The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Ethiopia. So if you are in Ethiopia, I recommend visiting the following:
- Konso Cultural Landscape, Konso, Ethiopia
- Jinbar Waterfall, Amhara, Ethiopia
- Lower Awash Valley, Afar, Ethiopia
- Medhane Alem Cathedral, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Dungur Palace, Aksum, Ethiopia
- Yangudi Rassa National Park, Afar, Ethiopia
- Harenna Forest, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Awash Falls, Afar, Ethiopia
- Abune Yemanta Church, Tigray, Ethiopia
- Mount Abuna Yosef, Amhara, Ethiopia
- Lake Karum, Afar, Ethiopia
- Sof Omar Caves, Bale, Ethiopia
- Debre Damo,Tigray, Ethiopia
- Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Danakil Depression, Danakil, Ethiopia
- Blue Nile Falls, Amhara, Ethiopia
- Erta Ale, Afar, Ethiopia
- Awash National park, Afar, Ethiopia
1. Konso Cultural Landscape, Konso
The village of Konso or Karat is the closest thing to a modern village in the territory, so although it lacks the charm of the traditional it is a good base. A good place to start is the village’s Konso Cultural Centre, with a display of Konso art. On Mondays and Thursdays there is a market on the road from Konso to Jinka, most good times to buy handicrafts and see the produce of Konso agriculture.
2. Jinbar Waterfall, Amhara
The height of the waterfall is only approximately determined, as no one has yet dared to get there and take the necessary measurements. In the middle of the fall, the wind pushes the stream towards the rocks, hitting them, the water turns into a myriad of splashes that form a cloud. The waterfall is especially beautiful during the rainy season, but does not disappear at all during the dry season. Unfortunately, Jinba is very difficult to access and is therefore little known.
3. Lower Awash Valley, Afar
The Lower Avasa Valley was declared a World Heritage Site in 1980. It is one of the most important palaeontological sites in Africa. It contains hominid remains up to four million years old. The most impressive find is that of Lucy, the first and most complete skeleton of A. afarensis.
4. Medhane Alem Cathedral, Addis Ababa
It is white and yellow in colour and is crowned by three green domes. Its appearance is slightly reminiscent of the Anwar Mosque, another of Addis Ababa’s attractions. Inside the temple you can see a number of frescoed images of saints and worshippers. The stained-glass windows are also striking, giving the monument great colour and luminosity.
5. Dungur Palace, Aksum
It belonged to a member of the social elite and reproduces the classical layout of the Aksumite palace. The sophistication of the building includes drains and the remains of a possible hypocaust system. Directly opposite is the stele field of Gudit, perhaps the oldest cemetery in the city, dating to between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD.
6. Yangudi Rassa National Park, Afar
It was created especially to ensure a protected ecosystem for the African wild ass. The main attractions of this national park are the Awash River, active volcanoes, archaeological sites, an extensive arid-desert system, nearby alkaline lakes and the Dallol depression. Accommodation is recommended in nearby towns such as Gewne, Mille and Dupti or at the campgrounds within the park itself, although a special permit is required.
7. Harenna Forest, Oromia
Is one of the last remaining natural forests in the country. Its misty tree line and misty humidity produce a lush display of native beauty. Animals thrive in four distinct ecoregions, and the very rare Ethiopian wolf roams. Stretching over the Bale Mountains, magical vistas and adventurous moments await those who come to explore.
8. Awash Falls, Afar
During a walk in Awash National Park, absolutely all the time and everywhere, you will see gazelles and wild pigs. Less frequently you will see zebras, apes, leopards, giant tortoises and hippos. As this is a very touristy place, you won’t have any problems, as everyone knows about it. There is a small bar and museum very close to the camp area. The main lodge is several kilometres across the plains of Ilala Sala, where you will find luxurious and comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a small swimming pool.
9. Abune Yemanta Church, Tigray
During a walk in Awash National Park, absolutely all the time and everywhere, you will see gazelles and wild pigs. Less frequently you will see zebras, apes, leopards, giant tortoises and hippos. As this is a very touristy place, you won’t have any problems, as everyone knows about it. There is a small bar and museum very close to the camp area. The main lodge is several kilometres across the plains of Ilala Sala, where you will find luxurious and comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a small swimming pool.
10. Mount Abuna Yosef, Amhara
It is located a short distance from the town of Lalibela. It and the surrounding conservation areas can only be reached on foot and can be hiked for several days along the escape. The route can also include some of the more remote churches in Lalibela town. If you’re feeling fit and adventurous, go for a walk. It’s probably best to spend at least one night in the mountains.
11. Lake Karum, Afar
It lies in the middle of the Danakil depression. Extending as far as the eye can apparently see, the tranquil lake is filled with sandy salt deposits that give the body of water a crystallised appearance. Accessible from Dallol, the main purpose of the lake, apart from being absolutely striking, is, of course, its salt. To this day, miners transport the substance to be used for a variety of reasons, but Karum Lake is also a photographer’s dream.
12. Sof Omar Caves, Bale
The Sof Omar Caves is a cave system that contains the longest cave in Ethiopia, at 15.1 kilometres long. Some sources claim it is the largest cave system in Africa and ranks as the 306th longest in the world. The caves are located 1,300m above sea level. Along the way you will see many different animals, such as the greater and lesser kudu, relatives of the mountain nyala, and small dik dik antelopes.
13. Debre Damo,Tigray
It is located on a 3000 m high plateau and is accessible only with the help of a leather rope operated by the monks. The monastery of Debre Damo is famous for its collection of manuscripts and for having one of the oldest churches in Ethiopia preserved in its original state, but it could also be included in the list of the most inaccessible monasteries in the world. After the ascent by rope, a staircase carved into the rock will allow you to enter the top of the plateau, where you can tour the religious complex.
14. Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa
This is one of the must-see places when visiting the Ethiopian capital. It is one of the most important Christian temples in the country. Inside you will find several references to the war of independence and the tombs of hundreds of heroes who fought in that war.
15. Danakil Depression, Danakil
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest spots on the planet. That is why it is known as hell on earth. This place has numerous fiery springs in an unimaginable range of colours, from orange, to green, white or yellow, due to sulphur and other minerals. It is a magical and idyllic place for photography lovers and well worth the effort to get there.
16. Blue Nile Falls, Amhara
The Blue Nile Falls are one of Ethiopia’s great natural attractions and a must-see if you’re travelling in the north of this country of so many contrasts. The trail that takes you to the Blue Nile Falls is beautiful. A green landscape through a narrow path leads you to a beautiful bridge built by the Portuguese around 1620, which happens to be the first stone bridge in Ethiopia.
17. Erta Ale, Afar
Erta Ale, which has had permanent volcanic activity since 1967, is also often referred to as the “road to hell”. The lava lake was first discovered in the year 1890. More precisely, its appearance was indicated by a red glow at the top of the volcano. If you visit Erta Ale, you should know that there are no fences or prohibitions, so you can get as close to the lava lake as you want. However, you should exercise common sense and caution.
18. Awash National park, Afar
The Awash National Park is a most worthwhile place to visit because of its wide variety of birds, mammals and beautiful surrounding landscape. It is Ethiopia’s oldest and most developed nature reserve. Within it are the Fantalle Volcano, mineral hot springs and extraordinary volcanic formations. The park is also bordered to the south by the Awash River.
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