Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa The name of the city, in Amharic, means "new flower". Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 m above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain 3,000 m above sea level. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato".
Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located at 1,800 meters above sea level on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. The city is gateway to visit the medieval period island monasteries at the Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as the Tisisat Falls.
Gondar
Gondar was the former capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, and was founded in 1635 by King Fasilidas. It remained influential for nearly 250 years until the seat of power moved further south. Several castles – seemingly more European than African – were built during this period. Gonder as an old town has other treasures too. The most famous site, the Fasil Ghebbi or Royal Enclosure. This royal estate is characterized by its massive stone ramparts and a fascinating, dynastic series of castles, built one after the other by Ethiopian Kings.
Axum
Axum – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is recounted that the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum and it remains here and, preserved in a sanctuary. Axum is widely identified and very popular with its famous monolithic Steale of Axum, the Inscription of Ezana, Queen Sheba’s Palace, the Famous St. Mary of Zion Church, Ruins of Ancient Palaces (built until 4th Century A.D.).
Lalibela
Lalibela Town is renowned for its religious and touristic sites. The main attractions of Lalibela tourist destination emanate from several monolithic rock-hewn churches dating back to the 12th century. The town is considered one of the holy places that pilgrims visit at least once in their life time for most Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia.
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are the most impressive 11th century monolithic, semi monolithic and cave churches. These churches are clustered into three groups divided by river called ‘Jordan’. The first group north of Jordan River comprises six churches; Bete Medihane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil, Bete Debre Sina and Bete Golgota and it symbolizes the Earthly Jerusalem. The second group of churches symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem is located East of the Jordan River and comprise Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Gabriel-Rufael. The third group constitutes only one church, Bete Giyorgis, symbolizes the Ark of Noah.
Besides those churches, there are plenty of rock-hewn cave and cave churches within an only 20-50 Km distance from the town. The churches are also known for their ample heritages, festivals, and rich histories. Some of these churches around Lalibela include Ashetan Maryam, Yimrehane Kiristos, Arbatu Ensessa, Bilbila Chirkos, Bilbila Giyorgis, Na'akuto La'ab, Geneta Maryam, Machina Maryam and others
Harer
The fortified historical town of Harer is known for Islamic culture. Harer, a walled-city with its unique, narrow cobblestoned walkways, and with high concentration of Mosques around 80. A visit in Harer includes; busy local market, the house of the French Poet Rimbaud, local Harari house and Harar's Cultural Museum. An adventurous event in the evening watching man feeding a hyena. It is an old tradition that takes place at the edge of town. Usually, it is feeding by hand, and sometimes mouth to mouth, feeding of wild hyenas.