Tourists are always spoilt with variety when they visit Ethiopia.  The country has numerous nice man-made plus immaculate attractions that you can sight see all through the day. There are numerous hotels in which you can reside and relax through the evening. You can move around through the evening pleasuring in the scenic attractions and later return to your hotel to enjoy a refreshing night.

Where To Stay In Ethiopia Hotels

You can acquire a vast range  of  hotels or guest houses that can suit all budgets that is the luxurious and expensive ones or the comfortable low budget ones. The quality of services and accommodation will slightly defer basing on the price. However all hotels in Ethiopia are very comfortable to reside in.

The hotels offer yummy cuisines although the national food of the country is injera which is a spongy spiced bread made of grains cultivated in the highlands of the country. Injera is often served with wot a traditional stew made from meat, legumes plus spices. Wot can also be made from chicken, lamb or from fish.

In case you are a vegetarian, you can all the same enjoy your holiday in any of the hotels or motels as majority of them offer vegetarian foods too. The finest vegetarian dish is the Shiro wot injera served with a stew of vegetables. There are also numerous places offering Italian food a remnant of the unsuccessful Italian rulers.

The most popular hotels in the whole of Addis Ababa are Hilton plus Sheraton. These hotels where gorgeously constructed into fine architecture. Searching for first-class facilities and services, then try these hotels. In addition to these there are other private plus government owned hotels through the country that offer nice accommodation at affordable prices. Any averagely priced hotel will certain meet your accommodation standards, food quality, electricity, hygiene, perfect services plus clean water.

Hotel Accommodation In Ethiopia

Ethiopian hotels are prominent for their warmth as well as wonderful services and facilities. It’s one country in Africa that is endowed with a big collection of fauna and flora. Ethiopia has a favorable climate throughout the year. Sunshine is also part of your stay in the country as it has a tourism catchphrase that states that Ethiopia 13months of sunshine. Many tourists visit the country all year around thus leading to the development of the tourism sector in Ethiopian.

Visiting Ethiopia will give so many options, you can decide to go visit the wilderness, catch a glance at the man made attractions and sightseeing at the beautiful landscapes of the country. Ethiopian has luxurious hotels that you can easily book online and still enjoy your stay; you will sit back and relax as you enjoy the environment. If not you can take an evening walk around as you take pleasure in the charming Ethiopia attractions and later on return to your hotel for sound sleep night.

Like any other country, Ethiopia’s hotels range depending on your budget. There are those that will cost you less dollars and those that will make you pay through the nose to enjoy a peaceful night and get better services and facilities. Keep in mind that the quality of services offered to you will depend on the type of accommodation paid for. Therefore as you plan your travel to Ethiopia, you are advised to book in advance the hotel of your choice.

Addis Ababa Hotels in Ethiopia

The hotels are up to standards serving both international and local cuisine. To have a memorable stay in Ethiopia, taste their local food that include spicy bread and injera-spongy that is accompanied with wot a traditional stew cooked with legumes, spices and meat. Just to change on the diet, you can prepare wot with fish, lamb, beef and chicken. Trust me you will have a delicious meal that will make you remember Ethiopia.Keep in mind that holiday inns will as well offer you the best services and they are quite affordable.

Staying at Ethiopia hotels caters for all people for instance meat eaters and vegetarians. They offer various dishes including vegetarian food such as shiro wot-injera prepared with vegetable stew. As you walk around the city, you may discover some Italian food restaurants. These will as well offer the best food that you yarn to eat. Sincerely speaking, food should not a problem if you are planning to visit Ethiopia.

The most prominent hotels in Addis Ababa include Hilton and Sheraton. They are five star hotels with beautiful scenery that will make your stay comfortable. If you are a kind that loves luxury and wonderful services, these hotels or lodges are the best to book for your tour to Ethiopia. Besides these two, you can easily come across Ethiopia hotels that are private or owned by the government with prices that are affordable. A reasonably cost budget hotel  or an apartment will actually meet your standards of accommodation with average services and facilities to make your stay comfortable.

Where To Stay In Ethiopia

Ethiopia boosts of its abundant Sunshine and it is exaggerated claimed to have 13 months of sunshine annually. It follows the Julian calendar, with twelve months each with thirty days, and a five days thirteenth month. The Ethiopian calendar – the Julian calendar which these natives pride in is seven years and eight months behind that used by other western countries. Interestingly you can turn back time when in Ethiopia and be seven years younger than what you exactly are. What could feel better than youth and sunshine? Flights to Ethiopia are affordable and all you have to do is to get your ticket in advance prior to heading to Ethiopia

Other than these outstanding luxuries, one wanders what else does this beautiful country of Ethiopia have to offer? Majority of the people don’t understand that this is a very lavish destination. Luxury Ethiopia hotels are scattered all over its spectacular landscape, across its savannah habitants for game to the rugged mountain summits. These offer a wide range of facilities and are offered at different budgets. For example the ultrachic Hilton Addis has restaurants, swimming pools, gyms, beauty salons, shops, satellite television, elegant and fully furnished rooms, and internet access. There are numerous and quite affordable hotels that offer private showers and baths. You can look for for hotels by particular services you need at the official tourism Ethiopia’s site.Tour operators will be the best people to organize for you the best vacation package to Ethiopia

Luxury  Cultural Tour Ethiopia

The rich and diverse culture and history of Ethiopia is one of the greatest gifts the country has to offer to its travelers. The country has more than eighty different cultural tourist sites and about 200 different spoken languages. In addition to its natural beauty that is manifested in the numerous national parks in Ethiopia where you will see cheetahs, lions, baboons, gazelles, green monkeys, and many more, Ethiopia offers an insight into ancient rites and ceremonies. Visitors may choose to tour through Gondar’s marvelous castles, or the flourishing and muddled Merkato Marketplace or the rock-hewn churches at Lalibela. There is a lot to marvel at and partake in this during your safari in this exciting and multi – gifted country.

When To Visit Ethiopia

The best time to travel is between the months of October and April because of the favorable temperatures and climate in Ethiopia. It is so recommended that you don’t travel during the rainy months that run from June to October. During this time the country side is quite and the landscape is covered with wildflowers and green grass.
True luxury is discovering the beauty in the unpredictable. Ethiopia is much unpredicted and entirely memorable.

In my recent voyage to Ethiopia, I discovered some strong treasures in the country. In many aspects Ethiopia is certainly a very remarkable country.

Notably about Ethiopia is that this is a sanctuary for humanity. When you visit a National Museum located in Addis Adaba where the remains of the oldest and much believed missing link between apes and man- Lucy lay, you will be moved by this awesome sight and this will be quite an inspirational moment. In a room, she is gracefully displayed the way she appeared in the sludge of the rift valley floor where she was discovered. Days later as I stand at the peak of the rift valley gazing at a massive unoccupied attractions with a stretch of forested land in the valley, am consumed by a deep contemplation of the relationship between man and Lucy, and how time fast- flew to see Lucy’s forbearer’s , her brothers and sisters all of whom once occupied this expanse finally led into the evolution of mankind- me and you.

Famous Tribes In Ethiopia

When visited the various tribes in the Rift valley, it felt like taking a walk through the time twist.These tribes have a simple lifestyle closely similar to that of early man and among them are the Oromo, Mursi, Hammer, Kanso and the Bani. In addition to their lack of water, electricity, candles, or gas, they practically survive exclusive of any modern equipment or utensils. As an indication of class, they own herds of cows and goats and on the other hand plough small plots of land by means of a wooden hand-carved-plough blade supported by two oxen. Trekking through their villages feels like exploring through a breathing museum. It was quite fascinating looking at these people with body tattoos complex hair-dos made of red clay and butter, with loads of beading, brass and copper and some with lip plates. It was an amazing experience observing these sleek black people with bodies decorated so tremendously live their day to day lives.If it is true that there ever existed a ‘Garden of Eden’ then it must have existed in this verdant Ethiopian valley where Lucy was discovered buried over 3.2 million years back. The roadways, running through this valley are all lined with feral poisonous Adam & Eve apple trees.

Information About Ethiopian Religions

Another remarkable fact about Ethiopia is that it’s a strongly Christian country. Being one of the two known countries to have an official religion, Christianity is part of the daily lives of these people. Unlike other countries I have visited before, this fact is so evident. Although there is a total Moslem population of 30 %, Christians dominate majority of the main cities. The small groups of Moslems are spread out in various parts of the nation although they can best be seen in the large towns and cities. On a daily basis churches are filled with an over whelming congregation to pray. The Orthodox church dominates with its Patriarch located in Addis Ababa regardless of the Axum being among the holiest churches in the entire Christendom. There is a strict observance of lent and the 55 day fasting called Surga begins on Palm Sunday stops on Easter Sunday. Fasting is religiously observed and the restaurants I visited offered only fasting-menus which didn’t include diary and meat products.

What To See In Ethiopia

My visit to the north which lasts one week and is normally referred to as the historic-route, was an engagement into a exceptional type of Christianity and a haven for numerous surprising but commonly ignored evolution by the west. Following a visit to the largest waterfall in Ethiopia and the front-waters of the Blue Nile In Bayar Dal, I embarked on a boat trip on Lake Tana to catch sight of the still existing more than 20 monasteries that were constructed in the 13th century. Each monastery has a circular-thatched church inhabiting detailed paintings portraying biblical events. I was not too eager on an additional church tour up to the Ethiopian plateau of Lalibela, but I willingly went for the ride. Was I really wrong? I wonder; anyway just as one author spelled out, “Were it virtually anywhere but in Ethiopia, Lalibela would rightly be celebrated as one of the wonders of the world, as readily identified as the Pyramids or the Sphinx in Egypt”. Why one would ask? This Petra was carved from a volcanic rock way back in the 700 AD. 11 churches were carved out of the rock down from ground level employing Over 40,000 craftsmen and free masons were employed to carve 11 churches from the rock starting at ground level and finish the work in just 10 years. Everyone believed thst this work would not be skillful completed without the help of God. Coming face to face with these 30 feet churches below ground-level is breath taking. These churches are regarded by the cognoscenti as some of the first pilgrimage sites in all of Christendom and are known as UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are astounding and beyond description. Just like a Portuguese traveler in the 16th century t, I can’t perhaps describe this site; he wrote, “because it seems to me I should not be believed if I write more.” Nor shall I.

Another vital aspect about Ethiopia is the attractive and omnipresent Biblical nature. The legends and beliefs of the King Solomon, Adam and Eve, Queen of Sheba and Prester John dominate the daily lives in the country. The Ark of the Covenant plays a major role in the rituals and traditions of Orthodox Christian in Ethiopia. This ark was thought to have been built by the Israelite children who hold the tablets of the law that God gave to Moses. These are thought to be kept in the historic church Maryam Tsion found in Axum which I also managed to visit.

Interesting History About Ethiopia

Another unique feature about Ethiopia is that it is extremely African. It is the only nation on the African continent that was not colonized. I managed to stand on a summit of a plain of Adwa where in the year 1896, Italy had attempted to take possession of Ethiopia in a battle. After numerous weeks of stopping, the then king of Italian ordered his generals to attack and finish with the job. They were so terribly defeated and they fled the country so disgraced. This event still ranks as the first that Africans managed to defeat European power in a fight of such significance. Again Italy under the regime of Mussolini attempted to take over Ethiopia and in 1936 they managed to occupy some parts in the country for close to five years with constant rebellions.  With support from England the Ethiopians managed to finally throw out the Italians. despite numerous complaints, guilt and corruption,  Haile Selassie, remained a progressive leader that promoted a nation  that bore all ethnicities and faiths; and today considered  by numerous Africans as one among the greatest modern leaders Africa has ever had. So there is a mythology, a tradition and a historic nation, free from foreign colonization and occupation.

Therefore what is remarkable and notable about Ethiopia is that it is the hope for many African countries. Although it is faced with many problems such as being a faction of the poorest countries in the whole world and currently facing a terrible famine, Ethiopia still stands as a replica of democracy, with an independent economy and as a country that has held high its independence with a rich history to pride in. Ethiopia has a diverse total population with an astounding history of numerous outstanding artistic and civilization achievements.

Requirements For Visiting Ethiopia

With the exception of tourists from Kenya, other visitor entering Ethiopia from different countries, are required to carry visa and ticket. Each person can apply for visit-tourist visa that runs for 1 to 3 months. For tourists arriving from USA, Canada, Australia and other European countries, these visas can be acquired from Bole International Airport found in Addis Ababa. To receive your visa, you required to have and show 100 USD which you can exchange at the Forex bureau for approximately 1,400 Ethiopian Birr. However, if you are looking for on the other hand, if you are applying for a multiple-entry tourist visa or business related visas, you will be required to contact closest Ethiopian Embassy in your area.Tour operators can be the best people to help you have your visa in time.Flights to Ethiopia are cheap to give everyone a chance to visit the country.

How To Access Ethiopia

Taxis, private cars and buses ease and avail transportation in the city of Addis Ababa. The most suitable transport means for people to use when traveling within the city or between desired tourist attractions are mini buses. For most buses, it is quite difficult to get a book or a seat on a bus before traveling, but government-buses can ease this problem. In addition trains are available to transport visitors between cities that lie along the only existing railway line in the whole of Ethiopia which connect Addis Ababa to Dire Dwaja and Djibouti.

Although Ethiopia is not among the places you could feel secure by yourself 24 – 7; the adventurous treks, particularly those along River Omo have increasing popularity among trekkers, culture devotees and adventure lovers.A vacation or holiday to Ethiopia will be worth the experience

Trekking In The Simien Mountains

Flora and Fauna

The Simien Mountains are dwelling place to a chain of flora and fauna all of which can be explored during your trekking holiday in Ethiopia. The massive attractions including the lobelia is one of the sites that you will see as you trek although in some places along your trail you will be able to see the buzzards hovering above them. The endemic Abyssinian rose, jasmine, the endemic globe thistle, fennel, wild lavender and thyme, , non-fruiting olive trees and solanon are all part of the flora in this area. The fauna is majorly composed of the popular Abyssinian fox; also referred to as an Ethiopian wolf, the rarely seen canid which is facing extinction and the mysterious walia ibex. However, many more animals are better seen from the buzzards including the gelada baboons which have a characteristic red patch on their chest which resulted in them being refers to as bleeding heart baboon. Various birds are seen flying and among these are the falcons.

Challenges In Climbing Simien Mountain

Trekking in Ethiopia is quite an incomparable experience with some of its highest peaks such as the semei Mountains involving one to ascend to 3,000m or 4,000m high. This makes an Ethiopia trekking holiday useful and challenging for passionate trekkers. The climax of this adventure is summiting Ras Dashen which is 4,533mm high, and other peaks including Immetgogo; which is 3,926m, Saha at 3,785m and Kedadit at 3,760m. Take care caution should be taken when at these peaks although most highly regarded trekking company include time in the schedule to acclimatize.You can decide to take a walk tour around the surrounding.

What To Do In Ethiopia

One of the activities that spice up trekking in Ethiopia is unwinding at the traditional coffee ceremony after a long day’s trek or hike. The ceremony starts by washing the coffee beans, after which they are roasted on a charcoal stove. After that they are ground in a pestle and mortar prior to pouring them into a kettle of water and boiled on a stove. The resulting black coffee is served with sugar in tiny cups. The ceremony ends after drinking three cups, burning incense and playing traditional music like the single-stringed masenko, a type of lute made out of wood, goat skin and horse hair. If you happen to enjoy any of the mentioned ceremonies, please think about donation some money to these your hosts, as this is a main source of revenue to this large family.

The Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms-Jude Limburn Turner; an adventuring and tour company runs numerous trekking itineraries in Ethiopia. The company has been operating in Asia for more than 20 years, and at present offers tours and treks international, with tour destinations in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Central Asia and South East Asia.

Visit Ethiopia’s National Park

Mago National Park

Mago National Park is a very isolated place on the eastern shore of river Omo, with a terrain characterized by rising and rolling grasslands, thick acacia shrubs and some deserts. It covers a total land area of 2162 sq km. It is one of the most natural but spectacular places rich with wildlife in Ethiopia. You will be able to hear a number of birds sing sweetly in the thick acacia trees and in the rolling terrain far beyond. However the greatest challenge faced by tourists who vist this pack is accessibility due to the impenetrate-able terrain of the park.

Omo National Park
This park lies on the south west shore of river Omo . it is located just 870 kilometers away from Addis Ababa the capital. It is a haven for some of the most striking wild animals in this country. The positioning of Omo National Park at the shore of river Omo has made the park a magnet for a diverse variety of birds.

Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park
Occupying an area of about 887 sq kilometers and 482 sq kilometers on water, the park was twin rift valley lakes – Shala & Abyata. The park was established to shelter aquatic birds in reside by the lake especially the few Flamingos,  and the white Pelicans. This spot is also a very good resting destination fo migrating birds

Simien Mountains National Park
this is a must go-to destination for those with a passion for exploring the beautiful landscape and watching lots of wildlife. Semien Mountain National Park is a UNESCO recognized heritage site. It holds one of Africa’s important mountain massifs. It has a very attractive terrain dominated by Africa’s fourth highest mountain that projects to a height of 4620 meters – Ras Dashen.

Simien Raptor

With numerous mountain peak projections of more than 4000 meters high. Semien is a sanctuary for prevalent animals such as , Semien Foxes, Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex. The park is endowed with numerous plant and bird species.

Awash National Park
Awash National Park located 211 Kilometers east of Addis and covers a total area of cover 827 sq kilometers. It was named after river Awash which borders the park to the south. You can also see lake Abbe a salty lake at the border of Djibouti and Ethiopia. Awash National Park has a rich wildlife population which makes it one of the most rewarding destination in Ethiopia. Among the resident animals are Wild Pigs, Soemmerrings Gazelle and Beisa Oryx.

Gambella National Park
Gambella is situates on the banks of river Baro, 600 kilometers from Addis Ababa and has a very unique history. A popular activity in this park is the guided walk through the park which usually last for 2 to 3 days. The park also has a number of wildlife.

Nech Sar National Park
Nech Sar National Park is located near Arba Minch town between Lake Chamo and lake Abaya just 510 kilometers south of Addis-Ababa. Its 514 sq kilometer terrain composed of savanna, groundwater forests and dry bushes has numerous wild animals roaming on it.

Nech Sar Zebras

The park shelters a number of animals such as Burchell’s Zebra, Bushbuck, Grant’s gazelle, Swayne’s Hartebeest, Grey Duiker Guenther’s Dik-dik, Anubis Baboon and the Greater Kudu. The park has recorded over 189 bird species and among these are the Kori Bustard, Red billed Hornbill, Fish Eagle, Grey Hornbill and many more birds. Scenery of mountains, rolling hills and a hot spring in the extreme eastern regions ranks Nech Sar Zebras among the best attractive parks in Ethiopia.

Explore the National Parks

Maybe the best contributing aspect to several tourists’ amazing encounters of Ethiopia trekking is its big collection of national parks. Ethiopia is characterized of fascinating cities, landmarks, stunning display of fauna and flora and lush valleys that make the country the best spot to visit. Majority of tourists that visit Ethiopia come to see the mountains and it’s the main attraction of the country. If you are interested in mountain trekking, there are two alternatives that will make you enjoy your hike and these include Simien Mountains National Park along with Bale Mountains National Park. Whichever you decide to visit, you will get a memorable experience of true nature.Simien Mountains are often visited and this is because of its historic secrets along with the wonderful view that it offers to its visitors. Besides it has many well maintained routes that will direct you to Simien Mountains as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. Places of interest include the wildlife spotting chances at Chenek, the summit of Ras Dashen (4543meters) along with the sights from the Immetgogo promontory with a height of 3926 meters.

…And Don’t Miss

Ethiopian has some of the man-made attractions that are inspiring and well worth visiting.Gonder is a bus stop where funs of Ethiopia trekking proceed to the Simien Mountains. It’s acknowledged as 17^th century castles that are often visited.Lalibela is a city in Ethiopia that is most treasured, it has beautiful attractions that include churches that were engraved straight into the rock-face. After a hectic day of trekking, you may decide to take a walk around the city and delight in its unique features. You will actually discover the beauty of Ethiopia.

Trekking Mountain Simiens

Simien Mountains is the best spot to enjoy your trekking holiday; it’s situated in the northern part of the country. These rocky, natural mountains offer fascinating landscapes, as well as stunning fauna and flora. There are challenges that you are bound to face as you trek the mountain, Ras Dashen is Ethiopia’s highest peak with a height of 4,533meters.Getting to the summit is everyone’s dream and this can be achieved if you contact a tour operator who is familiar with the place. Taking a tour to Ethiopia will give you a chance to interact with the local people and get to know how they relate with each other. A trekking holiday Simien Mountains is a dream come true to every trekker.

Outstanding Flora and Fauna

The Simien Mountains are home to a wider collection of flora and fauna that can be viewed right on your Ethiopian trekking holiday. The gigantic lobelia is seen on spot as you proceed with your trek. Common flora seen include the endemic globe thistle, jasmine, non-fruiting olive trees, Solanon, fennel, wild lavender and thyme and the endemic Abyssinian rose. Most popular fauna include the endemic Abyssinian fox which is called Ethiopian wolf, its mostly endangered and rare to see in the wilderness. Wildlife and bird species is are easily sighted in their natural setting. The heart baboons are seen and hard to be find anywhere else in world.

Challenges For  Climbing Simien Mountain

Ethiopia has the highest peaks and among these includes the Simien Mountains that have a height of over 3,000m to 4,000 meters. This is quite a challenge to the enthusiastic trekkers that are on a holiday in Ethiopia. Emphasis is put on getting to the summit of Ras Dashen (4,533m) and other peaks such as Kedadit (3,760), Saha(3,785m) and Immetgogo(3,926m).As you plan to take  trek the mountains of Ethiopia, you  must be physically fit .Contact a reliable tour company that will tailor make your itinerary and still Endeavour that you  have  achieve your goal. The experience is worth it.

 Fascinating Coffee Ceremony

As you enjoy your Ethiopia trekking, you will be delighted with the traditional coffee that is served after a challenging trek. The process is simple to have pure coffee; the beans are washed and thereafter roasted, grounded and poured into a kettle to have it boiled on a stove. As coffee is served, the aroma will make you take more cups of coffee. The whole place will have a wonderful scent of coffee accompanied by traditional music that will make you stay memorable. If you are a kind that loves such ceremonies, you are kindly requested to pay money to your host as it will contribute much to the family. It’s a simple way of appreciating the work they do and caring about clients that visit the place.

Mount Mago that rises to a height of 2528 meters is the highest geographical spot in the park, and its from this that the park was named. The savanna grasslands dominate the landscape in and around the park with just a few forest patches found around the flowing rivers. In addition to a number of wetlands that surround Lake Dipa and the lower regions of the park, existent are shrubs dotting the park’s hill sides.
Wildlife

Other than the large population of elephants, giraffes and buffalos for which the park was primarily established to safe guard, there are more than 56 different animal species such as hartebeest, topi and lelwel. Other resident animals in Mago National Park include: lions, leopards, Oryx, gerenuks, the great Kudu and zebras.
Birds

Among the bird population are the unpopular Turdoides tenebrosus, which are widely spread around Lake Dipa. The hornbills, bustards, starlings and weavers are among the popular species while the herons and Kingfishers are unpopular but reside close to the river Nile.
Tours

Notably, the park has very thick bushes that make game viewing very difficult. During your tour through Mago National Park, you will hear lots of birds singing in the dense acacia shrubs and in the hilly grasslands but you won’t be able to make much progress to see them.  However the most popular and significant tourist attractions in the park are the Mursi renowned for interleaving disks made out clay and pricking their lips.
Access

All routes leading to and fro Mago National Park are impassable especially during the rainy seasons because they are not paved. Because of the topology of the area, similarly tourists trekking through this park face the same challenge of the place being impenetrable.

Things To Do In Ethiopia

The Simien Mountain National Park (North Gondar Zone)

The Simien Mountain is the most fascinating highlands in Africa, its highest peak Ras Dejen has a height of 4620m which is acknowledged to be the fourth in the continent.Simien is located in Africa and close to the Equator but surprisingly it gets snow and ice on its highest peak. During the night, temeperatures drop to zero degrees.

Ethiopia is famous for its national park that is surrounded by three botanical regions. The top of the mountain has grasslands with fescue grasses in addition to heathers, Stunning Red Hot Pokers along with gigantic Lobelia. The park was established with aim of conserving the Walia ibex that have a total of approximately 1000 that stay in the park. The park is also a home to the rare Gelada Baboon with a bleeding heart on its chest and the unique Simien fox. Close to 50 species of birds have been stated in the Simien Mountains; however the simian fox are rare to be seen by visitors.A vacation or holiday in Ethiopia will give a chance to see the attractions that can’t be found anywhere in Africa.

The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela (North Wollo Zone)

Lalibela covers an area of about 642 kilometers from Addis Ababa. It’s famous for its rock-hewn churches that are at times known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. They were carved within the rock and these monolithic churches were established in the 12^th century   during the supremacy of King Lalibela.However among these have been acknowledged to be built in the 10^th century.

The Castles of Gondar and other monuments (Gondar)

Gondar is popular for its well designed decorated churches and the numerous medieval castles. The first castle was built by Fasilidas and this still stands and in good shape. Even after all these years, it’s still simple to climb and get to the roof. It has a wonderful view of the entire scenery of the city.

Tiya pre-historical and archaeological sites, central Tigray (Tigray region)

Anthropologists as well as Archaeologists repeated allege that the ancient hominid still remains. (Australopithecus ramidus is a new species of about 4.4 million years old).These were formerly found in the Afar region. Research findings carried out by Berkeley and Professor Tim White from the university of California state that the most primitive ape man stayed in Ethiopia for over 5 million years ago.(Monday 18^th January 1999,Daily Telegraph).

Great Attractions In Ethiopia

Aloes in the mountains of Ethiopia

Ethiopian is famous for its natural beauty that attracts so many visitors. Ethiopia is a land of Rocky Mountains with a height of over 4000 meters, surrounded by extensive savannah, lakes as well as rivers. It shares part of the Great Rift Valley which is an outstanding area of the Volcanic lakes, It offers a beautiful view of the escarpment and it’s a home to various bird species.Tisisat known as the Blue Nile Falls are the most stunning  natural sight in Africa of late. Ethiopia has about 14 main wildlife reserves that make it a small world of the entire sub-Saharan eco-system. Bird species along with the native wildlife right from the unique Walis ibex to the timid wild ass move freely in the wilderness. These can be seen at any corner of the park. Apart from its favorable climate, Ethiopia is well known for its indigenous plants as well as flowers that are hard to discover in any other African country.Contact a reliable tour operator who will help book the best package for your tour in Ethiopia.

Blue Nile Falls

History has it that the river Nile is the longest river in Africa. It stretches right from Lake Tana, the Blue Nile is locally called Abbay.It flows from Ethiopia and convene to the White Nile in Khartoum to create the huge river that offers life to Egyptians as well as Sudanese. Its reported that the Blue Nile contributes close to 80% of the Nile‘s flow.

 Lake Tana

Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile River which begins right from Khartoum to the Mediterranean. It’s the largest lake in Ethiopia. A Nile cuisine on Lake Tana is the best moment to all tourists that visit Ethiopia; you get a chance to see big concentration of wildlife cooling off the heat. If you want to hire a boat, this can be done at the Marine Transport Authority located in Bahir Dar. For bird watchers, Lake Tana is a home to many bird species which include both migratory and local birds. Furthermore Fasilidas Island is one place to visit because it’s a popular wetland that harbors different kinds of bird species. Both the Blue Nile Gorge and Lake Tana region have a big collection of birds including visitors and endemic.

 Sof Omar Cave

SofOmar is one of the most stunning as well as far-reaching underground cave structures in the entire world. Created by the Wabi River as it altered its path in the past and formed a new waterway via the limestone foot hills.  The Sof Omar cave is a charming natural beauty of Ethiopia.The tourism industry of Ethiopia has led to its economic development.

Later on the cave was turned into an Islamic shrine which was named after the saintly Shikh  Sof Omar. He was a great man who lived in Ethiopia for so many centuries. The cave has a great attachment concerning the Muslim religion and it was because of this that it come into existence after so many hundred years ago.

The Rift Valley

The East African Rift Valley stretches up to Ethiopia; its rift valley consists of various hot springs, lakes, rivers as well as a collection of wildlife. The valley was formed due to the two parallel faults that developed on the earth’s surface. It all happened when the crust was damaged and later on the land collapsed. Ethiopia is known as the water tower of Eastern Africa, this is acknowledged through its various rivers that flow to fill the tableland. The Great Rift Valley’s channel via Ethiopia is noticeable by a sequence of seven lakes. These seven lakes have their own features and are a home to the diversity of flora and fauna that makes the spot fascinating and a tourist destination.

The Awash National Park

It’s situated in the lowlands of the eastern part of Addis Ababa; it has the accessibility of the Awash River. A wash National Park is one of the most excellent reserves in Ethiopia. The Awash River is among the main rivers of the horn of Africa. Agricultural activities are carried out in the northern part of Ethiopia due to the river that flows into the wild of Danakil Depression. The spectacular Awash Falls, as the river flows into its gorge, offers a wonderful view of the national park. The Awash national park is enclosed by the inactive volcano of Fantale, It’s characterized of semi and rid savannah, riverain forest along with woodlands of the Awash.

The Omo National Park

Its among the most amazing national parks in Ethiopia, It covers an area of about 4,068km of wilderness surrounded by the Omo river. It’s a famous home to a variety of wildlife and about 306 species of birds are as well discovered in this place. Common wild animals seen include Burchell’s zebra, leopard, lion, cheetah.giraffe, elephants, eland and buffalo. A visit to this park will give a true wilderness of Ethiopia.

 Rafting on the River Omo

Accessing the park may not be easy although if you are to get there, you must use the route of Omorate.The ferry is the easiest means that can get you to the north bank of the river. The park’s headquarter is located within 75km from Kibish settlement. But an airstrip is reachable at the headquarter along with a stunning campsite on the Mui River. Improvements are yet to be seen as you continue visiting Ethiopia.

The Greater Kudu

The Mago National park is moderately undeveloped for visitors; it has a stretch of land of approximately 2162km along the banks of the Omo River. Its natural grassland is a home to many wildlife like Kudu, elephants, giraffe, buffalo and the rare seen animals like leopard, lion and Burchell’s zebra. Because of the dry grasslands as well as rivers, these have attracted many species of birds to Ethiopia.

Gambala National Park

This national park is a must visit, it has many wildlife and species of birds that will make your tour memorable for a lifetime. With a report from the Wild life information department, Dowsett Fors has acknowledged over 813 species of birds, 596 inhabitants as well as 224 habitual serial migrants in Ethiopia. The experience is inspirational and worth it.

For trekkers who have a passion for history, you should think about visiting Ethiopia the horn of Africa. These trekking holidays do present the chance to visit rich tourist sites in Ethiopia such as castles, rock-hewn churches, and underground tombs, thus making Ethiopia one of the secreted charms in Africa. Pre arranged tours offer you the opportunity visit the best sites. There are three prime  places that you should endeavor to visit and include on your itinerary as you enjoy your trekking holiday in Ethiopia.

Trekking In Ethiopia

Lalibela

Since King Lalibela’s supremacy which was between the 12th & 13th centuries, this place is well-known for its churches framed out of rock – a few stamped into the rock surface and some freestanding. The churches are all uniquely attractive. In comparison to other historic churches all over the world, surprisingly theses churches are still used by locals, pilgrims and priests. Visitors partaking trekking holidays in Ethiopia will get the opportunity to see some people in Lalibela who have made a pilgrimage prostrating themselves outside and inside the churches. Perhaps the most outstanding of all the churches is the 15 meters/49 feet tall with three-tier Bet Giyorgis church.  When observed from above its structure is in the outline of a Greek cross.

Axum

Axum once the capital city of the kingdom of Axumite that survived for approximately a thousand years is a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO. The ancient ruins in this place comprise of a ruined palace, underground tombs and very tall stelae; and it ranks among Africa’s most significant archaeological sites. The prominent stone monoliths that are scattered all through the city were carved from single portions of granite. Basing on a fairy tale, the extraterrestrial powers of the Ark-of-the-Covenant were essential in transporting the monoliths and positioned them where they stand today. in close proximity, the Ark remains are in Our Lady Mary of Sion Church. There are numerous spots of interest to vies among the wrecks at Axum during your trekking holiday for example the tallest collapsed stelae found in Stelae Park. Formerly standing at 33.5 meters or 110 feet high, it symbolized a slim 13 storey building with rows of doors & windows. One presumption regarding to its purpose points out that it was a residence for spirits of dead people.

Gondor

Another must-visit site during your on trekking vacations or cultural tours in Ethiopia, is the Gondor commonly referred to as Africa’s Camelot. In 1636, Emperor Fasiladas d declared Gondor his capital city.  – he has left-behind a grand Royal Enclosure with a dining hall, library stables, a chancellery, three churches and castles. In addition, just adjacent he left a Fasiladas’ Bath which was used for baptisms. Visitors are advised to visit the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for exceptionally decorated ceiling with cherubs and good-looking frescoes portraying the story of Christ. There is a wall neighboring the church with 12 towers, each symbolizing an apostle.

The Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventuring tour company that runs numerous trekking itineraries in Ethiopia is Jude Limburn Turner. Being functional in Asia for more than 20 years, it offers tour and trekking trips internationally, including itineraries to destinations in Europe, North & South America, Africa, Central Asia  and South East Asia.

Travel To Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country situated in the Horn of Africa, it’s one of the most densely populated countries in Africa.Unfortunately, it’s acknowledged to receive less attention in sectors like media and travel writing. Ethiopia is famous for its trekking activities and it’s this that makes it a holiday destination to visit. Since there is not so much about this country, you find some difficulties in locating where to stay and what to enjoy while there. Below are some of the tips that will guide on what to expect on a tour or trek in Ethiopia.

Why Ethiopia?

Right after Nigeria, Ethiopia takes up the second-highly inhabited country in Africa. It’s strategically positioned on the continent’s hone. It clearly displays Africa’s hottest and lowest points; furthermore it’s well known for its luxuriant landscapes. If you are a kind that loves  adventure, Ethiopia is the best destination to visit because it will offer you great trekking in its beautiful surroundings. As you enjoy your trekking, you will discover other charming aspects about Ethiopia’s history along with its architectural wonders that attract many tourists to the country.

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and it’s located in the highlands with a favorable climate throughout the year. The city has a lot of features to explore including walking routes and mountains that are a great attraction to the country. As you enjoy your flight to Ethiopia, you will delight in the beautiful scenery of the landscapes that will surely make you appreciate the country as quite unique from other countries in Africa.Accommodation in Ethiopia ranges from hotels,lodges,guest house and apartments with better services and facilities to make your stay memorable.