Travel bloggers who have visited 50 countries across five continents have named Ethiopia, the African country, as one of the most underrated countries to visit in 2025. If you’e a fan of unconventional travel and looking for a hidden gem, then Ethiopia might be the place of your dreams. And that’s despite the Foreign Office warning against travel in many parts of the country, especially near Ethiopia’s borders with Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, and Eritrea,
“Ethiopia offers a fascinating, unique travel experience, and has far fewer tourists than South Africa or Kenya. Its historic rock-carved churches, castles, and natural wonders like geysers are completely different from other parts of Africa,” the couple behind the Off The Beaten Travel hub writes.
According to the travellers, the northern city of Lalibela is a must-visit. Its 14th-century churches, carved directly into rock, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and remain active today. Visitors can attend a service or take a guided tour led by a local priest, experiencing centuries-old traditions in a striking architectural setting.
They also recommend the Simien Mountains National Park, offering some of the country’s most stunning scenery, with soaring peaks, deep valleys, and the chance to see Gelada baboons in the wild.
Further south, Bale Mountains National Park presents glacial lakes and scenic trekking routes, with lodges such as Bale Mountain Lodge providing the ideal spot to unwind at sunset. These highland adventures seamlessly prepare visitors for one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
In Afar, the Danakil Depression is an otherworldly landscape not to be missed. Over three days, travellers trek to a volcano near one of the world’s closest active lava lakes, explore salt flats, and witness camel caravans transporting salt to local markets.
The Dallol hydrothermal area, with its vibrant mineral formations, adds another surreal dimension. Guided tours with a 4×4 vehicle are essential, but the experience – including accommodation and meals – is unforgettable.
To travel to Ethiopia, visitors now require an online visa before arrival, which streamlines entry at Addis Ababa airport.
Ethiopian Airlines offers direct flights from many international destinations, making access straightforward.
With its mix of history, adventure, and culture, Ethiopia offers an off-the-beaten-track experience unlike anywhere else in Africa, seamlessly connecting the country’s past, present, and natural wonders.