How Couples Can Explore Ethiopia

For couples out to collect moments, a serene flight in the skies of Addis Ababa in a hot air balloon is definitely an unforgettable experience. Not only will you have a birds-eye view of Addis Ababa but you will also get to see the beautiful sunrise. As you feel the solid earth under your feet again, there will be a short, charming ceremony to celebrate the safe return of the balloon to the ground. And you get to be called a count and countess!

Soothing wave sounds, cool wind blowing through your hair, and the beautiful sun shining on your face—nothing speaks of more romance than a walk by the lake and Ethiopia has many beautiful ones to offer. Set off on a walk from the shores of Lake Hawassa, affectionately called the “Lake of Love,” in Southern Ethiopia. Should the travel tides take you to North-Western Ethiopia, a walk by Lake Tana is also an experience you will definitely enjoy. Make the most out of your trip—hire a boat and do some hippo watching.

If you are looking for a simple R&R at the movies, Edna mall is probably the best place in Addis Ababa where you can share a good movie with the one you love. You can enjoy a good dinner at one of the restaurants in the area before settling for a box office movie. That’s everything you need for a classic date night.

When it comes to spoiling your loved one with a treat, nothing beats a picturesque horseback ride on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. If you’re a first-time rider, you can take lessons from Beka Ferda Ranch, with its well-kept horses. The experience is guaranteed to make you feel euphoric. Your ride will take you through local farms, which will give you a peek into the Ethiopian countryside, and you will occasionally cross paths with deer, monkeys, and birds. Saddle up and enjoy the view overlooking Addis Ababa.

The colorful Shiro Meda is one of the local markets you can visit to get some beautiful, traditional Ethiopian clothes as a souvenir. You can pick some items to your liking from the handmade and embroidered scarfs, shirts, dresses, and/or shoes. Strolling through the incredible maze of shops in Merkato, the biggest open market in Africa, is also a great experience. Put your haggling skills to the test while buying gifts for each other that will last long after you’ve left the country.

About an hour drive from Addis Ababa, you will find yourself in the dense Menagesha Suba Forest, away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Put on your hiking boots and discover the serene environment with endemic birds, baboons, and colobus monkeys (gureza). You can also do some mountain biking and enjoy the panoramic view at the top. Huddle up in a cozy tent afterwards in one of the three camping sites in the area for a romantic night. Reassure your love’s timelessness in the oldest national park in Africa.

The different cities of Ethiopia have a variety of places where you can enjoy both traditional and modern music. If you’re in Addis Ababa, the likes of Fendeka Azemari Bet, Yod Abyssinia, and 2000 Habesha present jaw dropping traditional performances with live music. While you’re here, have a taste of one of the local alcohol beverages, tej, a drink made of honey. If you want to have fun on the dance floor, clubs like the Vault, Gas Light, and Flirt Lounge are a few of many with a pleasant ambiance.

A breathtaking view of Addis Ababa awaits couples up for the lovely hike to the top of Mount Entoto. You can take a walk through a forest in an area called “The lung of Addis Ababa,” known for its fresh air. While you are there, you should visit the historic Entoto Mariam church, King Menelik’s palace, and the Yaya Athletics Village.

With Ethiopian cuisine, it’s truly the more the merrier. It has extensive choices and you will get to try a bunch of things in one dish. If you want to indulge your taste in European dishes, there are plenty of restaurants that fit the bill. Try something new and create memories with your significant other.

If you’re a couple who find museums fascinating, some stops with historical artifacts will resonate with your interest. A highlight you shouldn’t miss is the skeletal remains of Lucy, who has lived in Ethiopia over 3.2 million years ago. Called Dinkinesh in Amharic, the local language of Ethiopia, the grandmother of humanity is housed in the National Museum in Addis Ababa. The Harar Museum and Wukro Museum are a couple of the many museums you will find on your visit out of the capital city.