Boasting an ideal location on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia or the so-called ‘The Roof of Africa’ prides itself of being home to magnificent cultural heritage and natural beauty, which make it a unique destination for those in search of a bit of adventure. A very old independent nation, with 80-plus tribes still living traditionally, this land of surprises will truly amaze you with its Dos and Sees, from the hiking routes of the fascinating Simien National Park to the Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the volcanic lakes of the unique Rift Valley to amazing African safaris. Below are some of the activities you should not miss out while visiting this amazing country.
Hiking/Trekking
Trekking in this varied and diverse country is a truly memorable experience. The best trek can be enjoyed in Ethiopia’s UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains, a chain of 14000-foot mountains that were sculpted by 40 million years of eruption and erosion. Dramatic scenery, exotic flora and fauna, deep gorges and ambas-stone columns that are remnants of prehistoric volcano vents – all combine to create what is, arguably, the most awe-inspiring landscape of Africa.
During your trekking tours, you’ll have the opportunity to meet tribes, stay in local cottages (tuktls), designed using local materials, set on the edge of the communities’ villages. Food will be prepared to suit western tastes, along with a traditional coffee ceremony.
Trekking is Ethiopia is available between 1 October and 15th July, with January being the best time to visit, as there is no rain and you’ll discover the landscape at its most picturesque, featuring fields of green crops, flowers, butterflies and birds in their mating plumage.
Cultural Encounters
Some 645 kilometers from Addis Ababa – Ethiopia’s capital, lies a beautiful town called Lalibela, and known internationally for its magnificent rock-hewn churches, which are sometimes called the ‘8th Wonder of the World.’ Physically hewn from the very rocks in which they stand, these monolithic cave churches (there are 11 of them assembled in three groupings) are believed to date from 6th or 7th centuries and are exceptionally fine examples of a long-established Ethiopian building tradition. For their unique beauty and value the churches were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nature & Wildlife
Blessed with rugged mountains, broad savannah, scenic valleys, lakes and rivers, the natural Ethiopia simply amazes first-time visitors. To list all the natural wonders of Ethiopia in one post is impossible, so here are some of the must-see ones, ideal for those who want nothing but nature and adventure.
The Blue Nile Falls or Tis-Isat Falls is perhaps the most dramatic spectacle on either the White or the Blue Nile rivers, an awe-inspiring waterfall that plunges more than 45 meters into the gorge below, creating spectacular rainbows and exceptional views. A small perennial rainforest of lush green vegetation surrounds the vegetation, inhabited by many monkeys and multicolored birds, which also adds to the adventure.
Another unique natural wonder that deserves attention is the charming Rift Valley, home to numerous hot springs, beautiful lakes, and diverse wildlife. The valley is the result of two parallel faults in the earth’s surface between which, the crust was weakened, and the land subsided. Most of the lakes in the valley are swimmer-friendly, with some ideal for other water sports and also bird watching. The Rift Valley lakes are ideal areas for developing international tourism in Ethiopia with Langano already offering tourist-class hotels.
Whether it’s beautiful landscape, authentic cuisine or historical sites Ethiopia has all the ingredients for a memorable African holiday.