-stained clothing, bringing visitors face-to-face with this dark period in history.

Previously known as the Zoma Contemporary Arts Center, the Zoma Museum is a center for arts and culture that showcases eco-conscious construction and design techniques. Along with its unique architectural structure and exhibitions, highlights include a gift shop, a library, and an edible garden to stroll.

Situated in the heart of Addis Ababa, in the middle of a traffic circle, Menelik II Square has long been a popular gathering place for Addis residents, particularly on religious and national holidays and during protests. It's named for Menelik II, who was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until 1913, and an equestrian statue of the ruler sits at its center.

Situated on Mount Entoto in the northern outskirts of Addis Ababa, the octagonal Entoto Maryam Church is one of the most important churches in Ethiopia. The colorful building was commissioned in the 19th century by Menelik II and is today the resting place of the monarch and his wife, Empress Taytu.

Situated in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, a few hours' drive south of Addis Ababa, Abijatta-Shalla National Park is an expansive national park containing two lakes: Salla and Abijatta. It's a fantastic place for wildlife spotting—particularly if you're fond of birds—and provides a refuge to ostriches, pelicans, flamingos, storks, and the occasional monkey.

In the city of Awasa, located in the Oromia region of the Great Rift Valley, the Fish Market at Hawassa Lake is a great place to visit if you want to get a feel for life in this lakefront area. There are shack-style restaurants serving up coffee, beer, and, of course, fresh fish.