Situated in the region called as Horn of Africa, Ethiopia owns vast lands and natural marvels. As one of the oldest civilizations worldwide, the Ethiopian people have been living on these lands for more than 3000 years, owning a rich and deep-rooted culture as the sole African country which had not been colonized. Ethiopia, where the human life is anticipated to date back to 5000s Before Common Era hosts numerous ancient and sacred regions, as well as splendid historical artifacts.

If you are also interested in visiting Ethiopia, in high demand by its delicious coffee, rich cultural fabric, historical artifacts and natural gems offering spectacular landscapes, book your flight to Ethiopia with Turkish Airlines now to enjoy a privileged journey of high quality up in the clouds.

Ethiopia flight details

Turkish Airlines flies to two different destinations in Ethiopia: Addis Ababa and Kebri Dahar. Flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Bole International Airport (ADD) in the capital take nearly five hours and thirty minutes. Flights to Kebri Dahar Airport (ABK) in Kebri Dahar city are operated as connecting flights over the capital Addis Ababa. The duration of the journey in connecting flights varies by the layover.

As a country with tropical monsoon climate, temperatures do not drop so much in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the country is cooler than other African countries; this allows it to be visited at all seasons. Moreover, Ethiopia is flooded by the maximum number of visitors during winter and spring, when there is no rain and the weather is favorable.

In addition to many religious feasts, exotic festivals revealing the country’s colorful culture are one of the major reasons bringing in many fanciers of cultural tourism. The largest event countrywide is without a doubt the Great Ethiopian Run. Held every year on November 18, the marathon welcomes nearly 25 thousand athletes. There are also talent competitions and various events held together with the marathon. Another significant event displaying the country’s bond with sports is the All Ethiopian Games. Organized in March once in every four years, this event takes place all over the country. Games held with the huge participation of thousands of athletes are among the top colorful organizations providing a chance to know the Ethiopian culture. Another important sports event is Tense Cycling Race. Held in Addis Ababa Stadium in the capital, the races bring in many sports people and audiences all over the world.

Furthermore, Addis International Film Festival taking place every year in May to revive and call attention to African movie sector which has developed significantly in recent years, shines out as another noteworthy event drawing interest of the tourists. Festival where also the screenings of foreign movies are held, would be a wonderful chance for the cinema fanciers who want to witness the place of Africa in the sector. Ethiopia International Film and Music Festival which also takes place in May, arouses interest as a vibrant event where you can watch movie screenings and listen to concerts from every genre including also the country’s traditional music.

Ethiopia sightseeing and attractions

The Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa draws interest by its high-rise buildings and broad boulevards. You may visit the National Museum to gain an insight into the country’s deep-rooted background. The museum inside university campus has been serving since 1936. Hosting the country’s artistic heritages and archeological findings, museum exhibits the costumes of the local people, together with the traditional and contemporary works of art and the oldest human skeleton discovered up to now. Another attractive museum in the capital is Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum. Opened in 2010 for honoring the victims of “Red Terror”, the museum may be added to your sightseeing list as a creepy but an interesting spot where various instruments of torture, victims’ sculls, bones, coffins, bloody clothes and photographs are exhibited.

There are also many enthralling and historic cathedrals in the capital, flooded by a large number of tourists all year round. The most glorious and popular cathedral is the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, this stunning holy structure was built to commemorate the country’s decolonizing itself from Italian colony during the World War II. Another much older Orthodox church in the city is the St. George's Cathedral. Built in 1896, this cathedral gets credit from the visitors by its unique octagon-shaped architecture. After visiting these noteworthy spots of the capital, do not forget also to climb the Toto Hill to watch Addis Ababa from 2900 meters above.

The most distinctive characteristic of Ethiopia is doubtlessly its exotic nature. Each corner of this adorable country is simply worth-seeing by the national parks offering a chance to see closer the world’s untouched natural marvels. You may therefore consider the option of car rental to easily visit the country’s breathtaking natural parks. Your first stop may be the Blue Nile Falls, the gorgeous natural marvel of Ethiopia and the main reason of visit for many tourists. Consisting of four streams, these sumptuous Blue Nile Falls are estimated to be between 37 and 45 meters high which can expand to 400 meters in the rainiest seasons.

Another popular natural marvel is the Great Rift Valley, remarkable for being the largest valley of Africa. Extending over an area of nearly 6 thousand kilometers, this valley is also the largest fault line worldwide. Lake Turkana, also known as Lake Rudolf in this valley, on the other hand, is declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Covering an area of 3000 kilometers and hosting numerous species, the length of this lake is 84 kilometers. Another natural reserve included in UNESCO World Heritage List is Simien Mountains National Park. Located in Wag Hemra region in the northern Ethiopia, this national park covers an area of 220 square kilometers and offers a chance to see closer the exotic animals which are only found in this national park, such as Gelada, Ethiopian wolf and Ethiopian goat. Omo National Park in the west bank of Omo River is another Ethiopian marvel which is also included in UNESCO World Heritage List. Hosting many species like zebra, hippopotamus, lion, cheetah and elephant, this park attracts a considerable number of tourists as a favorite spot for safari lovers.