Attractions of Ethiopia

Lalibela

The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are unquestionably one of the world's most extraordinary sites. Built in the 13th century by King Lalibela to create a 'New Jerusalem', the 11 churches in the village have been carved out of cliff faces, hillsides and into the ground with an incredible level of detail and beauty, on the exterior and interior. The most famous and beautiful is the crossed-shaped Bet Giorgis. Lalibela itself is today a small mountain village, isolated from the world and tourist masses, and the churches themselves are very much still in use, with priests, pilgrims and religious ceremonies regularly seen. The surrounding countryside contains more churches for exploration, such as Ashatan Maryam.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

There are approximately 150 rock hewn churches spread throughout the Tigray region. These churches were built before the 16th century and most are still used today as places of worship for Orthodox Christians.

Axum

The small town of Axum in the north of Ethiopia was once the capital of the Axumite Empire which flourished between the 1st century BC and the 7th century AD. The Axumites traded with Rome, Persia and India and was one of the great civilisations of its day. There are many historical sites in and around Axum dating from this time, most notably the stelae of the Axumite kings, giant granite obelisks marking their tombs. According to legend, Axum was also the birthplace and home of the Queen of Sheba in the 10th century BC and her son Menelik (fathered by King Solomon) returned from Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant. Ethiopians believe the Ark still resides in Axum, located in a building of the Church of St. Mary of Zion.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Aksum

Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains are one of the best trekking destinations in Africa, a stunning mountain range characterised by jagged peaks, huge gorges and panoramic views across the landscape from atop the escarpment that bisects the park. It is especially beautiful just after the wet season when the green landscape is at its most vivid. The National Park is home to some rare animals endemic to this region including the shaggy-haired gelada baboon (the highest-dwelling and most social primates on earth), the Walia ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf. Some trips to Ethiopia include a brief period of trekking in the Simiens as a taster but longer, dedicated tours are available that comprise an 8-10 day trek from the town of Debark to Ras Dashen, at 4543 metres the fourth highest peak in Africa.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Simien National Park

Gonder

The fortress-city of Fasil Ghebbi is located in the city of Gonder which was the imperial capital for over 200 years. It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries by King Fasilides and his successors. Known as The Royal Enclosure, the compound contains well preserved castles, palaces, a banquet hall, library, lion house and other buildings, the Gonderian architecture displaying Arab, Hindu and European influences. Nearby in Gonder lies Debre Berhan Selassie, a beautifully preserved 17th century church, and Fasilidas's Pool, which is filled with water and worshippers every year during the Timkat Festival.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region

Blue Nile Falls / Tississat Falls

The Blue Nile originates in Lake Tana and 30 kilometres from its source it forms a 45 metre waterfall known as the Blue Nile Falls. Once second only in Africa to Victoria Falls in terms of magnitude, the construction of a nearby hydroelectric plant has dramatically reduced the Falls' volume. Nevertheless they are still an impressive site and with an evocative journey through villages and fields and over a 16th century Portuguese bridge to reach them, and barely a tourist in sight, they are well worth the visit.

Lake Tana Monasteries

The islands and shores of Lake Tana contain numerous centuries old monasteries reached by boat trips from Bahir Dar. The monasteries were used as a refuge for emperors and their riches at times of upheaval and according to legend the Ark of the Covenant was kept here when Axum was under threat. Today the monasteries contain numerous religious treasures including Axumite crosses and manuscripts.

Harar

Harar, located in the east of Ethiopia, is the fourth holiest Muslim city in the world. There are 82 mosques and over 100 shrines in the city enclosed by city walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries which have 25 towers and 5 gates to enter the city. Inside are elegantly designed townhouses and narrow streets with small shops, evocative of scenes from Arabian Nights. Don't forget to feed the hyena.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

The Awash Valley is an important paleontological site with findings dating back millions of years giving important insights into human evolution. The most famous discovery came in 1973 when the remains of the skeleton known as Lucy were found.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lower Valley of the Awash

Awash National Park

Awash National Park is located just east of Addis Ababa. It is set in dry acacia savannah with the towering Mount Fautelle being the most dominant feature. A waterfall here descends into a 150 metre gorge. Wildlife in the park includes Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s gazelle and the Slat’s dik-dik.

Yeha is thought to be Ethiopia's oldest settlement, dating back 3,000 years. Its large temple was originally dedicated to the moon god Ilmuqah similar to other temples in Yemen, but was converted in the 6th century to a Christian church.

Nechisar National Park is located in the heart of the Rift Valley. Game viewed here includes Burchell's Zebra, warthog, kudu, Guenther's Dik-Dik and Swayne's Hartebeest bushbuck. Boat trips on Lakes Chamo and Abaya within the park allow viewing of hippos, crocodiles and birdlife.

Tiya is the most important archaeological site discovered in the Soddo region south of Addis Ababa. The site contains the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture whose age has not yet been precisely determined, including 32 carved stelae covered with symbols.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tiya

Lake Abiata-Shala National Park is famous for the vast flocks of flamingos that congregate on the lake. It is also an excellent place for viewing birdlife and is home to the Oromo people, cattle herders who graze their stock on the lake shoreline.

Bale Mountains National Park is situated on a high plateau with a terrain of moorlands, spectacular volcanic peaks, deep rocky gorges and alpine lakes. The park has excellent birdlife viewing with over 200 species identified as well as being home to several animal species endemic to Ethiopia - the rare Ethiopian wolf, Menelik's bushbuck, mountain nyala and the giant mole rat. In the Harenna Forest, you may also spot bushpig, giant forest hog, grey duiker, leopard and lion.

The Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia offers the chance to meet the diverse and colourful tribes of the region, one of the best places in Africa to explore traditional lifestyles. Among the tribes are the pastoralist Mursi, whose women are famous for extending their lower lips with clay discs and men for stick fighting, the Karo known for their elaborate body painting, the photogenic Hamer with their ornate dress and hairstyles and the Konso, known for their beautifully constructed walled villages and stone terraces.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lower Valley of the Omo

The Konso Cultural Landscape is a region of stone walled terraces and fortified settlements in the Konso highlands of Ethiopia which have developed over 400 years as an adaption to its dry hostile environment. The site is noted for its anthropomorphic wooden statues, grouped to represent respected members of their communities and particularly heroic events, and the stone steles in the towns which denote the community's leaders over the generations.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Konso Cultural Landscape