Cheap flights to Ethiopia from £540

Ethiopia is one of the newest tourist destinations in Africa, only considered a holiday destination since the end of the war in 2001. But the ancient country has a history and landscape that will impress any traveller from the moment they step off the flight to Ethiopia.

Referred to as the “lap of civilisation,” Ethiopia has the longest history of any country on Earth. It was here that the bones of Lucy, the oldest human fossil, were found, dating back more than three million years. Today, the country is home to nearly 100 different tribes and, due to the relative lack of developed tourism, its rich culture can easily be explored by visitors.

The natural scenery is another attraction. Look out of the plane window on the flight to get a sense of the vastness and diversity of the country: its landscape includes the Simien Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, the lunar landscape of the Danakil Depression and huge expanses of desert.

This is a country gradually overthrowing its image as a place of poverty and war; instead travellers are starting to explore all it has to offer. Tours are opening up, from Addis Ababa to the churches of Lalibela. Book a flight to Ethiopia now, before the rest of the world catches on…

Ethiopia climate

Ethiopia usually has rain from June to September and no rain from October to May. The temperature ranges with the altitude, with hot and humid conditions in the lowlands and mild, cool temperatures in the highlands.

Getting around Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airlines has an excellent network, with domestic Ethiopia flights to more than 40 destinations in the country. Prices are reasonable. Ethiopia is a big country and this is by far the quickest way to travel. Be aware that there is a US$10 tax on departure for each flight.

There is a good bus and inexpensive bus system, but services can be very slow and tickets may be sold out a day in advance. Book ahead if possible. Buses are regulated and drivers can’t continue past a certain hour in the evening, so if you haven’t reached your destination on time, you may just get dropped where you are for the night.

Car hire is possible in Addis Ababa. It is necessary to get a 4WD due to the poor conditions of the roads.

What is good to know if travelling to Ethiopia?

• Addis Ababa is a fascinating, and huge, city. There is plenty here to see: the National Museum tells the history of the country, Africa Hall is the seat of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Trinity Church is the largest in the country. However, a particular favourite with tourists is the huge mercacto – the largest outdoor market in the whole of Africa. The market is so large it is extremely easy to get lost inside; if you want to make sure you don’t miss anything – and that you get back out again – you may want to take a guide.
• The Royal Enclosure, with picturesque ruins from the time of the Emperors, is the first place most tourists visit in Gondar. Fasilades Bath is a focal point during Timkat, the festival of epiphany, in January. This is a very important festival in Ethiopia and is celebrated throughout the country. In Gondar, the Fasilades Bath is filled with water and the people of the town jump in, symbolising Christ’s baptism.
• When visiting the churches at Lalibela, make sure you remove your shoes before entering. If you’re worried about keeping them safe – or simply feeling lazy – you can pay a small amount to one the “shoe watchers” who will arrive. Not only will they keep an eye on your shoes, they will also carry them to the next church for you if it’s easier than putting them back on your feet.
• There are two drinks of importance in Ethiopia: coffee, called buna, and tej. After every meal a big ritual occurs around the preparation of the coffee. The ceremony can last a few hours and an invitation to join is a sign of respect. The coffee itself is always taken black, though with plenty of sugar.
• Tej is an alcoholic drink, like a honey wine. It is drunk from a glass flask and is served in tejbetis (tej houses). Locals, especially older men, often gather round these tejbetis in the evening.