With 9 World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia, be sure that there are a lot of places to visit in this African country. Not only is she home to these unique locations but due to the fact that she has most of the mountains on the continent, Ethiopia has created a lot of activities to enjoy like hiking, cycling, and trekking. You can also enjoy the wildlife on visits to its numerous nature parks and zoos.
Here are 10 Unique and Awesome Places to Visit While in Ethiopia
1. Dankali Depression
This place is considered to be the lowest point on earth located in Africa. Found around the East African Rift Valley, the beauty here is more pronounced when the lakes around it boil.
The Dankali Depression houses one of 6 lava lakes in the world and the Erta Ale is definitely one to visit.
Despite how hot it is in this part of Ethiopia bordering Eritrea and Djibouti, there are still people who live here. The Afar people have made this area their home having lived here for 100s of years.
2. Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches
These 11 medieval churches were built by King Lalibela in the 12th century. They were constructed close to the little village of Lalibela, from enormous volcanic rock slabs.
There is hardly a visit to this place that doesn’t end with praises as the settlement was designed in such a way that it looks like Jerusalem.
All these churches are dug into the ground and the most remarkable is St. George’s Cathedral which is a beautiful sight to behold.
Close to Lalibela, there are a couple of awesome monasteries, also worthy of seeing.
3. The Holy City of Harar
Harar has made a name for itself because it is a holy, historic, and walled city. It was built in the early 16th century and has narrow alleyways which further adds to its beauty.
This city was once known as a commercial link between Africa and the Middle East but nowadays, it is known for its old buildings and also, its walls. These walls were built to prevent invasion and provide defense against alien religious forces.
In Harar, there are about 100 mosques that have earned the holy city the title of ‘Africa’s Mecca’. It is also called the 4th holiest city of Islam.
Harar has a nightly ritual of feeding hyenas by ‘The Hyena Guy’ that is also very attractive to watch. For brave visitors, you could also decide to hand-feed the hyenas for an extra adventure.
4. The Rift Valley
This valley has seen many lakes spring up and forests grow around it. Running through the middle of Ethiopia, the Rift Valley has warm and humid weather and offers a different feel from what you would have gotten in the highlands.
Having several bubbling lakes and enticing cultures, whoever finds him or herself in The Rift Valley is sure to enjoy an almost perfect holiday location- serene and natural.
5. The Blue Nile Falls
Ethiopian locals refer to this place as the ‘Tis – Isat’ falls which translates to ‘Smoke’ or ‘Fire’. A visit to this location will make you understand why but let’s try and give a brief description…
This fall is magnificent, located close to the Bahir Dar, and produces mists that look like fire or smoke, hence the name.
While on the Blue or White Nile, looking towards this fall, you would be mesmerized by the view and may never want to leave.
This fall doesn’t only house visitors and the locals in its vicinity, it is also a haven for beautiful green vegetation, lots of colorful birds, and a generous species of monkeys.
6. The Omo Valley
The Omo Valley may not be as interesting as those who live here. The Mursi and Hamar people of the Omo River in this area are known for their unique cultural activities. They are African tribes that have resisted influence from the outside world.
The indigenous Mursi people, for example, are widely known for the ways they beautify and adorn themselves which includes using discs made of clay and other materials.
They also engage in stick fighting to acknowledge the coming of age of men. Their houses are also a thing to study as well as how they migrate with these houses.
Despite being regarded as the most dangerous and unfriendly tribe in Africa, the Mursi people located in the Omo Valley are quite welcoming and would share their cultures with people who abide by their rules and enter their vicinity through the right channels.
7. Gondar
Gondar is also referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’ and is located in the hills of northern Ethiopia. The view of this city can be taken in as soon as a descent upon the Ras Dashen is made.
As one of the UNESCO heritage sites, some of the beautiful sights to behold are the Middle Ages castles that were homes to Ethiopian Emperors, Queens, and royalties.
There is also the Simien Mountains view that can be enjoyed from the highest point of the Gondar. It is also easily accessible on foot and offers great restaurants, stores, and hotel services.
Here is a list of must-see places at the Gondar;
- The Fasiladas’ Bath is the location for the Timkat event.
- Debre Berhan Selassie which is one of the most exquisite churches in Ethiopia
- The Royal Enclose has, on its own, attracted many visitors.
8. Simien Mountains
These mountains are located in the highlands of northern Ethiopia and offer visitors an exotic view of this part of the country. With over 1300 mountains, Ethiopia has craggy peaks and a good number of the panoramas.
Yet another UNESCO heritage site, this mountain range has been called God’s playground
The Simien Mountains are also a great place to see rare animals such as the Gelada bleeding heart baboon, Walia Ibex (a rare species of goat), and the Ethiopian wolf. Unfortunately, these animals are at risk of extinction.
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9. Aksum
Aksum is a place believed to be the home of the Queen of Sheba and also the final resting place of the Ark of Covenant. It is one of the oldest cities on the continent that shows ancient Aksumite Obelisks if you look over the St. Mary of Zion church complex.
This UNESCO heritage site has been ignored by visitors but it is important to note that there are really amazing places to visit here. For one, there are the mountaintop monasteries, then, there are relics all over the city, and then there are also the Aksumite empire tombs.
The large rock-hewn reservoir named Mai Shum is another interesting location. This reservoir is reportedly where the Queen of Sheba used to bathe.
10. Addis Ababa
There won’t be a perfect and fulfilled visit to Ethiopia if you overlook the capital city, Addis Ababa. A typical city with the hustle and bustle associated with it, Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union. Due to this fact, the capital city of Ethiopia is also regarded as the capital of Africa.
She is also the largest market in Africa, little wonder she has the fastest-growing economy on the continent.
Addis Ababa has magnificent churches, cathedrals, museums, and mosques. She is also beautiful because of her blend of traditional and modern cultures and activities.
At night, this city bubbles with amazing nightlife as restaurants and other activities come alive.
Some interesting places to visit while in this city are the Entoto Mountains, the Crater Lakes in Debre Zeyits, Awash National Park, and Sheraton Addis amongst others.
