Ethiopia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Ethiopia

Addis Ababa (Arrival) - Lalibela

  • Morning: Arrive at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. After customs, arrange for a taxi or pre-booked car service to your hotel. Rest and freshen up.

    Things to Know: Ethiopia operates two time zones - Eastern African Time (EAT) and Western African Time (WAT). Addis Ababa is in EAT, three hours ahead of GMT. The official language is Amharic but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism sector.

  • Afternoon: Fly to Lalibela (flight duration ~1 hour). Upon arrival, visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These 11 churches, carved from rock, are some of the most extraordinary feats of engineering and religious devotion in the world.

    Activity: Guided tour of the churches followed by sunset at Ben Abeba for panoramic views of Lalibela.

  • Evening: Return to your hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 2: The Beauty of Gondar & Axum

  • Morning: Fly to Gondar (flight duration ~1 hour). Visit the Royal Enclosure, a complex of castles constructed by successive Emperors of Ethiopia starting from Emperor Fasilidas. Explore Debre Birhan Selassie Church known for its vibrant frescoes and beautiful wall paintings.

  • Afternoon: Fly to Axum (flight duration ~1 hour). Visit the Archaeological Park which houses St. Mary of Zion church, where the original Ark of the Covenant is said to be kept. Also see the Stele of Axum, one of the oldest and tallest obelisks in the world.

  • Evening: Depending on flight schedules, return to Addis Ababa or extend your stay in one of these cities.

Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. You can apply for an e-visa online or obtain it upon arrival at the airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Ethiopia.

Transportation: Domestic flights are the most convenient way to travel between cities in Ethiopia, with Ethiopian Airlines being the primary carrier. Taxis and car services are available in cities but negotiate prices before starting your journey.

Accommodation: There are various accommodations ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts in Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, and Axum. Book well in advance for the best deals.

Food & Drink: Ethiopian food is primarily vegetarian with injera (a sourdough flatbread) as the staple. Try dishes like doro wot (chicken stew), tibs (spiced meat), and kitfo (minced raw beef). Don’t forget to try the local coffee ceremony.

Safety: Ethiopia is generally safe for tourists, but take basic precautions such as not displaying valuable items, using registered taxis, and being cautious in crowded areas. Always check travel advisories before traveling.