10 Must-See Places to Visit in Ethiopia

Places to Visit in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country of history and culture; the land which is full of the wonderful wonderful experiences yet to be discovered. Often referred to as the ‘Cradle of Humanity’, Ethiopia encompasses one of the oldest histories in the world, and its artifacts, geography, and customs narrate the histories of ancient civilizations. If you are interested in history, if you are an adventurer or if you are a nature lover, you will find that Ethiopia has a great many places to visit. Starting from the vibrant capital city Addis Ababa down to the tribes in the Omo Valley, the mountains of the Simien, the Danakil Depression and much more, this incredible country has something for everyone.

Those people who want to travel and gain a lot of experience will be very much advised to visit Ethiopia. It is not only about its past and geographical features, but also about its inhabitants, their culture and friendly attitude towards the guests. The cultural aspect of the country comprises of the ethnic groups, music, markets, festivals, and architecture that are brightly displayed throughout the country. If you are intending to visit the historical sites of Axum or the beaches of Lake Tana or the highlands of Bale Mountain, Ethiopia famous places are a combination of fun and learning.

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The streets of Addis Ababa are filled with street vendors and markets, while the shores of Lake Tana provide a peaceful backdrop for travelers to explore the country’s culture. Whether you want to know more about the history of ancient civilizations, the view the beauty of the wildlife in the Simien Mountains, or just want to sit back and enjoy the natural beauty then best places to visit Ethiopia will surely meet the needs of every traveler. A visit to Ethiopia is not just a visit to see these places but it is a visit to an extra ordinary culture, extraordinary people and extra ordinary natural scenery. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Ethiopia you should try to plan with the help of the Ethiopia Tour Packages or Ethiopia holiday packages that are offered by many tour operators to allow you to see the best of this amazing country.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Ethiopia

Following are 10 places that will make your journey quite dramatic:

1. Lalibela: The Wonda of the Living.

Places to Visit in Ethiopia

Lalibela is generally considered to be the pride of Ethiopia. With 11 monolithic churches from the medieval period, Lalibela is an ancient site that has been listed by the World Heritage Centre. These churches are hewn from the rock and are rather old dating from the 12th century, these are some of the Ethiopia places of interest that anyone interested in religious architecture must visit. As you explore the churches in Lalibela, you are not just seeing archeological sites; you are seeing history in the present tense because these churches are still used to this very day.

2. Simien Mountains National Park – Mountain Splendor

Places to Visit in Ethiopia

For people in search of beauty of nature, the Simien Mountains National Park is one of the best places to go for travelers to Ethiopia. This park is among the UNESCO list of heritage sites and boasts of sharp cliffs, steep valleys and rare wildlife. It is a great spot in Ethiopia for trekking, bird watching and to see the vast variety of wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf and Gelada monkeys. The park boasts some of the most magnificent view that are hard to miss for anyone who sets foot at the park.

3. Addis Ababa: the Political, Economic and Social Capital of Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is the political and cultural center of Ethiopia, which is a rapidly developing city. This colourful city boasts museums, art galleries and markets and a good example of a city that has embraced modernity while still retaining its traditions. It is among the Ethiopia famous place where one could feel the touch of the current culture of the country. Other places of interest are the National Museum that hosts the fossil known as Lucy and the Holy Trinity Cathedral that is one of the most important places of worship in Ethiopia.

4. Axum – The Birth Place of Ethiopian Civilization

Axum – The Birth Place of Ethiopian Civilization

Axum is another of Ethiopia’s famous places of historical significance. This site is an important archeological site that was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Axum and houses large obelisks and the purported tomb of the Ark of the Covenant. Axum is one of the best places to visit Ethiopia if you are interested in the history and archeology of the region and the country in particular.

5. The Danakil Depression – A Journey to the Edge of the Earth

The Danakil Depression – A Journey to the Edge of the Earth

The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most barren regions on the planet but its home to some of Ethiopia’s most beautiful scenery. And from great salt plains to painted geysers, the area seems to belong to another planet. Many people regard it as one of the most exciting destinations in Ethiopia for tourists who are in search of the most thrilling and exciting experiences. People will be surprised with the availability of hot springs, availability of active volcanic region and the bizarre and surreal looking structures that are found in this region.

6. Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls – Ethiopia’s Natural Wonders

Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls – Ethiopia’s Natural Wonders

Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and also provides the origin of the Blue Nile River. There are many monasteries around the lake some of which are even accessed by boat. The Blue Nile Falls or Tis Issat or the Waterfall of Smoke is one of the most wonderful natural sites in Ethiopia which is in close proximity. The falls and Lake Tana are among the Ethiopia places to visit for anybody who has a passion for nature and history.

7. Harar Jugol

Harar Jugol

Harar Jugol is the fourth largest city of Ethiopia and one of the oldest Islamic cities in the world which is enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage site. This has walled old town that is packed with small lanes, bazaars, and more than 80 mosks. It is a place of interethnic contacts where you can see how ethnoses and religions interpenetrated each other. Harar is a best place to visit Ethiopia because while visiting Harar, you get an opportunity to experience the Islamic culture of Ethiopia.

8. Bale Mountains National Park

Bale Mountains National Park

For nature lovers and traveles, the Bale Mountains National Park is one of the beautiful place in Ethiopia. It is a conservation area with a variety of endemic animals like the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala and the giant molerat. There are many trails to hike with amazing views of the park which is located in the alpine meadows, bamboo forests among others. For those who are interested to visit Ethiopia and get to see wildlife and unspoiled sceneries, it is a best places to go in Ethiopia.

9. The Omo Valley

The Omo Valley

The Omo Valley itself is one of the most ethnologically rich areas of Ethiopia and the locals include more than sixteen different tribes such as the Hamar, Mursi and the Karo. When you are in the Omo Valley, you have a chance to study the principles, beliefs, and ways of the aboriginal people. The region is of great importance to those who want to explore the less touched and more traditional part of Ethiopian history.

10. Gondar – the African equivalent of Camelot

Gondar – the African equivalent of Camelot

Gondar also known as the “Camelot of Africa” is a historical city that is well known for royal palaces and medieval castles. The Fasil Ghebbi which is a walled compound that contains the royal castles is among the famous tourist attractions in Ethiopia and is a World Heritage Site. Gondar also has wonderful churches with paintings and relics that date back to the ancient world, so if you are interested in history and architecture, Gondar is one of the best places to visit in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

Ethiopia is a diverse country that holds interesting for all kind of tourists. Whether you want to take a risk in Danakil Depression or want to explore the historical sites in Axum or want to experience the vibrant culture of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has an incredible list of places to visit Ethiopia that will surely mesmerize you. Ethiopia tour packages or Ethiopia Holiday Packages will help you in planning the best of your trip to this wonderful country and explore the real spirit of Africa.

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