Cycling in Ethiopia is for riders who crave the road less travelled.
Expect big-sky plateaus, steep escarpments and thundering waterfalls, woven through with centuries of history and everyday village life. Coffee grows wild, smiles come easy, and the riding feels like a genuine journey rather than a tick-list of climbs.
Why visit Ethiopia
This is adventure cycling at its best: riding on mixed surfaces, impressive natural scenery and interactions with curious locals.
Plan smart, and you’ll be rewarded with quiet back roads, campfire chats and scenery you’ll talk about for years! But do check current travel advice and ensure your insurance matches your planned rides and regions. Things change quickly here and not all areas of the country are safe to travel in.
Where to ride
For green valleys, waterfalls and volcanic ridges, the Rift Valley delivers flowing days with punchy climbs. North and west of Addis, the Gurage Highlands bring red-earth tracks, grassy “village roads” and huge hospitality. Push higher and you’ll find broad highlands with long gravel descents and wildlife on the moors.
Road surfaces vary from smooth gravel to rocky doubletrack; a MTB or robust gravel bike with low gearing is ideal. If you prefer support, local operators can provide guides, logistics and bike hire, plus navigation files and vehicle back-up, perfect if you want the adventure without the admin.
Interested? We’re working on a new guide to cycling in Ethiopia – watch this space!
Please support Epic Road Rides
A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!
If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar here.
It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.
Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!First Published: 08 January 2026
The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.