Dessie Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Dessie is a busy commercial city with a cool highland climate and attractive countryside close by.

• Mount Tossa — The mountain rising above the city offers walks and wide views over Dessie and the surrounding valleys.
• Lake Hayk — A scenic crater-like lake north of Dessie, known for birdlife and the old Hayk Estifanos monastery on its shore, a historic centre of learning.
• City market — One of the region’s busiest markets, full of grain, spices, coffee, livestock and handmade goods.
• Kombolcha — The neighbouring industrial town lies in a lower valley and is the location of the airport.
• Coffee ceremony — Share a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, with beans roasted and brewed in front of you.
• Road towards Lalibela — Dessie lies on one of the overland routes towards Lalibela and the northern highlands.

At around 2,500 metres above sea level, Dessie has a cool climate, with mild days and chilly nights. The main rainy season usually runs from about June to September, when roads can be muddy and views clouded.

The dry season from about October to February brings clear skies, green landscapes after the rains and comfortable walking weather. Major Orthodox festivals such as Meskel in September and Timkat in January are celebrated with colourful processions throughout the region.

Kombolcha Airport lies near the town of Kombolcha, south of Dessie, and handles domestic flights mainly from Addis Ababa. The drive to Dessie climbs through the hills and takes a while.

There is no train link. Taxis and minibuses run between Kombolcha and Dessie, and many hotels can arrange a pick-up if asked in advance. Booking a transfer is the easiest option, especially for late arrivals.

Dessie has a range of hotels and guesthouses, from simple to comfortable mid-range options.

• City centre — Close to the market, restaurants and minibus stations; the most convenient choice for short stays.
• Main road through town — Newer hotels suit business travellers and road-trippers heading north or south.
• Kombolcha — Handy for the airport and the industrial area; suits business visitors with early flights.

• Travel advice: Parts of the Amhara Region have been affected by insecurity, so check your government’s latest travel advice before travelling and follow local guidance.
• Money: Carry birr in cash; cards are accepted only in some larger hotels and ATMs can be unreliable.
• Weather: Pack warm layers for cold evenings at altitude, even in the dry season.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially at churches and monasteries, and remove shoes where asked.
• Language: Amharic is spoken everywhere; English is understood in hotels and by younger people.