Ethiopia: Land of Origins
Ethiopia is, located in the north-eastern part of Africa commonly known as the Horn of Africa. The only African nation never colonized by a European power in the African continent. The country is one of the world’s oldest nations; with a history dating back 3,000 of years. Ethiopia is a land of origins due to cradle of humanity, the famous fossil “Lucy” 3.2 million years old, discovered in the country and a birth place of the finest and most delicious coffee in the world. It is also a land of contrast and a truly best kept secret, which offers uncountable gifts and an unforgettable memory for visitors, is relatively unique from the rest of the world.
Ethiopia has a proud and long history extending to the known beginning of humankind. The country is the home of 16 tangible and intangible worlds’ heritages, recognized by UNESCO world Heritage Site. It makes Ethiopia the first nations in the continent of Africa. The mysterious and the tallest ever standing monolithic monuments of Axum, the astonishing and perfectly designed rock hewn churches of Lalibela, the magnificent and elegant castles of Gondar, the marvellous and decorated wall of Harer(Jegol) and other architectural remnants exist testifying the great civilizations of the country registered centuries ago.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia is amazing. It is endowed with breath-taking rugged mountains (the Simien Mountains, the highest peak, 4543 m and the Bale Mountains for instance are iconic landscapes) by UNESCO registered as world’s heritage site, great escarpments and stunning vista is waiting for real adventurers. Thus the country is often awarded as’ the roof of Africa’.
Do you know? the only feature of planet earth which is visible from the moon, the rift valley, is a remarkable region of volcanic formed lakes, with their famous collections of birdlife that makes Ethiopia truly a paradise for bird watchers.
Ethiopia is the source of the life giving river of Blue Nile and many other rivers, lakes and waterfalls in which some of them must rank as one of the greatest spectacular in Africa today. Its biodiversity makes the country an important place for scientific studies and research. Abundant birdlife, endemic mammals (from the goat like Walia Ibex to the Giant molle rat), beautiful flowers, butterflies, and with many more indigenous plants, the country is absolutely a suitable place for living things go through a normal range.
The Danakil depression, the hottest place in the world (48 ◦C/ 118 ◦F), offers you the most colourful, that you couldn’t see anywhere else in the world. The mazes of the beautifully natural curved limestone walls of the Sofomer cave is offering ‘Wow’ feeling and extreme adventure.
Beside the magnificent history and splendid nature, Ethiopia boosts vibrant and colourful culture. The mass celebrated festival, such as the Meskel (the finding of the True Cross), Timket (The Feast of Epiphany), Irrecha (the celebration of the Oromo people) and fiche-chebelala (the new year celebration of the Sidama people) are registered by UNESCO as world intangible heritage- have a power even to strangers to set in motion and stick together the crowd without a fear and left inexpressibly happier moment. The new developed parks and lodges in Addis Ababa and regional sates are best places for events and other ceremonials and recreational trips.
Ethiopian cuisine is of the tastiest, healthiest and most diverse on the continent. The spicy based aromatic Ethiopian dishes such as Doro Wot (chicken’s Stew) and it’s a great place to visit if you’re a vegetarian. Many Ethiopians follow an Orthodox Christianity religion which prohibits eating any animal products on Wednesday and Friday, which means you’ll almost always find vegetarian dishes on the menu. The exclusively homemade drinks such as Tej(the Ethiopian honey wine), Tella and Areke are also creating some good feeling in an extraordinary level. For Night life lovers, Addis and other big Cities outside the capital with their Night Clubs are very classic and interesting.
