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ethiopia.travel
Not far from the small village of Lalibela are a huddle of 11 square rock churches carved out of the surrounding pink graphite rock. The most beautiful is St. George’s Cathedral and the 13th century churches are still a pilgrimage today.
Aksum. Source: Travelkerdowney.com
Aksum is a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you can visit The Queen of Sheba’s palace and swimming pool. Aksum was also the home of the Aksumite Kingdom (100-940 ad). During the first seven days of each month, a stunning procession is led through the streets, with religious men carrying a boat to represent the Ark at dawn.
Timkat Festival. Source:
The Glorious Gondar was Emperor Fasil’s Royal enclosure. A 17th century building and quite a find for history buffs. It is the base for Ethiopia’s celebrations of TimKat; processions are guided through the streets by Priests. Pilgrims jump into the blessed waters of the Fasilides baths.
Trek the Simiens. Source: unchartedbackpacker.com
The Simien mountains are one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful landscapes. Described by Homer as, ‘Chess pieces of the Gods’, the Simien’s are arguably stunning and the perfect place to go if you want to get away from it all.
Hell on Earth. Source: dpreview.com
Nicknamed ‘hell on earth’, due to its bright yellow and red hues throughout this volcanic landscape, The danakil depression offers tours of this barren land. It is 100 meters below sea level, making it one of the hottest places on earth. Erta Ale is the star of the show – a volcano bubbling with lava. Make sure only to visit if you’re sure of your health as anything less could be risky.
Blue Nile Falls. Source: julietetelandresen.com
The stunning blue nile falls are definitely worth a look in. They are called the Tis- Isat Falls by locals, which means ‘Smoke of Fire’. Start the tour from Tis Isat village for a guide of the falls.
Harar. Source: cnn.com
It may be difficult to pronounce but Harar is one of the most beautiful towns in Ethiopia. We would recommend visiting the museum about the life of Poet Arthur Rimbaud, who lived there during his lifetime. If you like animals, you can watch the hyenas being fed at night. You can even fed them yourselves if you’re feeling brave! Although we wouldn’t recommend it – a hyena’s jaw is stronger than a lion’s!
Injera and curry. Source: 196flavors.com
Injera is a flatbread eaten with almost everything in Ethiopia. It is made with a grain called tef, which substitutes the wheat we use in our bread. You eat dishes with your right hand (your left is a no-no!) and enjoy a mixture of flat bread and multiple-spices, vegetable and curry dishes. Go for a Maheberawi mixed platter if you’re unsure of what to try.
Ethiopian coffee. Source: migrationology.com
Ethiopian coffee is roasted by hand, ground in a pestle and mortar and brewed in a jebena clay coffee pot. This also has a strong, sweet and spicy taste which can only be found in this region as the beans are harvested higher up. You can also find a variety of good quality Italian coffees, another passion of the Ethiopian brewers.
Lake Tana. Source: pinterest.com
Greeted by the friendly tour guides, you can take a lovely boat trip in a boat that wouldn’t be out of place in a crocodile dundee movie! The trip is from Lake Tana to the Nile and boasts beautiful views of blue skies and mountainous horizons. On the way visitors have seen fishermen at work, many species of bird and even hippos and crocodiles.
Jinka. Source: uthiopia.com
Jinka is a quaint market town located in the hills of the Tama plains. It is 1490 metres above sea level. The setting is beautiful, with a tropical rainforest sort of vibe (make sure you don’t get stuck in a downpour!) You will have to travel past the cows lining the roads to get there!
Ethiopian village. Source: worldwide.info
An original experience, you can organise a trip with the Tonso Tourist Information Centre, to see the Konso Tribe villages. They have their own streets made out of tree and stone, and a large flagpole which signifies each new year. The villages have been around for 400 years and their people are friendly but shy. You will need to ask their permission for a photograph.Visit the cultural centre to see wood carvings created by past inhabitants.
Elephant Sanctuary. Source: traveloethiopia.com
Walking safaris run each day around the Babile Elephant Sanctuary. There are around 1,000 elephants in total living in Ethiopia, and 400 of them are living in this sanctuary. Other animals you may also see include lions, cheetahs, leopards and many exotic birds.
Rift Valley. Source: tourwithant.com
The rift valley features seven connecting lakes. Tourists often enjoy the health benefits of being near the hot springs as the ideal way to relax on holiday. Being surrounded by this stunning scenery is also a perk of visiting this area.
Gondar Castle. Source: somak.com
Known as the ‘Camelot of Ethiopia’, the castle in Gondar has earned its nickname. The town itself is lovely to stroll around from the Italian piazza in the center, to the streets lined with tin-roofed stone buildings.
