Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Mysterious and unique land of rich history and cultural diversity
Ethiopia is…
known as “The Cradle of Humankind”.
A long and fascinating independent history leaves visitors enchanted by rich historical heritage and extreme cultural diversity.
Combined with some of Africa’s most unique wildlife destinations and stunning landscapes…
Ethiopia offers something totally different for the traveller looking for somewhere unique.
Highlights of Ethiopia
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only links to ancient Mediterranean civilizations in Sub-Saharan Africa
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authentic African country and culture – never colonised
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abundant wildlife and birds, including rare endemics like the Ethiopian Wolf and Gelada ‘Baboon’
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incredible architecture – rock-hewn churches and medieval palaces
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stunning landscape – from high mountains to desert and rift valley lakes
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one-of-a-kind cultural attractions
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colourful tribal groups in the Omo region
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Bazaars and medieval cities
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Fiery geothermal volcanoes, and salt flats
More about Ethiopia
Ethiopia is…
a large country, about twice as large as Texas or France. To see all the highlights would take a good 3 weeks, so most people decide to concentrate on two or three key areas.
Tourism in not as advanced as some other African countries, and the country is not wealthy. Visitors should lower their expectations in terms of infrastructure…
but raise them in terms of unique natural and man made attractions…
Ethiopia’s Top Destinations
Addis Ababa
Located in the highlands fringing the Great Rift Valley, Addis Ababa serves as the political, cultural and commercial centre of Ethiopia. This sprawling city rests in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and features a mix of traditional homes, elegant villas, and tall office buildings.
Visitors can look forward to a selection of wonderful activities including: visiting the National Museum, displaying local art, traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils; exploring the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Neo-Baroque architectural landmark; and sampling rich Ethiopian coffee as well as the memorable cuisine featuring spicy stews and Ethiopia’s signature Injera bread.
Gondar and Simien Mountains
Gondar is famous for its romantic palaces and castles which incorporate local, Portuguese and Indian styles. The Debre Berhan Selassie Church has beautiful elaborate murals.
Gondar is also the gateway too the Simien Mountains are home to the unique gelada baboons, and located in one of Africa’s largest mountain ranges and contains the country’s highest peak Ras Dashen.
Simien Mountains National Park is one of the very first natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has been compared to the Grand Canyon with its spectacular landscape featuring rugged peaks, deep valleys and plunging waterfalls.
This area is home to remote local communities as well as rare and endangered fauna and flora. Some of these rare species include: gelada baboon, the Simien fox and the only walia ibex population in the world. There are panoramic views from Ras Dejen, the highest point in Ethiopia
The mountains are worth a few days for hiking and wildlife watching opportunities.
Ethiopia has an incredible diversity of species with over 80 species of larger mammals and over 800 birds – with 7 and 20 endemics respectively (37 near-endemics). Some of these endemic species such as the Gelada “Baboon” (not actually a baboon but it’s own unique genus, Theropithecus), and the rare Walian Ibex live in the largest chain of mountains in Africa – the Simien Mountains.
Lalibela
Lalibela is one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia.
It’s famous for its 11 unique monolithic UNESCO churches cut out of the rocks dating back to the 13th century. The site has particular spiritual and symbolic value since the layout represents the holy city of Jerusalem.
The churches are a World Heritage Site often described as the 8th wonder of the world. The churches are still used to day by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church, are also pilgrimage sites for Coptic Christians from around the world, and a venue for famous church festivals.
Omo Valley and the Rift Valley Lakes
South from Addis you pass the Great Rift Valley Lakes and enter the remote Omo Valley region – culturally one of the most interesting places in Africa.
The Omo valley has been described as a living museum with around 18 ethnic groups representing four of Africa’s major linguistic groups.
The tribes here have been isolated for millennia from the rest of the world — all of whom have retained their own unique customs and traditions.
They have developed unique ways to express themselves including expert body painting, hairstyles and personal adornments.
The tribes of the Omo Valley are unique in Africa and despite their ‘popularity’, those interested in different cultures will still be fascinated, and photographers love the colourful costumes and decorations.
The Ethiopia Rift Valley Lakes are among the deepest and oldest lakes in the world – providing a rich resource for people and animals, also a hotspot for birders.
Bale Mountain National Park
Bale National Park has wild alpine scenery and is the best place to view the Bale Monkey. Plus, the even rarer Ethiopian Wolf which feeds on the (also endemic) Giant Mole Rat.
The range of altitude in the magnificent Bale Mountains, gives it an impressive bird list of about 500 species, 10 of which are endemic (Ethiopia itself has a birding list over 860 species – 16 of which are endemic).
The African Birding Club have named Bale Mountains National Park one of Africa’s top 5 birding hotspots. A 3-week visit could result in a list of over 500 species!
PHOTO By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography.co.uk, CC BY-SA 4.0,
Eastern Ethiopia – Axum, Harar and the Danakil Depression
For the more adventurous traveller, although remote and often inhospitable, the east of the country has some incredible highlights: the ancient walled city of Harar, the ancient Afar people, salt fields, lava lakes, and volcanoes. Plus the rock-hewn churches of Tigray.
Axum is a historic and sacred Christian city, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Famous for its numerous stone pillars or stelea. Starting point for adventurous trips into the Danakil Desert.
The Danakil Depression is remote, with a formidable volcanic landscape, the depression is formed by the meeting of 3 tectonic plates in the horn of Africa.
Harar is an ancient walled city in the east of Ethiopia, and was the original home of Emperor Haile Selassie. This area is predominately muslim and the city has over 90 mosques and shrines within its 16 th century walls. This is a place well off the tourist route, and the maze of cobbled lanes should be explored slowly on foot. The atmosphere here is one of a fascinating history and past glories.
Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
Bahir Dar and Lake Tana are on the historic route – famed for 20 monastic churches and the source of the Blue Nile. Just a one hour flight from Addis Ababa.
Bahir Dar is the capital city of the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia. It’s a port on the south shore of the huge inland Lake Tana. Dek Island is one of many islands in the lake that are home to medieval monasteries. On the Zege Peninsula, the Ura Kidane Mihret monastery is known for its elaborate, colorful murals. The Blue Nile River snakes southeast of the city toward the towering cliffs at the Blue Nile Falls.
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