 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Ethiopia is waiting for you…
Offering a diverse geography, varied flora and fauna, a wide
range of historical attractions, numerous different ethnicities, and
many vibrant aspects off the beaten track, Ethiopia is truly
striking for its diversity. However, it is a diversity that is
little known by many. In contrast to its international image shaped
by years of conflict and recurrent drought, Ethiopia is a country
more interesting and richer in physical, natural and cultural facets
than most people might imagine. |
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
A combination
of history & culture
Ethiopia's rich historical heritage is unique in sub-Saharan
Africa. The country looks back on a history of more than 3,000
years when the city of Axum became the centre of an empire
stretching from the Nile River across the Red Sea to the Yemen.
Even today, ruins of palaces and monuments, old inscriptions
and underground catacombs demonstrate the city’s ancient
magnitude. While the medieval capital of Lalibela is home to a
cluster of monolithic rock-hewn churches built in the 12th and
13th century, the imperial city of Gondar is best known for its
17th century castles built by Emperor Fasiladas and his
successors and the beautifully decorated church of Debre Birhan
Selassie. In the east of the country lies the old walled city of
Harar with its numerous mosques and shrines, considered a holy
city among Muslims. Or would you like to discover the ancient
and secluded island monasteries of Lake Tana, the largest lake
in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile? Or be one of the
few visitors to Ethiopia’s remote rock-hewn churches,
testimonies to the country’s centuries-old Christian legacy?
|
|
A
Wonderland for
nature lovers
Apart from its historical sites, Ethiopia offers exceptional
natural features and a rich bio-diversity. The country’s scenery
varies from high mountain ranges with alpine flora and fauna,
like the Simien and Bale Mountains, to deep gorges, wide
valleys, volcanic lakes, savannahs, and semitropical forests, to
the lowlands of the Omo Valley and the Danakil Depression (Dallol),
one of the earth’s hottest places. Connected with Ethiopia’s
extraordinary geography are its diverse ecosystems, placing the
country among the foremost in the world for its numerous endemic
mammals, birds and plants. While the Rift Valley Lakes are
famous for bird-watching, the Awash and Nechisar National Parks
are fine places for game drives. Not far from its origin in Lake
Tana, on the outskirts of the city of Bahirdar, the Blue Nile
River turns into the spectacular Blue Nile Falls. A paradise for
birds and definitely a must for every ornithologist! Indulge in
trekking or horse-back riding in the national parks, marvel at
the fascinating endemic animals and revel in the breathtaking
scenery!
|
A unique
ethnic mosaic
Ethiopia is also a country of great cultural diversity, with
a population made up of more than 80 different ethnicities
and as many languages and customs. The country’s virtual
isolation over centuries and its unique political
independence (Ethiopia was never colonized) have
substantially shaped people’s traditions and ways of life,
some of which seem remarkably untouched by outside
influences. The southwest in particular is inhabited by a
variety of distinctive ethnic groups, who have largely
maintained their traditional cultures and are surely
among the most fascinating tribal groups on the African
continent. Meet the Konso (known for their terracing
systems), the Hamer (famous for their elaborate body
decoration), or the Mursi (renowned for the lip plates worn
by their women), just to name a few! Or get acquainted with
the Oromos, Amharas and Tigreans in the central and northern
highlands! The Ethiopia of today is a multi-cultural,
multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious mosaic, waiting
for you to discover its magnificent diversity!
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
