Ethiopia
Top 10 Destinations in Ethiopia
The first time I’ve heard Ethiopia was from the movie of JLo titled “What to Expect When You're Expecting,” and since then, it got me interested with their culture. I knew that I wanted to visit that country, not only because of their culture but also due to the fact that Ethiopia is the place of origin for coffee bean. I’m a coffee lover that’s for sure!
Ethiopia has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, and it is a home to a vast number of fertile lands, jungles, and numerous rivers and the world’s hottest settlement. It also has a wide mountain range and huge caves.
Ethiopia has 31 endemic species of mammals like the African wild hog, which can be potentially extinct. They have a huge avian diversity numbering to eight hundred fifty six species, wherein sixteen of them are endangered. Sadly, the wildlife population is rapidly declining due to logging, pollution, wars, poaching and other human factors; however, there’s still so much to see in this country and here’s a list for tourists out there:
Addis Ababa
Many of the wealthiest people live in Addis Ababa maybe because of the climate as well as as its remarkable constant temperature. There are a lot of options to choose from to go around the town. If you prefer walking, it’s definitely safe and also entertaining as it will give you the chance not to miss any of the wonderful palaces around.
Left and right you can find different hotels with their marvelous architectural designs. There you will also see the Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, the national museum, and the popular Addis Ababa University. Along the side of the American Embassy you will find traditional craftsmen selling their homemade fabrics, pots, and other crafts. You can also have a walk on the mountain and I can say it is really refreshing. While walking, you can find the first churches, plus you can also get to appreciate the rural lives of the people, the city itself, the forest, and the unbelievable beauty of the farmland landscapes.
Gondar
Another popular tourist destination is Gondar for its many picturesque ruins. It is where emperors once reigned, and some of the most famous building in the city lie in the Royal Enclosure. The piazza features shops, cinema, and other public buildings which has a simplified Italian Modern style.
Lalibela
Lalibela is a town that is popularly known for its monolithic rock-cut churches. It is also known for its holiest cities and a center for pilgrimage. The traditional earth houses and conservation in Lalibela is truly a remarkable site to see that’s why it is included as a World Heritage Site.
Simien Mountains
Simien Mountains is also included in the World Heritage Site, and is known for its plateau separated by valleys and high peak. The tallest peak is the Ras Dashen, and is home for geladas, which is a monkey looking animal. Furthermore, a great site to see in Simien Mountains is the waterfall near Debarq.
The Omo Valley
The Omo Valley, which is also one of the UNSESCO’s World Heritage Sites, is an important basin, both geologically and archaeologically, as several fossils and archaeological sites are found here. The small city of Bahar Dar offers a small daily market and a very extensive weekly market. There are also clubs in the city for a fun night.
Danakil Depression
At the end of Danakil Depression you will find two old volcanoes and hot springs. Danakil Depression is the hottest place on earth since there is normally no rain for most of the year.
Erta Ale Volcano
Erta Ale Volcano is an important axial volcanic chain and is one of the many shield volcanoes in Ethiopia.
Blue Nile Falls
Blue Nile Falls is located thirty kilometres to the south, and is one of the main tourist attraction in Ethiopia, especially during rainy season when there is an increase in the water levels as the falls becomes more powerful.
St. George's Church
You can commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over the Italians by visiting St George's Church. The cathedral is a circular building, and as you walk around it, you’ll appreciate its history and beauty. Although it is a cathedral, inside it you can find a small museum. The interior of the cathedral is a piece of art as it is decorated with huge paintings and mosaics, making it worth the visit.
