Things to Do in Ethiopia: City Guides & Audio Tours

Looking for things to do in Ethiopia? This country offers a remarkable journey through human history, ancient kingdoms, religious traditions and the story of a nation that defended its independence. From the discoveries that transformed the study of early humans to the heritage of Aksum and the landmarks of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia rewards travellers who want to understand the depth behind its places.

Neywo has free audio guides for 1 city in Ethiopia, with 12 narrated places in total and 2 walking tours. Narration is available in 11 languages.

What to see and do in Ethiopia

Explore the story of early humans

Ethiopia is central to the study of early humans because of important discoveries made in the country. Among them is Ardipithecus ramidus, known as Ardi, which is 4.2 million years old. These discoveries give Ethiopia a significance that reaches far beyond its later political and religious history: the country is also part of the story of human origins.

Learn about the Kingdom of D’mt

In northern Ethiopia, the Kingdom of D’mt was one of the powerful states that emerged in the country’s early history. It was later followed by the Kingdom of Aksum, but D’mt remains an important part of the long sequence of civilisations that shaped the region.

Discover the legacy of Aksum

The Kingdom of Aksum maintained a unified civilisation in the region for centuries. Its history is closely connected with the development of Christianity in Ethiopia, which reached Aksum and became part of the country’s enduring religious heritage.

Aksum also belongs to the wider story of Ethiopia’s ancient kingdoms and political influence. Visiting places connected with this history helps put the country’s later traditions and identity into context.

Follow the history of Christianity and Islam

Ethiopia’s religious history reflects the meeting of different traditions. Christianity reached Aksum, while Islam gained influence during the first Hijra. Together, these developments form part of the country’s long history of faith, cultural exchange and political change.

Understand Ethiopia’s struggle for independence

Ethiopia’s past includes long periods of conflict, renewal and independence. The country repelled invasions from Egypt and Italy, and its victory over an Italian invasion at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 became especially significant.

That victory helped Ethiopia remain independent during the Scramble for Africa, when much of the continent was being colonised by European powers. Italy later invaded and occupied the country, but full sovereignty was restored during the Second World War. The sequence of resistance, occupation and restoration is essential to understanding Ethiopia’s modern history.

Visit Addis Ababa

For travellers beginning an Ethiopia trip in the capital, Addis Ababa offers a way to explore the country’s history through its narrated landmarks. Neywo’s city guide includes 12 narrated places, including the National Museum of Ethiopia, St. George’s Cathedral, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Holy Trinity Cathedral.

The capital is also a useful starting point for seeing how Ethiopia’s ancient past, religious traditions and modern national story meet in one city.

Meet a country of many communities

Ethiopia is now a federal republic and home to more than 80 ethnic groups. Its identity cannot be reduced to a single tradition or a single historical period. The country’s story is shaped by kingdoms, faiths, conflict, renewal and endurance, with different communities contributing to its cultural depth.

Ethiopia travel guide: how to explore with Neywo

Download Neywo’s free audio guide and explore Ethiopia through 2 walking tours in Addis Ababa, with 12 narrated stops in total. The app tells the story of each place as you reach it, at your own pace, with no group and no schedule.

It is a simple way to add context to the landmarks you visit while walking through the city. Choose a route, follow it at your own rhythm and listen when you arrive at each narrated place.