Paleo-tourism -Another Unique Ethiopian Attraction

Ethiopia, according to experts, is uniquely suited to Paleo-tourism by virtue of being in a possession of very important archeological sites where the remains of human ancestors are found. These skeletons have great significance in the determination of the lineage of human ancestors. The country has at least two important prehistoric finds - Lucy (Dinknesh) and Idaltu.

The skeleton of Lucy, locally known as "Dinkenesh", according to archeologists, represents a unitary heritage of human origin. Anthropologists have established that skeletons covering 40%of the human body had belonged to a twenty-years-old female that lived 3.5 million years ago. And "Idalatu" is homesapaien skull dates back to 160,000 years. These two important findings are milestones in the annals of human beings which make Ethiopia a unique place on earth to be named as a cradle of human ancestors. In fact, out of 13 paleo anthropological discoveries in the world, 11 are found in Ethiopia.

The Afar region, the birth place of Dinknesh (Lucy), is located in the North East part of the country and has an estimated area of about 85,410 km2 with the altitude ranging from 1000-1500 to lowland plains that fall in the altitude range of 0-100 meters below sea level. To one surprise, one can find a unique place which is 100 below sea level without being troubled to dive into sea bed. Besides the region have National parks with variety of wild animals and game reserves. It is also known for its hot springs.

At present, paleontologists, archeologists and other experts are working together to map out plan on how best to make use of this unique treasure based on the principle of sustainability. Part of the plan is to protect the sites from being damaged and exploited by unauthorized individuals or groups and conserve these significant national and global treasures. In fact, Hadar, the site where Dinknesh was discovered, is registered by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) as a world heritage.

Efforts are currently being made by companies and local officials to have basic infrastructure built in the area including eco-lodges in a locality called Bilen of Afar Regional State of Ethiopia. In addition, building of museum is being planned near the site where the Lucy skeleton was uncovered in 1974. The National Geographic is also involved in the establishment of a paleo anthropology and archeological museum at Eluha, Afar State.

Apart from such unique resource, Ethiopia has also seven United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization would heritage sites which serve as a magnet to the increasing number of tourists visiting the country. These world-known heritage sites registered by UNESCO include Semein Mountain(registered in 1978); the 11th century Rock Hewn Church of Lalibala (registered in 1978); Fasil Gebie(castle) built in the mid 17th century (registered in 1980); Lower valley of Awash (registered in 1980); Lower valley of Omo (registered in 1980); Aksum obelisk that dates back to 2000-3000 years (registered in 1980); and Tiya (registered in 1980).

World Tourism Organization has also recently selected as part of its effort to promote sustainable tourism three sites in the southern part of the country:-Nech Sar National Park, Omo National Park and the New York Cave in Konso locality as International Tourist Attractions.

In the country, the basic infrastructure has been improved with emphasis on selected tourist's attraction areas to make them more convenient for visitors. World class international hotels such as Sheraton (Luxury Collection) and Hilton hotel as well as other local hotels both in the capital and in the tourist attraction areas give standard services to visitors.

It is also worth to mention here a very significant role that is being played by the Ethiopian Airline, which is considered the best Airline in the Africa Continent. By the making the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, as its hub and flying to major cities of most African countries, West European, North America and Asian counties is creating easy access for tourists to and from Ethiopia. As a result, tour and travel agencies in many countries have now begun to realize Ethiopia to be a unique destination with a dependable transport, hotel and other touristic services. So it seems that there is a good prospect for further development of tourism in the country.

Hence, it is no wonder if paleo-tourism could be considered as a specialized tourism that makes Ethiopia a unique destination for tourists from all over the world. In general, paleo-tourism could give an edge for Ethiopia by helping it to be enlisted as a unique tourist destination in the African continent.