Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in the Sub Saharan Africa. Located in east-central Africa, this landlocked country is bordered on the west by Sudan, the east by Somalia and Djibouti, the south by Kenya, and the northeast by Eritrea. The country occupies over a million square kilometers (about five times the size of the United Kingdom) and has a magnificent landscape that ranges from deserted to forested areas.
Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is the main entry point of international arrivals as it hosts Bole International Airport ? the fifth busiest airport in Africa. Bole International Airport is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines is the pioneering airline in Africa flying to 48 destinations worldwide. With a population of more than 2 million people, Addis Ababa is nestled at the bottom of the 3,000 meters Entoto Mountains and rambles pleasantly across many wooded hillsides and gullies cut through with fast flowing streams.
Some of the most amazing scenic sites in Africa are found in Ethiopia. These include the Danakil depression and the jaggedly curved Simien mountains, which are a UNESCO world heritage site. The Danakil depression lies at 120 metres below sea level, making them one of the lowest dry land points on planet earth.
Ethiopia is reputed as the "water tower" of Eastern Africa because of the many rivers flowing from its high tableland. The country has over 20 mountains towering at 4,000 metres and above, the tallest among them being the 4,260 metres high Ras Deshen, which is also the fourth tallest mountain in Africa. The rivers that flow from these Ethiopian highlands include the Blue Nile, Awash river, Omo river, and Baro river.
The Blue Nile makes up about 80% of the Great Nile River's water volume. Originating from Lake Tana, the Blue Nile merges with the White Nile (origin- Lake Victoria), to form the Nile River, the longest river in the world. The Blue Nile Falls, along the rivers route, is among Ethiopia's leading tourist attractions. The falls are located near Tis Abay, 30km to the east of Bahir Dar.
Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake, is situated 560 km from Addis Ababa. Some of the 37 islands in Lake Tana have monasteries and church buildings that host beautiful murals and paintings. Other historical Ethiopia artifacts found there include church crosses, ancient manuscripts, icons, crowns, and remains of emperors.
Among the activities you can enjoy while on an Ethiopia vacation, mountain trekking is perhaps the most popular. Both Simien and Bale mountains national parks provide good conditions for trekking as well as some excellent spots for mountain climbing. The highland regions to the east and the west of the Omo valley are the other increasingly famous areas for trekkers.
Birdwatching is one other Ethiopian tourist attraction. Of the 800 bird species found here, 16 are endemic. In the national parks, you get to spot a wider range of bird-life because of the minimal human activities. A record 161 bird species have been spotted in Bale National park alone. The season between early September and February is the best time for birdwatching. Many migrating bird species move into the country between November and February, increasing the species diversity, as well as raising the bird population.
Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage dating back to over 3,000 years. There are over 80 ethnic groups each with unique traditions, language, and culture. Religious festivities and celebrations form a key part of the Ethiopian culture.
There are plenty of international hotels offering excellent accommodation for visitors, among them the Sheraton, Hilton, Dagim Millennium Hotel, Adot-Tina Hotel and others. Entry to Ethiopia requires a one-month visa going for US$20 at airport. Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia. - 14915
Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is the main entry point of international arrivals as it hosts Bole International Airport ? the fifth busiest airport in Africa. Bole International Airport is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines is the pioneering airline in Africa flying to 48 destinations worldwide. With a population of more than 2 million people, Addis Ababa is nestled at the bottom of the 3,000 meters Entoto Mountains and rambles pleasantly across many wooded hillsides and gullies cut through with fast flowing streams.
Some of the most amazing scenic sites in Africa are found in Ethiopia. These include the Danakil depression and the jaggedly curved Simien mountains, which are a UNESCO world heritage site. The Danakil depression lies at 120 metres below sea level, making them one of the lowest dry land points on planet earth.
Ethiopia is reputed as the "water tower" of Eastern Africa because of the many rivers flowing from its high tableland. The country has over 20 mountains towering at 4,000 metres and above, the tallest among them being the 4,260 metres high Ras Deshen, which is also the fourth tallest mountain in Africa. The rivers that flow from these Ethiopian highlands include the Blue Nile, Awash river, Omo river, and Baro river.
The Blue Nile makes up about 80% of the Great Nile River's water volume. Originating from Lake Tana, the Blue Nile merges with the White Nile (origin- Lake Victoria), to form the Nile River, the longest river in the world. The Blue Nile Falls, along the rivers route, is among Ethiopia's leading tourist attractions. The falls are located near Tis Abay, 30km to the east of Bahir Dar.
Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake, is situated 560 km from Addis Ababa. Some of the 37 islands in Lake Tana have monasteries and church buildings that host beautiful murals and paintings. Other historical Ethiopia artifacts found there include church crosses, ancient manuscripts, icons, crowns, and remains of emperors.
Among the activities you can enjoy while on an Ethiopia vacation, mountain trekking is perhaps the most popular. Both Simien and Bale mountains national parks provide good conditions for trekking as well as some excellent spots for mountain climbing. The highland regions to the east and the west of the Omo valley are the other increasingly famous areas for trekkers.
Birdwatching is one other Ethiopian tourist attraction. Of the 800 bird species found here, 16 are endemic. In the national parks, you get to spot a wider range of bird-life because of the minimal human activities. A record 161 bird species have been spotted in Bale National park alone. The season between early September and February is the best time for birdwatching. Many migrating bird species move into the country between November and February, increasing the species diversity, as well as raising the bird population.
Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage dating back to over 3,000 years. There are over 80 ethnic groups each with unique traditions, language, and culture. Religious festivities and celebrations form a key part of the Ethiopian culture.
There are plenty of international hotels offering excellent accommodation for visitors, among them the Sheraton, Hilton, Dagim Millennium Hotel, Adot-Tina Hotel and others. Entry to Ethiopia requires a one-month visa going for US$20 at airport. Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia. - 14915
About the Author:
Andrew Muigai is the MD of Africapoint.com, a travel agency that provides Ethiopia travel services such as Ethiopian hotel and lodges reservations, Ethiopia vacation packages, plus many others
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