Ethiopia, located in Eastern Africa, is the oldest independent nation in Sub Sahara Africa. The country has very magnificent landscapes ranging from desert landscapes to mountain forests. The landlocked Ethiopia is bordered by Kenya on the South, Somalia and Djibouti on the East, Eritrea on the Northeast, and Sudan on the West. Ethiopia occupies an area of over 1,000,000 sq km, approximately five times the size of the United Kingdom.
Bole International airport is the main point of entry for international travellers to Ethiopia. Located in Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa, this airport is the fifth busiest in Africa. The airport is the home of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's pioneering airline that currently operates flights between Ethiopia and 48 other travel destinations in the world. Addis Ababa has a population of over 2 million people. The city is nestled at the bottom of the 3000 metres Entoto Mountains, presenting a pleasant landscape of wooded hillsides and gullies occupied by fast flowing streams.
Ethiopia is home to some of the most scenic sites in Africa, among them the Danakil depression and the rugged Simien mountains. Lying at 120 metres below sea level, the Danakil depression is one of the lowest lying dry points in the world. Simien mountains on the other hand are a UNESCO world heritage site.
There are over 20 mountains in Ethiopia that stand above 4,000 metres high. Mount Ras Deshen is the tallest among them, at 4,620 metres, and is Africa's fourth tallest mountain. Ethiopia's high tableland is the source of many rivers including the Omo river, Baro river, Blue Nile, and Awash river. These rivers give Ethiopia the reputation of being the "water tower" of Eastern Africa.
Blue Nile, comprising about 80 per cent by volume of the Great Nile River, originates from Lake Tana. Blue Nile and White Nile, originating from Lake Victoria, merge into the Great Nile River at Khartoum, the Sudan capital to form the longest river of the world draining to the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue Nile Falls is one of the most popular tourist destination along the historic route. The Blue Nile Falls is situated near Tis-Abay town, 30 km to the east of Bahir Dar, which is 20-30 minutes walk from the town of Tiss Abey.
The largest lake in Ethiopia, Lake Tana, is located about 560 km from Addis Ababa and is home to 37 islands. Some of these Islands have churches and monasteries that contain many artifacts including paintings and murals, church crosses, ancient manuscripts, remains of emperors, crowns, icons, and other historical items.
There are plenty opportunities to enjoy the attractions of Ethiopia, while participating in a favorite pastime, making a holiday in Ethiopia even more fun. The Ethiopian highlands,for instance, offer superb trekking opportunities. The most popular well-established areas for trekking are the Simien and Bale Mountains National Parks. The west highlands region, east and west of the Omo valley, is also becoming popular among trekkers. Perfect climbs are also provided at the Simien Mountains and the Bale Plateau.
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. - 16492
Bole International airport is the main point of entry for international travellers to Ethiopia. Located in Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa, this airport is the fifth busiest in Africa. The airport is the home of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's pioneering airline that currently operates flights between Ethiopia and 48 other travel destinations in the world. Addis Ababa has a population of over 2 million people. The city is nestled at the bottom of the 3000 metres Entoto Mountains, presenting a pleasant landscape of wooded hillsides and gullies occupied by fast flowing streams.
Ethiopia is home to some of the most scenic sites in Africa, among them the Danakil depression and the rugged Simien mountains. Lying at 120 metres below sea level, the Danakil depression is one of the lowest lying dry points in the world. Simien mountains on the other hand are a UNESCO world heritage site.
There are over 20 mountains in Ethiopia that stand above 4,000 metres high. Mount Ras Deshen is the tallest among them, at 4,620 metres, and is Africa's fourth tallest mountain. Ethiopia's high tableland is the source of many rivers including the Omo river, Baro river, Blue Nile, and Awash river. These rivers give Ethiopia the reputation of being the "water tower" of Eastern Africa.
Blue Nile, comprising about 80 per cent by volume of the Great Nile River, originates from Lake Tana. Blue Nile and White Nile, originating from Lake Victoria, merge into the Great Nile River at Khartoum, the Sudan capital to form the longest river of the world draining to the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue Nile Falls is one of the most popular tourist destination along the historic route. The Blue Nile Falls is situated near Tis-Abay town, 30 km to the east of Bahir Dar, which is 20-30 minutes walk from the town of Tiss Abey.
The largest lake in Ethiopia, Lake Tana, is located about 560 km from Addis Ababa and is home to 37 islands. Some of these Islands have churches and monasteries that contain many artifacts including paintings and murals, church crosses, ancient manuscripts, remains of emperors, crowns, icons, and other historical items.
There are plenty opportunities to enjoy the attractions of Ethiopia, while participating in a favorite pastime, making a holiday in Ethiopia even more fun. The Ethiopian highlands,for instance, offer superb trekking opportunities. The most popular well-established areas for trekking are the Simien and Bale Mountains National Parks. The west highlands region, east and west of the Omo valley, is also becoming popular among trekkers. Perfect climbs are also provided at the Simien Mountains and the Bale Plateau.
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. - 16492
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
