WHAT TO DO I ETHIOPIA?

1. CULTURAL TOURS IN ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been fully colonized, resulting in a culture little-influenced by the West. It has its own alphabet, calendar and time zone, and this strongly religious country (the second-oldest Christian country in the world) also dictates regular fasting days on which you’ll find only vegetarian or vegan food. When thinking of Ethiopian culture, though, many people think of the tribes along the Omo Valley, each with their own distinctive traditions. The Omo tribes continue to maintain their unique cultures and languages under pressure from displacement and increasing interest from tourists.

2. ADVENTURE TOURS IN ETHIOPIA

   I.  ADVENTURE TOURS & PHOTO TOURS TO DENAKIL DEPRESSION

Known as the gateway to hell, the Danakil Depression is one of the most unique environments in the world.

Sitting over 400 feet below sea level, it is both one of the lowest lying and hottest places on earth, with average temperatures reaching as high as 50°C. Aside for the hardy Afar people who inhabit this seemingly inhospitable desert, only 3 types of people flock to this region: salt miners, scientists and adventurers.

The sulphur springs of Dallol are one of the biggest attractions in the area, with its psychedelic-tinged shades of neon green morphing into vibrant yellows and reds and acid spraying from the rocky terrain. Ethiopia’s most active volcano, Erta Ale (which means “Smoking Mountain” in the local Afar language) is one of only eight lava lakes in the world.

Popular Adventure Tours to Dallol and Ertale:ADVENTURE TOURS TO DALLOL AND ERTALE(9 DAYS)

 II.  HIKING AND TREKKING IN SIMIEN MOUNTAINS

Ethiopia walking holidays take you to trails that are refreshingly crowd-free and guides capable of introducing you to communities away from the main destinations. Most Ethiopia trekking is done in the north of the country, especially in the Simien Mountains National Park, where you can encounter Gelada baboons in the grasslands and rare Walia ibex. You can also explore the Bale Mountains south of Addis Ababa. The best time for walking is between October (September in the Simien Mountains) and January, and you can choose from small group or tailor-made trips.

Popular Treks in Simien Mountains: TREKKING TOURS IN SIMIEN MOUNTAINS

3.  CLASSIC TOURS TO NORTHERN CIRCUITS

The Northern Circuit is the most popular – and most impressive – tourism route in Ethiopia. It takes you from Bahir Dar on the shore of Lake Tana (said to be the source of the Blue Nile) to Gondar, Axum and the ancient underground churches of Lalibela. Small group and tailor made trips normally travel in a clockwise direction, with internal flights from Addis Ababa. They last for around two weeks, so that you can get the most from a tour with some long distances involved. You can also include guided trekking in the Simien Mountains between Gondar and Axum.

- UNESCO's INSCRIBED WORLD HERITAGES OF ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is country registering its unique resources by UNESCO under different categories.  Most of these attractions are the main destinations are the main tourist attraction site and some of them specially on the Biosphere reserve section and the potential to become the main eco-tourism and community-based tourism.  There are 9 cultural Heritages, 2 Natural Heritages, 6 Intangible Heritages, 5 Biosphere reserves, so many ancients' books and manuscripts and numbers of attractions on the tentative list. 

More information:  WORLD HERITAGES OF ETHIOPIA