The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is situated in the northeast of
Africa and is about twice the size of France. Ethiopia tourism has many things
for it's tourists including the rugged mountains, lakes, rivers and broad
Savannah. Some of the most stunning places on the African
continent are found here. It has 14 major wildlife reserves, the unique
Rift Valley having volcanic lakes, bird life and wonderful views.
The Blue Nile falls of Tisisatare are one of the greatest natural wonders in
Africa. The amazing Simien Mountainsare is a UNESCO's World Heritage
Site.
Popular Outdoor / Tourist Activities in Ethiopia:
Ethiopia is a great place for outdoor-oriented people. Hiring a local guide is
highly recommended. The ranger guides accompany trekking parties in the national
parks.
Bird-Watching:
There are over 800 bird species in Ethiopia many rare and specific to this
region. The best places for bird-watching are - the highland plateau, the
lowlands and the lakes region. Other sites include Bale Mountains National Park,
Entoto Menagesha forest, Gefersa, Borena Administrative Zone and Debre Zeit. The
Lakes Region includes Abijatta, Lakes Ziway, Langano, Shalla and many more. The
best season for bird-watching is between September to February.
Walking and Trekking:
There are well-established areas for trekking, two of the most popular one's are, the Simien and Bale Mountains
National Parks. South - West highlands east and west of the Omo valley are also
famous for trekking and the beautiful scenery, flora and fauna. Other places
include banks of Rift Valley lakes and vineyards of Ambo.
Horse / Pony Riding:
The four legged pony allows the tourists to explore those areas of Simien
Mountains which are difficult to reach even by 4 x 4 vehicles.
Mountain Climbing:
Climb on the mountain terrains of Simien Mountains and the Bale Plateau. Getting
your own equipment is recommended during your Ethiopia travel vaccation.
Caving:
Exploring the limestone, crag, underground caves and caverns with local guides
is a great activity like the regions of Dire Dawa which is famous for prehistoric
habitation.
Hunting:
Ethiopia travel offers 18 controlled hunting areas. Actively hunting areas are located in Oromia, Afar and Southern regions.
Swimming:
Lake Langano and Shalla are bilharzia-free (a human disease caused by
parasitic worms) and resort areas have been set aside for swimming. Also the
pools created by natural springs as can be found at Sodere Filwoha (hot
spring) and Awash National Park.
Water Sports & Fishing:
Sailing on Lake Tana.
Ethiopia travel offers good water sports activities.
White water rafting can be done in the parts of the Omo and Awash Rivers and the
Blue Nile.
Lake Langano is also popular with water-skiers and windsurfers.
CLIMATE:
Hot and humid in the lowlands, warm in the hill country and cool in the uplands.
Most rainfall is from June to September. Do check weather before going to your
Ethiopia travel vacation.
Please see U.S. Department of State for current recommendations -
travel.state.gov
(http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1113.html)
Ethiopian Travel - Tourism Commission
PO Box 2183, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: (1) 517 470.
Website: www.tourismethiopia.org
Ethiopia Embassy in the UK
17 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 7212.
Website: www.ethioembassy.org.uk
Ethiopia Travel / Embassy in the USA
3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 364 1200.
Website: www.ethiopianembassy.org
Language:
Amharic is the official language, although about 80 other native tongues are
spoken including Oromo, Somali and Tigrinya. English and Arabic are widely used
and some Italian and French is spoken. Before your Ethiopia travel vacation it's
a good idea to learn some local words.
Religion:
Ethiopian Orthodox (Tewahido) and Coptic Church, mainly in the north, 40%;
Islam, mainly in the east and south, 40%. There are also significant animist,
Evangelical, Protestant and Roman Catholic communities.
