
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Shashemenē, Oromīya, Ethiopia
1. Dashen-Awash Train Journey
Scenic train ride through Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley, passing by the beautiful Awash National Park and the towering Dashen volcano.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a unique blend of arid landscapes and lush vegetation
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe Ethiopian wildlife such as gazelles, kudus, and even the occasional giraffe.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route.
2. Addis Ababa - Adama Train Ride
Quick and affordable journey between Ethiopia's capital and the historic town of Adama, with stunning views of the central highlands.
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective long-distance train rides in Ethiopia.
- Easy Access: Direct connection between Addis Ababa and Adama, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas rich in archaeological and historical sites such as the ruins of Adami Tulu.
3. Ethio-Djibouti Electric Railway
Modern train ride connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti, offering stunning views of the Red Sea and the desert landscapes.
- Engineering Marvel: One of Africa's most impressive engineering projects, completed in 2017.
- Cross-Border Travel: Allows travelers to easily reach Djibouti City from Ethiopia by train.
- Scenic Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of the Red Sea, coastal mountains, and desert landscapes.
4. Welkait-Metema Train Journey
Scenic train ride along the Tekezze River, passing through the vibrant market town of Metema.
- Local Culture: Offers travelers a glimpse into rural life in Ethiopia.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning views of the Tekezze River and its surrounding landscapes.
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective train journeys in Ethiopia.
5. Shashemene - Awassa Train Ride
Journey through the lush Great Rift Valley, passing by the bustling city of Awassa and Lake Awassa.
- Natural Beauty: Offers travelers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Awassa.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe various bird species and potentially even hippos in Lake Awassa.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route.
6. Shashemene - Hara Gebeya Train Ride
Scenic train ride through the lush Bale Mountains, passing by Hara Gebeya and its unique landscape.
- Natural Beauty: Offers travelers stunning views of the Bale Mountains and their unique landscape.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe Ethiopian wolf, spotted hyena, and other wildlife in the Bale Mountains National Park.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route.
7. Tena-Kombolcha Train Ride
Journey through Ethiopia's highlands, passing by the beautiful Tana Beles River and the historic town of Kombolcha.
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas rich in archaeological and historical sites such as the ruins of Aksum.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning views of the Tana Beles River and its surrounding landscapes.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route.
8. Bahir Dar - Gondar Train Ride
Scenic train ride through the Blue Nile region, passing by Lake Tana and historic Gondar.
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas rich in archaeological and historical sites such as the ancient city of Gondar.
- Natural Beauty: Offers travelers stunning views of Lake Tana and its surroundings.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route.
9. Gondar - Simien Mountains Train Ride
Scenic train ride through the Simien Mountains National Park, offering breathtaking views and potential wildlife sightings.
- Natural Beauty: Offers travelers stunning views of the Simien Mountains National Park.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to observe Ethiopian wolves, gelada baboons, and other wildlife in the park.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route.
10. Addis Ababa - Dire Dawa Train Ride
Journey through Ethiopia's eastern highlands, passing by the historic city of Dire Dawa.
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas rich in archaeological and historical sites such as Harar Jagol.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route, including those in Dire Dawa and Harar.
- Scenic Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of Ethiopia's eastern highlands and its diverse landscapes.
11. Dessie - Debre Markos Train Ride
Journey through Ethiopia's central highlands, passing by the historic town of Debre Markos.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning views of Ethiopia's central highlands and its diverse landscapes.
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas rich in archaeological and historical sites such as the ruins of Adami Tulu.
12. Debre Zenit - Metahara Train Ride
Journey through Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley, passing by the Metahara Sugar Estate and Debre Zeit.
- Natural Beauty: Offers travelers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and its surrounding landscapes.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route, including those in Debre Zeit and the Metahara Sugar Estate.
- Easy Access: Direct connection between Addis Ababa and Debre Zenit, making it easily accessible for travelers.
13. Addis Ababa - Nairobi Train Ride
Modern train ride connecting Ethiopia and Kenya, offering stunning views of the savannah and the highlands.
- Cross-Border Travel: Allows travelers to easily reach Nairobi from Addis Ababa by train.
- Scenic Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of the savannah, highlands, and diverse landscapes.
- Engineering Marvel: One of Africa's most impressive engineering projects, completed in 2017.
14. Addis Ababa - Djibouti City
Modern train ride connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti City via the newly constructed electrified railway.
- Cross-Border Travel: Allows travelers to easily reach Djibouti City from Addis Ababa by train.
- Scenic Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of the Red Sea, coastal mountains, and desert landscapes.
- Engineering Marvel: One of Africa's most impressive engineering projects, completed in 2017.
15. Addis Ababa - Moyale Train Ride
Journey through Ethiopia's northeastern highlands and along the border with Kenya, passing by the town of Moyale.
- Cross-Border Travel: Allows travelers to easily reach Kenya from Ethiopia by train.
- Scenic Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of the highlands, savannah, and diverse landscapes along the border with Kenya.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to interact with local communities along the route, including those in Moyale and other border towns.