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Ethiopia has a variety of distinct geographical zones and contrasts, varying as much as 120 metres below sea level in the harsh salt flats of the Danakil depression, to a 4618 meter peak - Ras Dashan, the fourth highest peak in Africa, in the Simien mountains The most distinctive feature is the northern part of the Great Rift Valley, which runs through the entire length of the country in a northeast-southwest direction. In the centre of the country is a high plateau region. This rugged tableland is bordered by steep slopes on the northwest; gradual slopes lead from the centre to the Western Plains and, on the east, through Somalia to the Indian Ocean.
The lowlands are hot and arid. One semi-desert region, the Ogaden, covers the entire southeastern section of the country. In the north, the Danakil Desert reaches to the Red Sea and the coastal foothills of Eritrea. The western boundary of Ethiopia follows roughly the western escarpment of the central plateau, although in some regions the Sudan plains extend into Ethiopian territory. Ethiopia's largest lake, Lake Tana, is the source of the Blue Nile River. This river, which winds around in a great arc before merging with the White Nile in the Sudan, travels through great canyons, which reach depths of more than 4,000 ft. Several rivers in the southwestern regions also comprise a system of tributaries to the White Nile.
Ethiopia is home not only to nearly a hundred different tribes, each with its own language, and also to an astonishing array of animal and bird life, much of it unique to this wonderful country.
Ethiopia is the one of the oldest countries in the world. In the long and disturbed history of the African continent, Ethiopia remains the only country which had never fallen under the brutal ruling of colonization. Herodotus the Greek historian of the fifth century B.C. describes ancient Ethiopia in his writings. The Old Testament of the Bible records the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem.
After a long and difficult period under communist rulers, the country is now back on its feet. The long histroy assures that there are many historic sites in the country. The natural beauty, with high mountains, lakes, waterfalls as well as arid deserts are among the natural attractions of Ethiopia.
Highlights in Ethiopia include the cities of Harar , Addis ababa as well as the churches of Lalibela in the North. Rafting on the Omo River is a very spectacular experience too.
Addis ababa
Near the center of the country at an elevation of 7 600 ft/2 500 m capital city Addis Ababa (pop. 1 739 000) sits in a narrow valley in the shadow of impressive Mt. Entotto. Founded in 1880 Addis, which means "New Flower" in the the native language of amharic, is a fairly new city whose impressive monuments of colonial architecture are dispersed amid stretches of sun-bleached shacks and empty lots.
The smoky pine-covered hills surrounding Addis add to the enjoyment of walking the city streets especially in the evening or early morning. While there see the Emperor's Palace and the Imperial Zoo (when we were last there they allowed visitors to pet the cheetahs).
The mercato a colorful 10-sq-mi/26-sq-km open market offers everything from food to paintings of biblical scenes. Check with local advisers before you go however as violent clashes between rival Muslim leaders in the area of the mercato have been reported. Several day trips are possible.
Harar
The old walled city of Harar used to be strictly off limits for non muslims. It was one of the most holy cities of the country. In the west it is also famous for the fact that the French Poet Arthur Rimbaud lived here for a while. His house is still one of the most important sights of the city. Other sights include the friday mosque and the old city walls.
Harar is not on the train line from Addis ababa to Djibouti. This line was built by the French and there is still a French language girls school in Diredawa. So if you happen to speak French you may be able to get around with it more easily than with arabic.
If you go to Ethiopia don't miss Lalibela. It's like going to Egypt and not seeing a pyramid. Lalibela has 11 Orthodox churches that are carved out of rock: each church was carved out of a solid piece of red rock, back in the 12th century. The largest church (Medhane Alem) is 30 m long and 24 m wide and 11 m high. Beta Giorgis (the Church of St. George) is shaped like a cross and surrounded by a 40-ft/12-m trench. Historians say that the churches were built by King Lalibela to mark his conversion to Christianity. Legend says that the churches were completed in 24 years with the help of angels (historians believe it was 100 years and some Egyptians). The churches have beautifully painted facades tunnels and a cloth (in the Pillar of Light Church) upon which Christ was said to have leaned when appearing to King Lalibela in a dream. Built as the king?s own New Jerusalem Lalibela strikes many visitors as one of the most sacred eerily mystical places on Earth particularly during religious festivals when pilgrims arrive in the thousands from around the country. Especially in the month of September, the celebration of Jesus Christ's baptism is considered as one of the most memorible festivals in Lalibela. The event attracts many outside visitors.
The Saturday market is also a marvelous vantage point for observing Ethiopian villagers coming in to trade goats cows cloth and vegetables. For all of its holiness the town itself is rather a squalid fly-plagued place with no telephones or local transport and visitors to the churches are often surrounded by persistent young beggars. Nevertheless Lalibela is a must-see destination.
Last edited by Anna (6:30, 06 January 2006)
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by just wondering on 28 November 2006
did those comments below mean this is not a good place to visit??