Situated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia boasts extraordinary natural features, a vast range of wildlife, and a captivating historical and cultural heritage. An increasing number of visitors frequent this treasure trove filled with unique attractions. Popular attractions include the medieval castles of Gondar, the walled city of Harar, and Lalibela, a pilgrimage site known for its ancient monolithic churches hewn into the area’s steep rocky hillsides. Ethiopia’s stunning natural landscapes are the real tourist drawcard. From the lush Simien Mountains to the sulphur vents of the Danakil Depression, the country’s outstanding natural environment is unforgettable. Bahir Dar, located on Lake Tana, is popular as a base to explore the fascinating monasteries on the numerous islands dotted around the lake and the Blue Nile Falls, which are arguably the most spectacular falls in North Africa.
Located in the highlands fringing the Great Rift Valley, Addis Ababa serves as the political, cultural and commercial centre of Ethiopia. This sprawling city rests in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and features a mix of traditional homes, elegant villas, and tall office buildings. Visitors can look forward to a selection of wonderful activities including: visiting the National Museum, displaying local art, traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils; exploring the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Neo-Baroque architectural landmark; and sampling rich Ethiopian coffee as well as the memorable cuisine featuring spicy stews and Ethiopia’s signature Injera bread.
Situated in the Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, the Danakil Depression (also known as the Dallol Depression) is quite literally the hottest tourist attraction on earth. This vast and virtually unpopulated desert area is also one of the driest and most geologically active areas on the planet with more than 30 active and dormant volcanoes, numerous thermal springs, solidified black lava flows, and vast salt-encrusted basins. This hauntingly beautiful landscape with its massive lakes of salt and its heaps of yellow sulphur which distort into otherworldly shapes is so surreal that visitors tend to feel as if they have travelled to another planet.
Erta Ale is a shield volcano with one, sometimes two, lava lakes at its summit. Situated in the Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, this incredibly remote and rarely visited destination is not for the faint of heart. It is widely considered one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth, with temperatures reaching as high as 48 degrees Celsius. Those who brave these harsh conditions are richly rewarded with the chance to witness this exceptionally thrilling geological wonder in action. A number of adventure tourism groups offer trips to the volcano lakes, and it is now possible to drive within 4.3 miles of the volcano. The journey to the summit involves walking across old lava flows and navigating some relatively unstable terrain. This walk is typically undertaken at night to avoid the heat of the day and allow guests to arrive in the dark when it is possible to see the glowing lava bubbling in the crater. The walk back down is usually done in the cool of the following morning, followed by a much-needed rest in camp.
As previously described
