Destination - Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Its history, culture, traditions, religion, language and customs hail from roots dating back to pre-biblical times. Ethiopia, with its rich variety of attractions such as historical sites diverse culture, scenic beauty, endemic animals and birds, may be dubbed as one of the world’s most attractive destinations.

The welcome that comes from the people is warm. To welcome guest to their country is what makes Ethiopian proud and what makes us Ethiopian. Ask any one who has been to Ethiopia about their experiences there and the generosity, openness and modesty of the people will undoubtedly be a resounding memory. The nomads of the Afar, the farmers of the cool mountain of northern Ethiopia, the collectors in the coffee forests of the south and the hunters in the wet tropical forests farther to the south-west are varied in their customs and livehood.

A great way to experience what Ethiopian culture is all about is to witness the many festivals that are held throughout the year, including Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany), the Ethiopian New Year festival and Gena (Christmas). Beside the unique position in national hostmanship, Ethiopian is full of attraction for any visitors.

Seven national attractions have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritages: Axum, obelisks, Monolisthic church of Lalibela, Gonder Castles, the island of monasteries of Lake Tana, Hadar (Where the earliest human remains was found), the Carved standing stones, and the semen national Park. Ethiopia’s wealth of Varied attraction gives visitors a wide range of options for cultural and educational tourism, conference tourism, photo safaris, hunting safaris, birdwatchers, water sports including river rafting, desert trekking, health tourism, mountain camping, and eco-tourism. The list goes on and on.

The 3.5 million years old skeleton of “Lucy” or Australopithecus Afareinsis at Hadar, the 4.4 million years old remains of Homo Ramides Afarensis, and the earliest bones, stone implements and hand tools in the Omo valley are better evidence that human beings occupied the areas since very early times.

Ethiopian’s Scenery are the most impressive and spectacular for they incorporate enormous gorgeous and canyons thousands of feet deep. The larges and the most spectacular of which is the valley of Blue Nile. Flat- topped plateau, called by Ethiopians ambas, long mountain ranges joined by the narrowest necks of land between great precipices are indeed scary but stunning view. The largest cave in Africa (Sofo Omar), the lowest depression on earth (dallol), savannah land, tropical forests, desserts, beautiful lakes and rivers, volcanic hot springs are also unique treasures of Ethiopia for visitors experience.

Ethiopia also has a range of animal species, several of which are found nowhere else in the world and are therefore major attractions for nature lovers. Out of the 845 species of birds and 260 species of mammals registered in Ethiopia as high as 49 are endemic mammals. The country preserve its natural treasures with 8 national parks, 12 wildlife sanctuaries and reserves within an areas of approximately 37,000 square km.