November is considered one of the best times to visit Ethiopia: it’s the start of the dry and post-rainy season, meaning lush landscapes, fresh air, and clear hiking trails. Festival season is winding down, so sites are lively but not overcrowded.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Transport | $1,000 |
| 🏨 Accommodations | $900 |
| 🧳 Gear | $200 |
| 🗺️ On-site | $700 |
| Total | $2,800 |
[ ] 🏙️ Meskel Square ⭐⭐ (~0.5h)
City’s bustling heart, great for people-watching.
[ ] 🏛️ National Museum of Ethiopia ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
Home of “Lucy,” showcases Ethiopia’s heritage. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
[ ] 🏕️ Entoto Hills ⭐⭐ (~3h)
Panoramic views, local market, and historic churches.
[ ] 🏛️ Ethnological Museum ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Cultural insights inside Haile Selassie’s former palace.
[ ] 🕌 Holy Trinity Cathedral ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Pivotal for Ethiopian Orthodox history and stunning stained glass.
[ ] 🏙️ Merkato ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Africa’s biggest open-air market. Watch valuables; hire a guide for insight.
[ ] 🎨 St. George Church & Museum ⭐️ (~1h)
Famed round church, intricate paintings — less crowded than other sites.
[ ] 🌳 Addis Ababa Park ⭐️ (~1h)
Central greenery, ideal for a stroll.
[ ] 🍸 Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Traditional music/dance shows with local cuisine. Book ahead for best seats.
[ ] 🎵 Jolly Bar & Jazz Club ⭐️ (~2h)
Local scene for Ethio-jazz and live music.
[ ] 🍜 Kategna Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐
Superb injera with spicy wots, city favorite (~$8–$15 per meal).
[ ] 🍜 Taitu Hotel Vegetarian Buffet ⭐⭐
Huge vegan spread, local institution (~$6–$10).
[ ] 🛕 Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)
UNESCO World Heritage: monolithic churches carved from stone. Hire a local guide.
[ ] 🏙️ Biete Medhane Alem ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
The largest monolithic church in the world.
[ ] 🏛️ Biete Maryam Cluster ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Stunning archways and religious murals.
[ ] 🌳 Asheten Maryam Monastery Hike ⭐⭐ (~3h)
Challenging trek, rewarding vistas, centuries-old monastery.
[ ] 🎨 Lalibela Arts Gallery ⭐️ (~1h)
Local artwork, a good place for souvenirs.
[ ] 🏙️ Lalibela Market ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Colorful, especially on Saturdays. Local spices and crafts.
[ ] 🌳 Na’akuto La’ab Monastery ⭐️ (~1h)
Cave-church with spring; lesser-known but atmospheric.
[ ] 🍜 Unique Restaurant Lalibela ⭐⭐⭐
Famous for shiro and fresh juices (~$6–$12).
[ ] 🍜 Seven Olives Hotel Restaurant ⭐⭐
Lively terrace, classic Ethiopian fare (~$8–$15).
[ ] 🏞️ Simien Mountains Hikes (Day or Multi-day Options) ⭐⭐⭐ (~full day)
Trek among dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife. Hire a national park guide for best routes.
[ ] 🌄 Imet Gogo Viewpoint ⭐⭐⭐ (~0.5 day)
Jaw-dropping panoramas, best at sunrise or sunset.
[ ] 🌳 Encounter with Gelada Baboons ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Observe herds in natural grasslands.
[ ] 🌊 Jinbar Waterfall ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Picturesque and a refreshing mid-trek stop.
[ ] 🏙️ Debark Town Exploration ⭐ (~1h)
Gateway to the park; wander for supplies and snacks.
[ ] 🏛️ Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
UNESCO fortress once home to Ethiopian emperors.
[ ] 🏛️ Debre Berhan Selassie Church ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
Spectacular ceiling paintings and historic architecture.
[ ] 🎨 Qusquam Complex ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Unique church and former palace with vibrant frescoes.
[ ] 🏙️ Gondar Town Walk ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Colorful historic quarter, local shops and cafés.
[ ] 🌳 Fasilides Bath ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Bathing pools set amidst tranquil gardens.
[ ] 🍜 AG Hotel Restaurant ⭐⭐
Well-rated for Ethiopian specialties (~$8–$12).
[ ] 🍜 Tele Cafe Gondar ⭐
Chill spot for coffee and sambusas.
NetflixBBC iPlayerYouTubeBBC iPlayerAmazon PrimeYouTube| City | Nights | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa | 2 | Elilly International | $180 |
| Lalibela | 3 | Sora Lodge or similar | $270 |
| Simien Mts | 3 | Simien Lodge | $300 |
| Gondar | 2 | AG Hotel Gondar | $150 |
| Total | 10 | $900 |