Ethiopia 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Ethiopia Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa (Capital City)

  • Arrival at Bole International Airport. Ensure you have a valid passport and visa. For most nationalities, a tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival for $50 USD or online beforehand.
  • Transfer to Hotel. Spend the rest of the day recovering from jet lag and exploring the local area around your hotel. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia where you can see Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil.
  • Dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Try dishes like Injera (sourdough flatbread), Doro Wat (chicken stew) and Tibs (spiced minced meat).

Day 2: Explore Addis Ababa

  • Visit Trinity Cathedral. A beautiful Orthodox Christian church, famous for its unique architecture.
  • Lunch at Piazza. This area offers a variety of restaurants serving both Ethiopian and international cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. Be aware of your belongings and haggle politely for prices.
  • Evening: Enjoy an evening at Tomoca Coffee, Ethiopia’s most famous coffee roaster, or spend it at Maekelawi Memorial Park.

Day 3: Bahir Dar (City on Lake Tana)

  • Morning: Flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar.
  • Afternoon: Boat trip on Lake Tana visiting the ancient monasteries on islands like Ura Kidane Mehret, Azwa Mariam, and Debre Maryam.
  • Evening: Visit the Sunset Viewpoint at Konso Valley or relax at your hotel.

Day 4: Gondar (Royal City)

  • Morning: Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar. Visit the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of several castles built by Emperor Fasilidas during the 17th century.
  • Afternoon: Explore Debre Berhan Silassie Church, known for its beautiful frescoes. Then visit the Church of Debre Sina Maryam and Fasil Ghebbi’s Bath, a large royal swimming pool.
  • Evening: Return to Bahir Dar for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Blue Nile Falls & Departure

  • Morning: Drive to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat). Take a boat ride close to the falls and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
  • Afternoon: Flight back to Addis Ababa for connections or relaxation before your departure.
  • Departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Addis Ababa before heading to Bole International Airport.