Presentation
We consider Ethiopia as a great power for adventure tourism in Africa, due to its beautiful nature and landscapes, and its strong heritage for which Ethiopians are very proud.
Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and the second-oldest official Christian nation in the world after Armenia. Ethiopia is also the place for the first Hijra (615 AD) in Islamic history where the Christian king of Ethiopia accepted Muslim refugees from Mecca sent by the prophet Muhammad.
Geography
Ethiopia is a fascinating country in the Horn of Africa. It’s bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, and Sudan and South Sudan to the west.
High plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley, low lands in the eastern and westernmost of the country.
- Elevation extremes: lowest point: Denakil Depression -125 m; highest point: Ras Dejen 4,620 m
- Natural hazards: geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts
- Geography: landlocked – entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile, rises in T’ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and castor bean.
Why visit Ethiopia ?
Adventure travelers will discover Ethiopia is a rich country for its historical and cultural heritage. It has several historic sites spread out over various parts of the country. These features make Ethiopia one of the most fascinating countries in Africa. Ethiopians are very proud of their culture, identity, and country.
Adventure travelers should go trekking in the Dodolla and Bale Siemien Mountains National Park. Bird watching at the Rift Valley lakes and white water rafting on the Omo River are great outdoor activities in Ethiopia. Visitors sould also see the Azmari-bet (traditional dance), the castles of Gondar and Sof Omar Cave; and attend the traditional coffee ceremony.
Ethiopia’s National Parks
- Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park
- Awash National Park
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Mago National Park
- Nechisar National Park
- Omo National Park
- Simien National Park
- Gambella National Park
- Yangudi National Park
Main attractions in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and a hub of several social and economic activities. It has a diversity of stunning architecture varying from modern-day tall buildings, stylish villas, elegant hotels, theatres and bungalows all decorated in anodized aluminum and marble.
Axum
Axum was the ancient capital of Ethiopia. It’s located on the northern border of Ethiopia. Axum is famous for its stelae, churches, monasteries, tombs and the ruins of palaces. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.
Blue Nile falls
The Blue Nile (Abbay), which is part of the longest river in Africa, is believed to contribute about 80% of the total flow of the Nile. The falls are spectacular as the waters squeeze through a small crevice to fall through a series of cliffs forming a water spray that results into beautiful rainbows.
Gondar
Gondar is a royal and ancient historical city of Ethiopia. The walled city of Fasil Ghebbi in Gondar is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is part of the famous Ethiopia Historical Circuit. It was the home of many emperors and princesses who led the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th century, including Emperor Suseneos, Emperor Fasiledes, Empress Mentwab, Iyasu I, Tewodros II and Empress Taitu. The region is the home of the highest mountain in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen, and the Simien Mountains National Park.
Simien Mountain National Park
The Simien Mountain National Park was primarily established to safe guard the Walia Ibex. Additionally, it has families of the Gelada Baboon and the uncommon Simien fox together with more than 50 bird species. Other famous national parks in the country include Awash National Park and Omo National Park.
Ethiopian rift Valley
The rift Valley in Ethiopia is a portion of the Eastern Rift Valley has several springs plus stunning lakes together with a diversity of wildlife. It has a series of 7 lakes each with its independent composition and life. The rich flora surrounding the terrain has attracted several tourists to this area. The lakes offer ideal platforms for swimming and other water sports.
Lalibela
Lalibela is situated in Amhara Region. Lalibela’s famous for its rock-cut monolithic churches. The whole of Lalibela is a large antiquity of the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities, second only to Axum, and a center of pilgrimage. Unlike Axum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian.
Sof Omar Cave
Sof Omar Cave is among the most scenic and widespread cave systems in the World. It resulted from the River Wabi changing its course in the ancient times, as it created a new path through the foothills of the limestone. Today the caves serve as a significant Islamic Shrine that was named after Sof Omar a saintly Islamic Sheikh who took shelter in this place in the ancient past.
