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.
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.
Ethiopia in deed hosts some of the most stunning sceneries in the African continent, including Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression among other places. The Jaggedly curved Simien Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the Danakil Depression at 120 meters below sea level is one of the lowest dry land points on 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.
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.
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.
Ethiopia hotels provide good accommodation, with some international hotel chains having a presence in Addis Ababa. Top hotels include Sheraton hotel, Dagim Millennium Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Adot-Tina hotel, among others. Before you get into Ethiopia, you require at least a one-month Visa. The entry visa can be obtained at the airport at US$20. Visitors also need a valid health certificate for yellow fever. If having visited or passed through a region infected with Cholera six days or less prior to getting into Ethiopia, you will need to provide proof of vaccination against the disease (cholera).
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.
Ethiopia in deed hosts some of the most stunning sceneries in the African continent, including Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression among other places. The Jaggedly curved Simien Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the Danakil Depression at 120 meters below sea level is one of the lowest dry land points on 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.
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.
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.
Ethiopia hotels provide good accommodation, with some international hotel chains having a presence in Addis Ababa. Top hotels include Sheraton hotel, Dagim Millennium Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Adot-Tina hotel, among others. Before you get into Ethiopia, you require at least a one-month Visa. The entry visa can be obtained at the airport at US$20. Visitors also need a valid health certificate for yellow fever. If having visited or passed through a region infected with Cholera six days or less prior to getting into Ethiopia, you will need to provide proof of vaccination against the disease (cholera).
About the Author:
Andrew Muigai is the MD of Africapoint.com, a travel agency that provides Ethiopia travel services such as Ethiopia hotel reservations, Ethiopia vacation packages, plus many others
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