Adventurous Ethiopia Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on an adventurous Ethiopia Road Trip that takes you through the beautiful towns of Ziway Lake, Debre Berhan, Lalibela, Mekele, Aksum, and Debre Markos. The journey is approximately 2673km and it is recommended to take 21 days to complete. The best time of the year to take this road trip is during Spring or Fall. You'll get to see historical sites, landscapes, and UNESCO Heritage Monuments along the way. While the roads are not in the best condition, they are drivable and are partly curvy, partly narrow. Despite the challenging roads, this road trip provides a very high level of experience and memories. It is suitable for all drivers and can be managed with a moderate budget.
21
number of days
2,629 km
route length
fair
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
high
accident level
START
Addis Ababa
Distance 2,629 km
Driving time 64.3 h
Pace: slow
604.6 kWh
Airports
ADD
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QHR
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city, is the starting point of the "Adventurous Ethiopia Road Trip". It is the perfect place to explore the beauty and culture of this country. As the political and economic capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is full of interesting sights to visit. From the National Museum of Ethiopia to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, there is something to explore for everyone. The city is also known for its bustling nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
For those travelling to Addis Ababa by air, Bole International Airport (IATA: ADD) is the closest international airport. The airport is serviced by many international airlines, making it easy to get to Addis Ababa from all over the world. Car rental companies are also available at the airport, making it a great starting point for the "Adventurous Ethiopia Road Trip".
Addis Ababa is a great place to start an adventure in Ethiopia. With its rich history and culture, it is a great way to begin exploring this beautiful country. Whether you are looking to visit historical sites, explore the nightlife, or just take in the beautiful scenery, Addis Ababa is the perfect starting point for the "Adventurous Ethiopia Road Trip".
1
Addis Ababa
- Ziway Lake
Distance 185 km
Driving time 4.9 h
Pace: slow
42.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a unique journey starting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and taking you on a 185 km drive through Tiya to Ziway Lake. This journey, taking no more than 6 hours on the road, will take you through some of the most interesting historical sites in Ethiopia, including some UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll drive through narrow roads and experience the beauty of the landscape along the way, so keep your eyes open for the sights and sounds that will make this trip a truly memorable experience. As a part of a larger tour, this stage offers a great opportunity to explore the wonders of Ethiopia. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” section of this stage.
Ziway Lake - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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2
Ziway Lake
- Adama
Distance 109 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
32.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an amazing 109 km road trip from Ziway Lake in Ethiopia to Adama! The journey will take you less than 2 hours, and you'll experience breathtaking views along the way. The road is narrow in some sections, so be sure to drive with caution. You'll have a chance to visit some of the most interesting places in the region, such as the beautiful Lake Ziway, the historic Fiche Monastery, and the vibrant Adama. Don’t forget to take a break and appreciate the stunning scenery during your drive. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, please refer to the “Itinerary” section of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Adama - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Adama
- Debre Berhan
Distance 206 km
Driving time 4.2 h
Pace: modest
53.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting 206 km road trip from Adama to Debre Berhan! This journey will take you fewer than 5 hours and will be an unforgettable experience! While you drive, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery, winding roads, and plenty of historical sites. Adama is home to the ancient city of Harla and the archaeological sites of Harla Alem and Adadi Maryam. As you continue on your journey, you'll pass by the narrow road of Gebre Guracha and the picturesque landscape of the Shebelle River Valley. Debre Berhan is home to the awe-inspiring Fasil Ghebbi, a fortified royal compound, as well as the beautiful Wukro Cherkos church. Make sure to check out these incredible sites during your stay! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Debre Berhan - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Pixabay
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4
Debre Berhan
- Lalibela
Distance 495 km
Driving time 12.7 h
Pace: slow
113.8 kWh
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Embark on a thrilling journey from Debre Berhan to Lalibela and discover the wonders of the Ethiopian Highlands! This 491km trip takes under 12 hours to complete and offers spectacular views of the countryside. You will pass by steep ramps, winding roads and narrow sections as you make your way to Lalibela. Along the way, you'll find a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela which are considered some of the most remarkable monuments in Ethiopia. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the other historical sites such as the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Yemrehana Krestos Church. As you travel, you will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, making it the perfect backdrop for photographs! Be sure to take the necessary precautions while driving and pay attention to the road. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Lalibela - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Mapcarta
Lalibela - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Mapcarta
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5
Lalibela
- Mekele
Distance 323 km
Driving time 7.5 h
Pace: modest
83.9 kWh
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Ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Lalibela, a city in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia renowned for its churches carved from rock. From here, you'll drive 322km to Mekele, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ethiopia. Along the way, you'll be able to visit several unique UNESCO heritage sites, such as the rock-hewn churches of Yemrehana Krestos and Abune Yemata Guh. As you drive, be sure to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You'll also encounter a few steep ramps and winding roads, as well as some narrow sections, so be sure to drive carefully. But don't forget to take some time to explore the local culture and cuisine too! To get more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. With a driving time of fewer than 8 hours, this road trip is a great way to experience the best of Ethiopia!
Mekele - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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6
Mekele
- Aksum
Distance 244 km
Driving time 4.2 h
Pace: modest
63.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting 244km road trip from Mekele to Aksum, Ethiopia. Along the way, you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in the country, all within five hours of driving. Start your journey with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela. Then, take in the stunning views of the winding roads as you make your way to the ancient historical city of Aksum. On the way, you can pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Yemrehana Krestos Church, which is the oldest and most decorated of the rock-hewn churches in the region. Once you get to Aksum, you can explore the ancient ruins and explore the many remarkable sites, such as the Stelae Field, the Church of St. Mary of Zion, and the Queen of Sheba's Palace. So, get ready to hit the road and explore some of the most unique places in Ethiopia. Remember to pay attention to the road, as some sections may be very winding and narrow. All the necessary information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Aksum - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Britannica
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7
Aksum
- Gonder
Distance 348 km
Driving time 8.9 h
Pace: slow
80.0 kWh
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Embark on an incredible road trip from Aksum to Gonder, Ethiopia! This 348 km route will take you less than 9 hours to complete, and you will surely be amazed by the stunning landscapes and historical sites that you will find along the way.
The road is quite winding in some sections, so be sure to keep your speed under control and watch out for steep ramps. You will also find some sections of narrow roads, so make sure to drive safely. Some of the attractions you should look out for include UNESCO Heritage sites and historical sites.
The road trip from Aksum to Gonder is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" section of this stage for more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
So, buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey from Aksum to Gonder!
Gonder - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Gonder
- Bahir Dar
Distance 195 km
Driving time 5.2 h
Pace: slow
44.9 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Gonder to Bahir Dar! With only 196 km and a driving time of fewer than 6 hours, you can make the most of your journey and explore the rich culture and history of the region. Along the way, you will get to see some of Ethiopia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Fasil Ghebbi, the home of the former Ethiopian emperors. As you drive, take in the stunning views of the countryside and the awe-inspiring views of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Don't forget to also visit the beautiful churches and monasteries along the way. Once you reach Bahir Dar, be sure to take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit some of its many islands and to see the Blue Nile Falls. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Get ready to explore the beautiful region of Ethiopia!
Bahir Dar - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Your home for Intertainment
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9
Bahir Dar
- Debre Markos
Distance 223 km
Driving time 7.0 h
Pace: slow
51.4 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling 276km road trip from Bahir Dar to Debre Markos? This journey will take you less than 8 hours and you will get to visit some of the most interesting places in Ethiopia.
Your first stop will be in the city of Bahir Dar, where you can explore the amazing churches of Ura Kidane Mihret and Abune Abraham, both of them located near Lake Tana. You can also visit the beautiful Blue Nile Falls and take a boat tour on the lake.
The next stop in your journey is Gonder, where you can visit the 17th century castles of Fasil Ghebbi and Debre Berhan Selassie. Here, you can also explore the old markets and churches, and take a tour of the city's historical sites.
After Gonder, you will be heading to Debre Markos. On the way, you can stop at the small village of Dabat, where you can explore the ruins of the old church. Then, you can visit the beautiful monastery of Debre Libanos and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
In Debre Markos, you can visit the archaeological sites of Gebre Mariam and the old churches of Debre Mariam and Debre Tsion. You can also explore the traditional markets and stroll through the vibrant streets of the city.
This is just a short overview of the amazing journey you will be taking. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Bon voyage!
Debre Markos - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Evaneos
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10
Debre Markos
- Addis Ababa
Distance 301 km
Driving time 8.4 h
Pace: slow
69.3 kWh
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Debre Markos to Addis Ababa! This 298km journey will take you less than 8 hours, and you can expect to see some incredible sights along the way. Start by visiting the beautiful Debre Markos Monastery, set atop a hill with stunning views of the city. As you drive, take in the stunning natural beauty of the region, including steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections. Don't forget to stop at the Yerer Mountain viewpoint for some incredible views of the nearby mountains. As you approach Addis Ababa, make sure to visit the Menelik II Mausoleum, a tribute to the 19th century Emperor of Ethiopia. There are also some great parks and museums to explore before you reach your destination. While you're here, make sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Addis Ababa
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After your thrilling journey across Ethiopia, your final destination is the vibrant city of Addis Ababa. This is the largest city in Ethiopia and the political capital of the country. Addis Ababa is known for its lively cultural scene and bustling markets, as well as its stunning natural beauty.
To explore the city, head to the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Ethnological Museum and the Addis Ababa Cultural Centre. Here, you can explore local culture and learn about the history of the city. Afterwards, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral to learn about the city’s religious heritage.
Be sure to check out the Mercato, one of the largest markets in Africa. Here you can find everything from spices to traditional Ethiopian clothing. The best way to experience the city’s vibrant culture is to explore its many restaurants and cafes. Sample traditional Ethiopian cuisine, such as wat or tibs, or try some international dishes.
For those traveling by air, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is the closest international airport.
Addis Ababa is the perfect place to end your "Adventurous Ethiopia Road Trip", where you can experience the city’s vibrant culture and stunning scenery.
Adventurous Ethiopia Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Addis Ababa
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End:
Addis Ababa
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Distance:
2,629 km
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Stay:
21 days
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Getting there:
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD),
Harar Meda Airport (QHR)
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When to drive:
January, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an enthralling 2673km Ethiopia Road Trip, and traverse through a tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient cities, and vibrant cultural hubs. Spread over an ideal duration of 21 days, this journey affords travelers the chance to delve deep into Ethiopia's storied past, revel in its natural wonders, and experience the warm embrace of its rich cultural traditions.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Lake Ziway: A paradise for bird enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors, this lake provides a sanctuary for spotting hippos and an array of exotic birds in their natural habitat.
- Debre Berhan: Steeped in historical allure and surrounded by breathtaking vistas, this town is a testament to Ethiopia's layered history.
- Lalibela: A spellbinding collection of 11 rock-hewn churches from the 12th century, Lalibela is a testament to architectural ingenuity and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as the `New Jerusalem.`
- Mekele: This bustling metropolis acts as a gateway to the ancient rock churches of Tigray and stands as a beacon of Ethiopian culture and history.
- Aksum: As one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa, Aksum captivates with its obelisks, ancient ruins, and the mysterious history surrounding the Ark of the Covenant, which local tradition claims is housed in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion.
- Debre Markos: Immerse yourself in the spiritual tapestry of Ethiopia as you explore this city's religious landmarks and learn about longstanding traditions.
Best Time to Go:
Embark on your Road Trip during the Spring (February to April) or Fall (September to November) seasons to enjoy the most pleasant weather, avoiding the heavy rains and intense heat that can come at other times.
Potential Risks:
Navigating Ethiopia's Roads requires vigilance, as you will encounter stretches that are narrow, winding, and sometimes in need of repair. Exercise caution and be prepared for an adventurous driving experience.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Suitable for drivers with some experience, this Trip offers a rewarding challenge amidst occasionally demanding Road conditions.
- With thoughtful planning, the journey can be undertaken on a moderate budget, allowing a bRoad spectrum of travelers to discover Ethiopia's wonders.
- Ethiopian hospitality is legendary; expect heartwarming encounters and authentic cultural exchanges that will enrich your travels.
A good choice for:
The Ethiopia Road Trip is an epic narrative waiting to unfold for the intrepid Road Tripper. It's a journey that promises a profound connection with the country's soul, combining historical exploration, a celebration of natural beauty, and the joy of cultural discovery. It’s a uniquely enriching experience for those ready to take the path less traveled and witness the vibrant heartbeat of Ethiopia.
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