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The Attractions

Visiting Ethiopia is a rewarding experience. It provides an exiting and retrospective route through the country's centuries old civilizations. The wide variety of flora and fauna quenche one's thirst for natural beauty and adventure. The hospitality and colorful culture of different ethnic groups enriches traveling experience.

One of the most popular tourism slogans in Ethiopia is "Ethiopia-13 Months of Sunshine". This has been derived from Ethiopia's all year round mild and agreeable climate with a lot of warm sunshine and a calendar system that has 13 months. This calendar system consists of 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month with 5 days (6 days in a leap year). Thus, this agreeable climate adds flavor to the attractions.

Endowed with these variety of rich tourist attractions and with its famous Airline "The Ethiopian Airlines ", which links up to many parts of the world, Ethiopia has a great potential of being a leading tourist destination in Africa.

A Glimpse at the Historic Attractions

The Obelisk of Axum - preserves an ancient history of the era of the Axumite powerful empire having trade links as far as India and China. Visitors will enjoy the sites of these monolithic obelisks and many more wonders surrounding their history, notably the Bath of the Legendary Queen of Sheba and archeological findings that depict the way of life of the Axumite period that reigned from pre Christ times up until the 11th century AD

The Churches of Lalibela- the UNESCO has named the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela as the 8th wonders of the world. Lalibela presents the site of a chain of rock carved out 11th century churches with astonishing architectural designs and interior decorations. A historical myth narrates King Lalibela, on his own (with the help of angels) completed the construction of the churches. After his death the king has been designated as an Ethiopian saint.

The Castles of Gondar- built in the mid 17th century together with the surrounding centuries-old churches depict yet another sophisticated architectural wonders. The Castles are found in the city of Gondar, which has been the seat of government following Axum and Lalibela.

The Walls of Harar - built in the early 16th century, the walls are designated after the city of Harar. The Walls have 5 arched gates inviting to the city's popular basket works, variety of fruits and colorfully decorated costumes of Hararie women. The city of Harar is considered as the 4th holy city of Islam.

A Glimpse at the Natural Attractions

The Blue Nile Falls- locally known as Tississat, meaning 'water that smokes' presents a spectacular water fall with an intense gash from more than forty-five meters (150feet) peak, producing rainbows across the gorge. The area is also inhabited with fascinating wild lives and birds.

Simien Mountains- Simien mountains are home of Ethiopia's highest peak Ras Dashen with the height of 4437m(14,550feet). With the assistance of a professional guide, the area is ideal for mountain trekking. The endemic Walia Ibex and the Gelada baboon are also found here.

The Rift Valley Lakes- Ethiopia is one of the countries that the Great Rift Valley system traverses. The Valley embraces the beautiful chains of lakes with abundant wild life and variety of birds. The Rift Valley comprises of the country's famous natural parks known as Abijatta-Shalla, Nechisar, Mago and Omo national parks. Each national park presents a unique feature for bird-watching, trekking and wild life scenery.

The National Parks

Being a land of diverse geographic settings and rich natural resources, Ethiopia's National Parks present spectacular visiting opportunities for tourists keen on admiring and enjoying nature.

Ethiopia's National Parks, although relatively underdeveloped, provide ample opportunity for adventurous tourists who go for the undisturbed nature. Mountain hiking, bird-watching, surfing and many other leisure activities are also available.

Ethiopia has a rich variety of wildlife that can be rated among the best in Africa. 845 species of birds and 260 species of mammals are currently registered. Out of these, as many as 50 are indigenous to Ethiopia. In most of the places where the National Parks are situated, a mix of fascinating wildlife and breathtaking natural scenery is found.

There are about 9 major National Parks- two ( Semien and Bale National Parks) situated in highland areas while the rest ( Awash, Omo, Mago, Gambella, Yangu -Drissa, Abiata- Shalla and Nech-Sar National Parks ) are found in and around the Great Rift Valley system that traverses Ethiopia from North-East to South- West .

Almost all of the National Parks are found alongside major rivers of the country :

-Awash National Park as the name indicates is located in the vicinity of Awash River which has a spectacular waterfalls.
-Omo and Mago National Parks are situated at the bank of Omo River.
-Gambella National Park along the wet lands of Baro River.
-Abiata-Shalla National Park along the beautiful Abiata and Shalla Lakes.

All of the National Parks are home of fascinating wildlife :

- Semien Mountain is inhabited by the endemic Walya Ibex, and Gelada Baboon.
- Bale National Park is the sanctuary of Semien Fox, Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bush Back
- The Omo National Park presents a spectacular variety of over 300 species of birds, large elands, some buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, leopards and burchell's zebras.
- The Abiata-Shalla National Park is considered as the ornithologist paradise with great variety of bird species.

Panoramic land escapes such as mountains, forests and wet and dry grasslands as well as chains of enchanting lakes are found in abundance:

-Semien and Bale National Parks provide site-seeing opportunities along the breathtaking mountains.
-Mago, Gambella and Yangu-Dirassa National Parks have endless wet & dry grass lands.

The existence of abundant hot springs adds to the attractions. These hot springs are found in great numbers along the Great Rift Valley rivers and lakes which are believed to have therapeutic effects.

Accommodations along the National Parks are mainly public and private owned hotels, lodges and camping sites. Most parks provide camping opportunities while all are protected by park administration providing safety for visitors. Some national parks such as Awash and Bale National Parks provide museums documenting books, preserved wildlife and many other facts.

Tourists are welcome to enjoy all these mix of wonderful wild life, pleasant climate, breathtaking scenery and therapeutic hotsprings enriched with Ethiopia's hospitality and diverse culture.