Things To Do
in Bichena
Bichena is a small highland town in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, set among rolling green hills and coffee-growing estates. It serves as a gateway to rural Ethiopia, offering friendly hospitality and a chance to slow down and observe everyday life. The town sits along the scenic highland corridors that connect larger cities, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Amhara countryside.
Expect mild temperatures, lush scenery, and abundant opportunities to experience traditional Ethiopian culture away from the more tourist-heavy destinations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Bichena and check into your chosen accommodation, staying in a local guesthouse to experience the warm hospitality of the area. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian breakfast that includes injera and various stews. Spend some time relaxing and acclimatizing to the local environment.
Explore the vibrant markets of Bichena, where you can find handcrafted items and local produce. Engage with the friendly vendors and learn about their crafts and daily lives. Consider purchasing some unique souvenirs to take home.
Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying out specialities like kitfo or doro wat. Join in on some local music or cultural dance performances if available, immersing yourself in the rich Ethiopian culture. Wind down the evening by enjoying a coffee ceremony, a cherished tradition in Ethiopia.
Begin your day with an early morning visit to Lake Bichena, a serene spot perfect for relaxation and reflection. Take in the stunning views while enjoying a packed breakfast in the tranquility of nature. You may spot local birdlife and other wildlife as you walk along the shores.
Spend the afternoon hiking around the lake and exploring the nearby hills for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This area is ideal for photography enthusiasts who wish to capture the beauty of Ethiopian nature. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the natural beauty.
Return to Bichena town and enjoy a leisurely evening strolling through the streets as the sun sets, observing local life as it winds down. Dinner can be enjoyed at a cozy eatery, where you can chat with the locals and perhaps make some new friends. Reflect on the day's adventures as you plan for the following day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-1 |
| 🚗Local transportation (short ride) | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room | $15-40 |
| 🎟️Local attraction entry | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Serene highland scenery and approachable pace
- Warm hospitality and strong coffee culture
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared to larger cities
- Longer travel times to reach other major destinations
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Amesegnallo" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Bichena
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant stalls, colorful textiles, and early-morning energy provide dynamic street photography opportunities.
A vantage point that offers sweeping views of the surrounding highlands and coffee plantations.
Terraced fields and the slow processes of coffee cultivation offer authentic rural imagery.
Food in Bichena
Bichena Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sour flatbread served with a spiced lentil stew; a staple combination that's easy to find in most eateries.
Must-Try!
Injera topped with a thick, chickpea-based stew, often seasoned with berbere and garlic.
A rich, spicy chicken stew seasoned with onions, garlic, and berbere; typically enjoyed with injera.
A vegetarian interpretation of a traditional dish, served with injera and a variety of vegetable sides.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A colorful hub for fresh produce, spices, berbere blends, and roasted coffee beans; great for observing daily commerce and sampling simple snacks like kolo (roasted barley).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 'Selam' (hello) goes a long way. Handshakes are common; use polite language and show respect to elders and religious sites.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or monasteries. Remove shoes where required and ask for permission before photographing people or sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Bichena
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service in restaurants, hotels, and guides, but not obligatory. Small, discreet tips are common.
Cash in Ethiopian Birr is the most widely accepted method in small towns; cards are rarely accepted at local eateries and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June to September is the rainy season. Expect lush green landscapes and occasional downpours that can affect travel times and road conditions. Pack a compact rain jacket and sturdy footwear.
October to May brings drier, often sunnier weather with cooler nights. This is ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration, but mornings can be chilly.
Bichena at Night
Hiking in Bichena
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic routes through upland terrain with coffee landscapes and valley views.
Airports
How to reach Bichena by plane.
Nearest major airport serving the Amhara region; connections to Addis Ababa and other domestic destinations.
The main international gateway to Ethiopia; from here, domestic flights connect to major towns and regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant group in the Amhara region; Amharic is widely spoken.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Ethiopia; local matches are common in towns and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bichena.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Injera-based dishes are abundant; request no meat or dairy if avoiding animal products, and ask for oil-free options when needed.