Ethiopia, land of the origins, lions, kings and Haile Selassie is one of the most enigmatic countries in the world. Sitting at the horn of Africa between Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea and the two Sudans, it is one of the largest countries in Africa, the second most populous and potentially the oldest civilization after Egypt. It is also an incredible tourism destination with history, culture and religion dating back to the 10th century BC.To tour Ethiopia is like to walk far back in time to when everything was medieval, amazing and mind boggling; An ancient civilization of unparalleled beauty, history, culture, religion and larger than life characters.
The history of Ethiopia dates back centuries. And it all begins in the far northern town of Axum, the birthplace place of the biblical Queen of Sheba whose encounter with King Solomon birthed the imperial dynasty that ruled Ethiopia for 3,000 years beginning with Menelik I, son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and ending with the death of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1975. Axum is home of the magnificent St. Mary’s Cathedral, the biblical Arch of the Covenant,the Stelaepark hosts massive blocks of sculpted granite stone that were used as pagan tomb stones and the underground ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba are just some of her principal landmarks.
History then descends to Lalibela, the presumed second Jerusalem with her ancient rock-hewn churches which are still being used today; they are not only a marvel to behold but are of especial importance because they are not just historical relics but also form thebasis of all Ethiopians’ culture, customs and traditions. To them, Christianity is a way of life deeply intertwined with their history and religion; to visit, tour and learn about these churches is to know about the Ethiopian person. The churches are certainly grand, but they portend even greater meaning and importance telling the story of a people, their ancient myths and legends, their life today and aspirations for the future.Lalibella is attains special importance during the Ethiopian Epiphany because it is the birthplace of King, St. Lalibela, who was born on the same date as Jesus Christ. Starting two weeks ahead of genna (The Ethiopian Christmas celebratedevery year on 07thJanuary)people from all corners of Ethiopia undertake a pilgrimage to Lalibela to attend the colorful ceremony get spiritual blessings from the high priests.
And further south, it is in Gondar where the last of Ethiopia’sreigning kings settled and the final battle with the Italians climaxed. Their magnificent ancient castles have a deep story to tell; of bravery, diplomacy, resilience, defeat, and standing again. There are also relics of the famed cages used by Ethiopian kings for rearing lions as immortalized by Haile Selassie.Gondar is also the center of the Ethiopian Epiphanyalso called Timkat, another colorful Ethiopian religious ceremony. Every year from 18th through 19th to 20th of January, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians all over the country commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ, by St. John, on the River Jordan in colorful mimicry ceremonies led by tabot-carrying high priests accompanied by masses of colorfully dressed adherents. The biggest celebrations take place in Gondar where young pilgrims dip and swim in blessed/holy water in the massive King Fasilides’ pool in mimicry of Jesus’s baptism and the masses are splashed with holy water in a ritual that has been practiced for centuries.
Addis Ababa the capital (means the new flower), is a modern and well developed cosmopolitan city of 10m inhabitants with nice boulevards, a tram, a world class airport, hotels and restaurants, the Ethiopia national museum, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, local foods and crafts markets and a vibrant night life.
Ethiopia is also home to several wildlife-infested national parks with unique animal species like the blood-heart baboon and many others as well as over 860 species of Birds including 18 endemic to Ethiopia, and 14 endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Her southern-western fringes also known as the OmoValley are renowned as some of the most culturally authentic tourism destinations in the world encounteringancient peoples, cultures and customs that seem to have frozen in time for hundreds of year.
Getting Around: Being a relatively large country, travel around Ethiopia is most efficient by air. Avoiding the long drives allows one to spend most of your time where it mattersmost; on tour enjoying the nature, adventure, culture and wildlife. Almost all the key tourism sites are within easy reach of a good airport and decent 3* to 3.5* hotels. And because the distances are also quite vast, it can actually save money especially if you are travelling as a small group.Ethiopian Airlines conducts a well-coordinated and fairly priced domestic flights schedule. From each of the towns, one can drive the shorter distances to the parks and other attractions. Using local guides in each location allows you to take advantage of their deep local knowledge.
Imagine an ancient, Christian and powerful African city, that was in the heart of a great power.
Read More
Lalibela is a northern Ethiopian town most famous for her monolithic rock hewn churches dating back.
Read More
Gondar is considered the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Fasilides in 1636.
Read More
