The truth about Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a magical land of constant surprises, majestic scenary, incredible nature, diverse beautiful culture, amazing history, a richest historical heritage in Africa. Enough myth and legend to exite a puritan and an exuberant and welcoming people
Home to the Ark of the Covenant, the spectacular Simien Mountains, the mind-blowing 11 century cave churches of Lalibela, the 16 century impressive castles of Gondar, the source of the Blue Nile, the lake Tana with more than 35 island 14 century, monaster and church,the tumultuous Blue Nile falls and the old medieval walled city of Harar.
With more 80 different tribes, it's a land of mixed race, mixed religion, a dynasty originating from Queen Sheba and concluding with the Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974.Filled with the finest of Africa's mountain scenery with 4620 above sea level Ethiopia has been a melting pot, since Christ, for ideas from the East, West and from Africa, also to be the pnly Africa country claim to have her own original language with alphabet of over 200 characters and numbers, the year, following the Julian calendar, has 13 months!
wildlife is outstanding. Over 830 birds have been recorded and 29 of them are endemic to the country 80 species of larger mammals survive with mixed fortunes, seven of which are also endemic.
Attractions
Axum The giant Monolithic Stele of Axum,hewn from a single granite rock during the 2nd century, are fascinating.Among them the largest one measures 33 meters and fell down for unkown reason.The 2nd largest,still standing, measures 23 meteres from the earth.
Axum is also a religious place for Orthodox christians. In 326 A.D.,King Ezana accepted christianity and constructed the first church on the land of Africa.The original Ark of the Covenant which is brought by Emperor Menelik I, the son of Queen of Sheba & King Solomon of Israel,resides in the chapel next to St. Mary of Zion Church.
Lalibela
The magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, considered as the Eighth
wonder of the world, were constructed by one of the famous Christian kings
named Lalibela. The churches of Lalibela are carved from soft volcanic rock.
St. George, hewned at the end, has a cross shape style from bottom to top.
Gondar
The 17th and 18th century castles of Gondar, considered as a Camelot
of Africa, are one of the seven UNESCO world heritage sites. King Fasilades pioneered the
construction of these castles after controlling power in 1636.For the first
time in Ethiopian history; the Gondarians used lime as a plaster for their
construction.
Lake Tana
Churches and Monasteries on Lake Tana,the largest crater
lake in Ethiopia. Most of the churches
on Lake Tana islands are very old, dating back to the 13th
century. They have a wealthy collections of old crowns made of gold and
silver, traditional wall paintings, old books,crosses and other church
materials.
Harar
The walled city of Harar is known for its
colorful market and the scene of hyena feeding.Harar is the fourth holiest
place in Islam. There are about 99 Shrines and mosques.The town is encircled
by walls with main five gates from different directions.
The Simien Mountain massifs constitute
many summits above 4000 meters and culminate in the highest point in Ethiopia,Ras Dashen, at 4620
meters which is the fourth highest mountain in Africa. The dramatic
topography of the region is the result of the erosion of basalt lavas, which
have been calculated to be nearly 3000 meters thick.
The
simien mountains national park has been adopted by UNESCO as a world heritage site,
covers 179 square kilometers. And the highest point, Ras Dashen, is
attainable while crossing the breathtaking scenery and panorama. The endemics
Walia Ibex,Simien Fox, Gelada Baboon and lots of endemic birds and plants
live with in this spectacular splendor.
Bale Mountains National Park is the richest area in
afro-alpine habitat in the whole of Africa. It is an area of
high altitude plateau rising to a height of more than 4,000 meters above sea
level. That is broken by numerous spectacular volcanic peaks, beautiful
alpine climate and pristine mountain streams that descend in to deep rocky
gorges on their way to the lowlands below and become important rivers. Mount Tullu Dimtu, the highest
peak in the southern Ethiopia reaches 4,377 meters.
The establishment of the 2400 square kilometers of the park is crucial for
the survival of the Endemics Mountain Nyala,Menelik' s Bushbuck, and Siemen Fox.
The
park gives you the opportunities for unsurpassed mountain walking, horse
trekking, and scenic driving while viewing many of the endemic plants,
mammals, and birds.
Ethiopia is a mosaic of many wonderful people known for their hospitable and friendly welcome. There are about 83 ethnic groups, each speaking its own language and having its own sub culture. Many of the ethnic groups still preserve their unique and fascinating costumes, colorful ceremonies and celebrations, arts and crafts, music and dance. The Hamer, Mussi, Bena, Tsemay, Karo. Dasench,situated in the extreme part of Southern Ethiopia closer to the Omo River Valley, Konso, and Dorze, are among the most visited ethnic groups.
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