Yes. US and Canadian citizens need a visa before travelling. Apply online for an Ethiopia eVisa (single- or multiple-entry) and travel with a passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry. Visa rules can change—confirm details on the official eVisa site just before you book. If transiting through a country with yellow fever risk, proof of vaccination may be required on arrival.
Discover Tailor-Made Ethiopia Vacations
A land of ancient cultures, dramatic landscapes and immersive traditions waiting to be explored on a custom trip to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is a land of striking contrasts, nestled in the Horn of Africa. It combines breathtaking scenery with a rich history, spanning the towering mountains and lush highlands, to the dramatic valleys and age-old rock-hewn churches. Bustling markets, timeless traditions and warm hospitality make every journey here unforgettable.
Featured Highlights
- Trek through the dramatic Simien Mountains, home of the rare Ethiopian wolf
- Stand amidst Lalibela's silent, yet sublime, ancient rock-hewn churches
- Gaze on Axum's towering obelisks, echoing a civilization two millennia old
- Wander the bustling Addis Ababa, where markets, art, and tradition intertwine
- Explore the Danakil Depression's surreal salt flats, volcanoes and glowing pools
- Join a traditional coffee ceremony or the vibrant Timket festival
From the Founder
I still remember my first trip to Patagonia in 1972—standing at the edge of the Perito Moreno Glacier, feeling impossibly small yet deeply connected to something greater. That's what I want every traveler to experience: those quiet moments of wonder that stay with you long after you've returned home.
Bruce HodgeFounder, Goway Travel
What do Goway's travellers say?
“Exceptional Experience!”
We had an exceptional experience with Goway Travel on our recent trip to Africa. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed, which made the entire journey stress-free.
The recommendations on where to go and what to do were absolutely fantastic! Each stop felt perfectly curated and exceeded our expectations. It was clear that Goway truly understands the destinations they offer and knows how to create a memorable, well-balanced itinerary.
A special thank you to our travel consultant, Bijal, who was outstanding throughout the entire process. Bijal was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive while we prepared for the trip, ensuring that all our questions were answered and that every detail was taken care of. Their guidance made a big difference in building our confidence and excitement leading up to the trip.
I would highly recommend Goway Travel to anyone looking for a seamless, expertly planned travel experience. We will definitely be using them again for our future adventures!
Harjit C“African Safari”
Elisa planned our trip. We were met at the airport by Paul who drove us to Arusha. Adam, our guide and driver was with us the whole trip and was very knowledgeable about the country and the animals & birds we encountered. Accommodations were excellent, meals were delicious and the Tanzanian people we met at each location were so kind and welcoming. A wonderful trip.
pat vickers“Private Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech”
We travelled to Morocco for 10 days, 9 nights, booked through GoWay- they used an excellent local tour company- Cynab. GoWay booked our flights with a stopover Paris, so we did a weekend on our own with family, then transfer to Morocco. Because dates of small group tours didn't work, we booked a private tour for 2, and it wasn't much different in price from small group. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. We were picked up in Casablanca and dropped at Marrakech airport 10 days later with the same driver the whole way. He was a very good driver, always told us what time to expect him next morning and was there like clockwork. Local guides were met along the way for tours of Medinas of Fes, Marrakech and Essouria. The trip was spectacular. Saw many beautiful sites. All the hotels were great- first night at Villa Mandarine in Rabat, with orange trees in the garden, the Oz Palace in Ouarzazate and the Merzouga luxury desert camp were paticularly special. The Jaal Riad in Marrakech was a beautiful hotel and a good one to relax by the pool our last day after our busy travel days. In Fes, the Merides up on a hill was a great respite from the intensity of a day walking through the Fes Medina. NIce to sit on the terrace and watch the sun go down and the lights come up. Although the days were packed, the hotels were always an oases of calm at end of day, and because we didn't need to do any navigating, it was very relaxing. Be prepared to be shown alot of artisan shops- its interesting to see and important to contribute somewhat to the economy, but I sometimes felt a bit pressured to buy, but we ended up with a reasonable amount of souvenirs and not a big cost compared to the trip. Overall a highly memorable trip, we felt very welcome in Morocco, people are very warm and hotel staff treated us royally. We felt very safe and comfortable the whole time. As someone with IBD, I was impressed I had no tummy troubles the whole time. The driver stopped at great places for lunch, and with the private tours in the city we could tell the guide when we wanted to stop and they always suggested a great place. Food was excellent throughout. A tour arranged dinner on a roof top restaurant in Marrakech was particularly special, with a gorgeous sunset and the waiters sang! The meal in the Sahara desert camp was also particularly special. Highly recommend this trip
TW“Our trip to South Africa was a dream…”
Our trip to South Africa was a dream come true thanks to Gina our travel consultant.
Right from our first meeting almost two years ago the planning and execution were beyond perfect. The itinerary was carefully chosen and provided us with a full range of experiences that were incredible .
Logistically everything worked like clockwork( flights and ground transportation ) and even with the storm and the re routing the local company , Thompson travel , Mike, did an excellent job and did disappoint We had quite the adventure. The accommodation chosen for us by Gina were all different and very unique ! A new adventure every night
Both safaris were excellent yet so different. We have to say we will hold a special place in our hearts for our last stay at the Garonga , the staff were incredible and it felt like a family.
We saw is all, smelled it all , ate and drank it ( we both gained 5 lbs ) all and learned so much. South Africa is an amazing country with beautiful souls.
Every penny spent and every mile travelled was well worth every penny.We will be talking about this for years.
Thank you Gina and your colleagues behind the scenes at Goway travel for making our dreams come true!
Deirdre Keane“Excellent Safari Trip tour agency!”
This is an excellent tour agency that provides an excellent, all inclusive safari experience in South Africa, especially in the renown Kruger National Park. The agency will provide a very detailed, day-by-day itinerary of the trip, which, for the most part, describes exactly the order of activities that a customer will experience from start to end of the reserved trip. Our safari trip included a hotel pick-up in Cape Town in the beginning of the safari trip and drop-off at the end of the trip. Flights to and from either Johannesburg or Mpumalanga airport are included. We reserved a 3-day safari trip which included an afternoon safari the first day, a full day safari the 2nd day, and a morning safari the 3rd day. The lodge where we stayed was very clean with modern and convenient accommodations, including WIFI and breakfast. The guides are well trained and very knowledgeable about all animals we came across during our trip, and were also very courteous, polite and easy to engage in conversation. They made our safari trip exciting but safe! I would highly recommend this safari tour agency.
Christos Patriotis“Its all about the journey”
Its all about the journey, isn't it? And our journey through Kenya, Africa was amazing and we have Bijal Kana of Goway Travel to thank for it.
From the start when we first discussed a true Safari adventure, Bijal was being helpful. Her suggestions were helpful in where to go and how we could save a few dollars when possible. Never trying to be cheap but simply, cost conscious. This was the beginning of what will continue as a forever working relationship in travel. Bijal gained our confidence and trust. And that is a rare commodity these days.
Then too there was the staff from Goway and Sense of Africa like Ruth, Wilson and Francis who allowed us to see the non tourist side of Nairobi and became fast friends. The wonderful selections made by Bijal as to where we would stay and all the Serena locations were marvelous. And at the last minute, when a bridge got washed out and we could not get to the last lodge camp, Bijal responded to our whatsapp call immediately and we were placed in the Sorova lodge. True not the same, but in the middle of a game area, who complains? It was great and we had so much fun.
The tour selection took us through parks, reserves and conservancy locales. We saw the big 5 and much more. Lions fighting, Hyenas making a chase and ultimate dinner selection, A leopard resting on tree branches, A cheetah stalking and then at rest. Hyena pups and Honbeast babes being birthed. Hippopotamus in the water, Zebra grazing, Elephants crossing rivers en mass. You'd think we hit the National Geographic channel.
Great job Bijal. Good deal Goway.
customerBram L. Bottfeld“Perfectly curated trip”
Our trip was great and your partners in Egypt met and exceeded our expectations.
Having the guides and drivers was a new experience for us but absolutely invaluable
We would recommend Goway to anyone.
joe levack“Outstanding Supplier -Highly Recommend!”
This was my second time working with Taha Colombowala, Group Specialist. Our journey to Ghana was top notch! 🇬🇭 The accommodations, curated tours, and coordination with the team on the ground made the this trip quite amazing.
Taha was very supportive throughout the entire process. Goway makes me look like a superstar with my clients!! I am already planning new itineraries.
Denise Watkins“BEST Customer Service”
As a travel agent, I work with many vendors. Goway Travel is by far superior when it comes to customer service. I had the pleasure of working with Shanaz on an amazing journey for my clients to Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania. SHANAZ is amazing and represents GoWay Travel with pride and professionalism. She was thorough and provided exactly what my clients asked for. I highly recommend working with her if your dream is to travel to Africa. She's a great asset for Goway Travel. Wishing her much success!!
Terri“Amazing experience in Dubai and Maldives”
I truly don’t have the words to fully describe my recent trip to Dubai and the Maldives—“amazing” simply doesn’t do it justice. I have traveled many times before, but this trip will stay with me in a special way, largely because of how wonderfully it was organized by Emma Woodward at Goway Travel.
From departing Toronto Pearson Airport to arriving in Dubai, continuing on to the Maldives, and returning home, everything went perfectly—we did not experience a single hiccup.
I entrusted Emma with organizing our entire itinerary, including where to go, what to see in Dubai, and selecting the perfect resort in the Maldives based on our preferences. Throughout the trip, I truly felt like royalty. We were warmly welcomed at each destination, seamlessly transferred to our accommodations, and taken care of every step of the way.
In Dubai, she arranged an incredible guided tour of the city, allowing us to see all the must-visit highlights, as well as an unforgettable desert experience that included amazing cultural experience including amazing local food, cultural entertainment and activities such as dune ride, sunset at the dessert, sandboarding, camel ride etc.
The Maldives was a breathtaking experience in itself—from the scenic seaplane transfer to the resort to the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere that provided the perfect balance after our busy days in Dubai.
Thank you very much to Emma for creating such a memorable experience for us. This trip was a perfect gift from my husband for my 60th birthday and my retirement. I will cherish these memories and will gladly recommend Goway Travel to all of my friends.
Warm regards,
Margarita and Zoran Filinov
Margarita FilinovTravel Information about Ethiopia
Get to know Ethiopia before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Ethiopia’s beauty shifts with the seasons, offering globetrotters something remarkable at any time of year. Every journey in Ethiopia is shaped by captivating landscapes, a warm climate, and exciting cultures, from mountain treks to ancient festivals.
The dry season, from October to February, is perfect for trekking in the Simien and Bale Mountains, where clear skies and cool air create ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife encounters. This is also the best time to explore UNESCO treasures like Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and Axum’s obelisks, without the interruption of rain.
From June to September, the rainy season transforms Ethiopia into a lush green tapestry. It’s a rewarding time to discover the traditions of the southern tribes and witness rural life in full rhythm with the land.
Festivals such as Meskel, Timket, and Ethiopian Christmas enrich the calendar, particularly in September when the rains ease and travel becomes especially comfortable. For quieter journeys, the shoulder months of April to May and September to October offer fewer crowds and a gentler pace, allowing you to experience the country’s cultural and natural wonders with ease.
What do the experts say?
If you are looking to experience something truly unique then plan your trip to coincide with Timkat (Epiphany) on January 19th for colourful processions of priests carrying the Tabots (Ark replicas)
When in the Addis Ababa, coffee lovers should make sure to visit Aster Bunna: A cozy and long-standing coffee house renowned by locals for serving some of the best-quality Ethiopian coffee in the city.
Ethiopia is one of the few places in the world that uses a 13-month calendar and its own 12-hour clock system, meaning the country is currently seven years behind the rest of the world.
Places To Go
Handcrafted journeys to our most popular places to visit in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in the Amharic language means ‘New...
Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in the Amharic language means ‘New Flower’, is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis but also a growing city...
Axum
The original capital of the Kingdom of Axum, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places...
The original capital of the Kingdom of Axum, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa on an Ethiopian vacation. It was a naval and trading power that ruled the region from...
Bahar Dar
Bahir Dar is the third largest city in Ethiopia after Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. It is the capital...
Bahir Dar is the third largest city in Ethiopia after Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. It is the capital of the Amhara region inhabited by the Amhara people, the country's ethnically and geographically...
Gondar
Gondar is a royal and ancient historical city in Ethiopia. It was the home of many emperors and...
Gondar is a royal and ancient historical city in Ethiopia. It was the home of many emperors and princesses who led the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th Century. It is also...
Simien Mountains
The Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia, northeast of Gondar, are part of the Ethiopian Highlands...
The Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia, northeast of Gondar, are part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They are a World Heritage Site and include the Simien Mountains, National Park. The mountains...
Addis Ababa
Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in the Amharic language means ‘New...
Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in the Amharic language means ‘New Flower’, is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis but also a growing city...
Axum
The original capital of the Kingdom of Axum, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places...
The original capital of the Kingdom of Axum, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa on an Ethiopian vacation. It was a naval and trading power that ruled the region from...
Bahar Dar
Bahir Dar is the third largest city in Ethiopia after Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. It is the capital...
Bahir Dar is the third largest city in Ethiopia after Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. It is the capital of the Amhara region inhabited by the Amhara people, the country's ethnically and geographically...
Gondar
Gondar is a royal and ancient historical city in Ethiopia. It was the home of many emperors and...
Gondar is a royal and ancient historical city in Ethiopia. It was the home of many emperors and princesses who led the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th Century. It is also...
Simien Mountains
The Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia, northeast of Gondar, are part of the Ethiopian Highlands...
The Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia, northeast of Gondar, are part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They are a World Heritage Site and include the Simien Mountains, National Park. The mountains...
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa or special permits to enter Ethiopia?
What language is spoken locally? How widely is English understood in Ethiopia?
Amharic is the federal working language, alongside many regional languages such as Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya. English is taught widely and used in tourism and business, so you’ll usually get by in hotels, with guides, and on Goway tours; carry key phrases in Amharic for markets and rural stops.
What are the must-see attractions in Ethiopia?
Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches feel otherworldly at dawn; the Simien Mountains deliver sky-high viewpoints and gelada encounters; Gondar’s royal castles and Lake Tana’s island monasteries tell centuries of history. Culture lovers add Harar’s old city; adventurers eye the Danakil Depression’s surreal salt flats and hydrothermal colours. Goway itineraries cover these classics and more.
Is Ethiopia safe? What should I keep in mind while travelling there?
Conditions vary. The US advises “Reconsider travel,” and Canada advises “Avoid non-essential travel,” with regional no-go areas. Expect periodic checkpoints, internet or communications disruptions, and demonstrations. Keep plans flexible, follow local news, use trusted guides, and confirm regional safety with your tour operator close to departure. Health-wise, ask a travel clinic about malaria prevention and yellow fever requirements for your routing. High-altitude Addis Ababa can leave you short of breath on day one—take it easy.
What’s the best way to travel within Ethiopia?
Distances are big, so combine domestic flights with targeted road trips. Ethiopian Airlines links major hubs like Addis Ababa, Gondar, Lalibela, and Axum; overland, expect slow going on rural stretches and occasional livestock on roads. Driving is on the right; most visitors hire a driver/guide. For luggage and routing, check your Ethiopian Airlines fare rules before you pack.
What Ethiopian cultural customs should I be aware of?
Greetings are warm—use the right hand to give/receive items. If invited to a coffee ceremony, accept at least the first cup and linger; elders are often served first. In Ethiopian Orthodox churches, remove shoes, dress modestly (a light scarf is handy), and follow your guide’s lead. Photography at religious sites may require permission.
What should I wear/pack for Ethiopia’s climate?
Most trips mix cool highlands and hot lowlands. The drier main travel season is roughly Oct–Mar; long rains fall Jun–Sep. Pack breathable layers, a fleece for crisp highland nights, sun hat and strong SPF, and sturdy walking shoes. For Danakil or the Omo lowlands, add a very light long-sleeve, electrolytes, and a scarf for dust. A Type C/F adaptor (220V, 50Hz) will charge your gear.
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