Ethiopia
Ethiopia: The Ancient and Exotic Land
Ethiopia is a land of ancient history and diverse cultures. The country is also an exotic destination, with many natural attractions like the highlands, the Rift Valley lakes and Gambela National Park. Ethiopia has endured centuries of conflict and poverty, but it has emerged as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
It Is One of the Oldest Countries in the World
For thousands of years, Ethiopia has been an independent state. It was one of the first African countries to adopt Christianity as its religion and it is believed that ancient Egyptians migrated there during Biblical times. Once a powerful empire, Ethiopia’s modern history has seen endless conflict with neighbors like Eritrea and Somalia over disputed territories such as the Hanish Islands in the Red Sea
Ethiopia Is a Fascinating and Exotic Destination for Travelers
The country offers many natural attractions: highlands covered by green vegetation, lakes spread across volcanic craters (the Rift Valley) and Gambela National Park (known for its abundant wildlife). The Blue Nile flows through Lake Tana before flowing on to Egypt where it becomes part of the famous River Nile. In addition, Ethiopia has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Fasil Ghebbi fortress in Gondar.
Ethiopia Is a Peaceful and Stable Democracy
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most stable and peaceful democracies and for many years it was known as “the only democratic state” on this continent. The country has a long history of political stability since gaining independence from Italy in 1941 (with Haile Selassie I – former Ethiopian emperor). Today, Ethiopians enjoy freedom of speech and worship which can be seen through its flourishing music industry such as with artists like Gigi.
Awash National Park
Awash National Park in Ethiopia is one of the most prominent and diverse protected areas in the Horn of Africa. The park is located in the Afar Region, stretching over a vast area from north to south. The Awash River flows through it, watering a landscape of gorges, canyons, cliffs, and basalt-table Mountains.
The park is home to a large number of animals, including the endangered painted hunting dog (also known as ‘painted wolf’). The endemic species found here include: Grevy’s zebra, Soemmering’s gazelle and yellow-backed duiker. A total of over 100 bird species have been recorded in the park, including the giant kingfisher and Abyssinian roller.
Axum
Axum is an ancient city in northern Ethiopia that was once the kingdom’s capital. The city has been inhabited since at least 1000 BC, and today it contains archaeological remains from Ancient Egypt (the Queen of Sheba), the Persian Empire (Dhul-Qarnayn) and Aksumite civilizations. People living here still speak the Ge’ez language, the original Semitic language of Ethiopia.
Major historical sites in Axum include: Queen of Sheba’s Bath; King Bazen’s Tomb and the Ezana Stone written in Sabaean, Ancient South Arabian script which outlined the kingdom of Aksum and its conversion to Christianity by Frumentius (known as Abba Selama, Kesaté Birhan or “Father of Peace, Revealer of Light”), and the earliest example of Ge’ez.
Ethiopia Is a Country Rich in Culture and History
The country has a long history with many ancient cultures such as Judaism and Christianity (and other religions) having been developed here for thousands of years. In addition, there is a fascinating history of art and architecture in Ethiopia with buildings dating back to the 12th century. Many tourists visit this country each year for its unique arts and crafts such as pottery, basketry and textiles which are different from those found elsewhere in Africa.
Ethiopia Is a Destination for Adventure Travelers
Ethiopia offers many opportunities for adventure travelers including: climbing, rafting and kayaking in the Blue Nile Gorge; trekking in the Simien Mountains National Park; mountain biking in the Bale Mountains National Park and bird watching. The country is also home to a rich culture which attracts tourists interested in history, art and architecture. With its natural beauty and impressive wildlife, Ethiopia is also a great destination for those who love the outdoors.
Gonder
Gonder is a city in northern Ethiopia famous for its castles, palaces and unique architecture. These structures were built during the 17th century by the Kings of Gondar who reigned over this land from approximately 1632 to 1855 AD. The design styles used here include: Baroque (seen on many churches), Rasulid (a Yemeni Islamic style), and Coptic (influenced by Ancient Egyptian architecture).
Some of the most famous castles in Gonder are: the Royal Palace, Fasiladas’ Castle, Iyasu’s Castle and Debre Berhan Selassie Church. The city is also home to a large number of other historical sites such as monasteries, churches and tombs.
Ethiopia Is a Land Of Contrasts
The country is filled with many contrasts including: traditional cultures living alongside modern lifestyles; ancient structures standing next to new buildings; the world’s second highest waterfall located just outside of a capital city (Tis Abay in Gonder); wide open plains in the east of the country and volcanic mountains in the west; deserts on its northern border and tropical beaches along it southern coast.
Ethiopia Is a Country for All Seasons
There are plenty of things to see and do here year round such as: visiting Ethiopia’s many different national parks (including Simien Mountains National Park, Omo River Valley National Park, Bale Mountains National Park and Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park); going on safari in the northern part of the country; admiring the ancient architecture and churches in Gonder and Lalibela; trekking in the highlands near Addis Ababa or down in the Rift Valley; white water rafting on the Omo River; visiting national monuments or spending time at the beach.
