Travel and Tourism
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains ( some 25 are over 4000 meters high) broad Savannah, lakes and rivers. The unique Rift Valley is a remarkable region of volcanic lakes, with their famous collections of bird life, great escarpments and stunning vistas. Tisisat, the blue Nile falls, must rank as one of the greatest natural spectacles in Africa today. With 14 major wildlife reserves, Ethiopia provides a microcosm of the entire subsaharan ecosystem. Birdlife abounds, and indigenous animals from the rare Walia ibex to the shy wild ass, roam free just as nature intended. Ethiopia, after the rains, is a land decked with flowers and with many more native plants than most countries in Africa. Among the many natural tourist attractions only the principal ones are briefly given below. The Simien Mountain National ParkA. Natural Attractions
The simien mountain massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4620m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in Africa and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points and night temperatures often fall below zero.
The national park has three general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions ( up to 3600m) were forested, although much has now disappeared. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia.The park was created primarily to protect the Walia Ibex, a type of wild goat, and over 1000 are said to live in the park. Also in the park are families of the Gelada Baboon and the rare Simien fox.The Simien fox, although named after the mountains, is rarely seen by the visitor. Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien mountains.
Access to the park is from Debark, 101 km from Gonder, where riding & pack animals may be hired. This should be arranged in advance through your local tour operator or the Office of the Wildlife Conservation Department. The Blue Nile Falls (Tisisat Falls)The river Nile, over 800km in length within Ethiopia and the longest river in Africa, holds part of its heart in Ethiopia. From lake Tana, the Blue Nile, known locally as Abbay, flows for 800 km within Ethiopia to meet the white Nile in Khartoum to form the great river that gives life to Egypt and the Sudan. It has been said that the Blue Nile contributes up to 80% of the Nile's flow. Nowhere, is it more spectacular than where it thunders over the Tisisat Falls literally " Smoking Water" - near Bahar Dar. Here millions of gallons of water cascade over the cliff face and into a gorge, creating spectacular rainbows, in one of the most awe-inspiring displays in Africa.
The Blue Nile falls can easily be reached from Bahir Dar and the Scenic beauty of the Blue Nile Gorge, 225km from Addis Ababa, can be enjoyed as part of an excursion from the capital.
The Lake Tana
Lake Tana, the largest lake, in Ethiopia is the source and from where the famed Blue Nile starts its long journey to Khartoum, and on to the Mediterranean. The 37 islands that are scrattered about the surface of the Lake shelter fascinating churches and monasteries, some of which have histories dating back to the 13th Century. However, it should be noted that most of the religious houses are not open to women. The most interesting islands are: Birgida Mariam, Dega Estefanous, Dek, Narga, Tana Cherkos, Mitsele Fasiledes, Kebran and Debre Maryam.
Kebran Gabriel is the principal monastery visited by male tourists from Bahir Dar, with its impressive Cathedral-like building first built at the end of the 17th Century. Dega Estephanos, which is also closed to women, is on an island in the lake, and the monastery is reached by a very steep and winding path. Although the church is relatively new ( only hundred years old) , it houses a Madonna painted in the 15th century. However, the treasury of the monastery is a prime attraction, with the remains of several Emperors, as well as their robes and jewels.
On the banks of the lake are many more religious houses, such as Ura Kidane Mehret and Narga Selassie, many of which are aslo open to visit by women.
Near Gorgora, at the northern end of the lake , the Susneyos palace is a forerunner of the magnificent palaces and castles of Gonder, and dates from the reign of Emperor Susneyos. In the same area the medieval church of Debre Sina Mariam is particularly important.
A sail or cruise on lake Tana is one of the most pleasant excursions for visitors to this region, particularly in the heart of the summer. Boats can be hired from the Marine Transport Authority in Bahir Dar.
Along the lake shore bird life , both local and migratory visitors, make this an ideal place for bird watchers.Bird lovers will not want to miss Fasilidas island, which is especially famous as an important wetland. The whole of the lake Tana region and the Blue Nile Gorge have a wide variety of birds both endemic and visitors. The variety of habitats, from rocky crags to riverain forests and important wetlands, ensure that many other different species should be spotted.
The Sof Omar Cave
Sof Omar is one of the most spectacular and extensive underground cave system in the world. Formed by the Wabi River, as it changed its course in the distant past and carved out a new channel through limestone foothills, the Sof Omar system is an extraordinary natural phenomenon of breathtaking beauty.
The Cave which is now an important Islamic Shrine, was named after the saintly Shekh Sof Omar, who took refuge here many centuries ago, have a religious history that predates the arrival of the muslims in Bale - a history calibrated in thousands of years.
The Rift Valley
The Ethiopian Rift Valley, which is part of the famous East African Rift Valley, comprises numerous hot springs, beautiful lakes and a variety of wildlife. The valley is the result of two parallel faults in the earth's surface between which, in distant geological time, the crust was weakened, and the land subsided. Ethiopia is often referred to as the " water tower" of Eastern Africa because of the many rivers that pour off the high tableland. The Great Rift Valley's passage through Ethiopia is marked by a chain of seven lakes.
Each of the seven lakes has its own special life and character and provids ideal habitats for the exuberant variety of flora and fauna that make the region a beautiful and exotic destination for tourists.
Most of the lakes are suitable and safe for swimming other water sports. Besides, lakes Abiata and Shalla are ideal places for bird watchers. Most of the Rift Valley lakes are not fully exploited for touristic purposes except lake Langano where tourist class hotels are built. The Rift Valley is also a site of numerous natural hot springs & the chemical contents of the hot springs are highly valued for their therapeutic purposes though at present they are not fully utilized. In short, the Rift Valley is endowed with many beautiful lakes , numerous hot springs, warm and pleasant climate and a variety of wildlife. It is considered as one of the most ideal areas for the development of international tourism in Ethiopia. The Awash National ParkLying in the lowlands at the east of Addis Ababa, and astriding the Awash River, the Awash National Park is one of the finest reserves in Ethiopia.The Awash river, one of the major rivers of the horn of Africa, waters important agricultural lands in the north of Ethiopia and eventually flows into the wilderness of the Danakil Depression. The dramatic Awash Falls, as the river tumbles into its gorge, is the sight not to be missed in the national park.
Awash national park, surrounding the dormant volcano of Fantale, is a reserve of arid and semi-arid woodland and Savannah, with riverain forests along the Awash river. Forty six species of animals have been identified here, including Beisa Oryx and Swayne's Heartbeest. The birdlife is prolific especially along the river and in the the nearby lake Basaka, and there are fine endemic amongst the 392 species recorded. A special attraction is the beautiful clear pools of the Filwoha hot springs.Access to the park is best from the main Addis/ Assab highway, and there is a caravan lodge called Kereyu Lodge at the edge of the gorge.
The Omo National ParkOne of the most beautiful national parks in Ethiopia, its 4068 km2 of wilderness bordered by the Omo river, is home to an amazing range of wildlife. 306 species of birds have been identified here, while large herds of Eland, some Buffalo, Elephants, Giraffe, Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, Burchell's Zebra are not uncommon.
The park is not easily accessible, as the current means of access is via Omorate and the ferry to the north bank of the river. The park HQ is 75 km from Kibish settlement. However, a new airstrip is available close to the HQ and to a pleasant campsite on the Mui River - plans are in hand for further major improvements.
The Mago National ParkCovering an area of 2162 km2 on the banks of the Omo River, the Mago National park is relatively undeveloped for tourists. The broad grasslands teem with herds of Buffalo, Giraffe, Elephants and Kudu, while sometimes it is possible to find Lion, Leopard and Burchell's Zebra. The abundant birdlife here is typical of dry grasslands and rivers banks.
The park rises in the north to mount Mago (2528 m) and is home to 56 species of mammals.
The Yangudi - Rassa National Park
Although this park has little development and no tourist facilities, its dry grasslands are home to herds of the endangered somali Wild Ass, as well as Grevy's Zebra, Hamadryras Baboon and Beisa Oryx. The park lies astride the Addis Assab road, and consists of 4, 730 km sq of Semi - desert and dry scrub.
Access to the park is from the town of Gewane, where the park administration is based.
The Bale Mountains National Park
The vast moorlands of the Bale mountains National park on a high plateau, are home to most of our population of the Siemen Fox. The virgin woodlands and mountain streams, with an almost alpine climate, make this national park one of the most beautiful in Ethiopia.
Also protected here are the mountain Nyala and Meneliks Bushbuck. The Rivers are well stocked with both brown and rainbow trout, just ready for the Fisheremen.
The Abiata - Shalla National Park
The Rift Valley lakes National park, about 215 km south of Addis Ababa, is an ornithologist's paradise. As would be expected in a park surrounding two Rift Valley lakes, Waterbirds predominate. However, 150 different species have been recorded here, including large numbers of great white pelicans, great and lesser Flamingos and Sacred Ibis. The forests are especially good for seeing unusual weavers and turacos.
The Nech Sar National Park
The broad grass plains of Nech Sar National Park lies 510 km south of Addis near the town of Arba Minch, between the lakes Abaya and Chamo. A wide variety of plain game roams freely amongst 514m2 of Savannah, dry bush and groundwater forest, which are also the habitat of 188 recorded species of birds. In the far eastern part of the park, hot springs bubble to the surface. A backdrop of hills and mountains combine to make Nech Sar one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia. Accommodation is available at Wendo Genet, Arba Minch and Awasa, while there are camping sites in the Park.
B.
Ethiopia's Historical Attractions
Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa, has a heritage dating back to first century AD. Traders from Greece, Rome, Persia and Egypt knew of the riches of what is now Ethiopia, and by the first century AD, Axum was the capital of a great Empire . This realm became one of the first Christian lands of Africa. Late in the 10th Century , Axum declined and a new Zagwe dynasty, centred what is now Lalibela, ruled the land . Axum, Lalibela and Gonder now provide our greatest historical legacy. It was in the 16th Century that the son of the great explorer Vasco Da Gama came to Ethiopia, but then found a land of many kingdoms and provinces beset by feuds and War.
In the 19th Century the great Emperor Menelik led us towards the modern state of Ethiopia, and the country's passage to modernization began. The followings are some of our historical attractions.
Axum
Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city, and capital of one of the most glorious empires of the past, is one of the most illustrious links in the Historic Route. The Axumite Empire flourished 3,000 years ago. Its riches can still be pictured on the magnificient stelae or obelisks, the graves of king Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the Legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba.
The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th Century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original ark of the covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum houses are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors.
Debre Damo
Some 76 Kilometers from Axum is the monastery of Debre Damo ( closed to Women), which is said to have the oldest existing intact church in Ethiopia. Local tradition says that Abune Aregawi, one of the nine Saints, built the church in the 16th Century. The Monastery of Debre Damo can only be reached by rope pulley.
Yeha
Some 55 km east of Axum is the 5th Century BC temple of Yeha. Its massive walls house Judaic relics and historic artefact.
Lalibela
King Lalibela is credited with the foundation of the 11 rock-hewn churches in the 12th Century. One of the world's most incredible man-made creations, they are a lasting monument to man's faith in God. These remarkable edifices were carved out of a solid rock, in a region where the rugged landscape still protects the churches from mass tourism The 11 man made churches are found in and around the town of Lalibela. Other churches are reached by a 45-minute drive by 4x4 Vehicle, or a three hour ride on mule-back.
The venue for some of the most famous church festivals in Ethiopia, a visit during the great celebrations of Timket (Epiphany) is particularly rewarding.
Bahar Dar
Bahar Dar is a small town set on the south - eastern shore of lake Tana, where local fishermen still use papyrus boats, and just 30 km from the spectacular Tissisat Falls. Here the Blue Nile creates " Smoking Water" an awe-inspiring sight as it plunges into the gorge below.
From Bahar Dar one must explore some of the ancient monasteries that have been built around Lake Tana, or on the many Islands. These include Dek Stephanos with its priceless collections of icons, as well as the remains of several medieval emperors, Kebran Gabriel and Ura Kidane Mehret with its famous frescoes. The colorful local market at Bahir Dar is renowned for its weavers and wood workers.
Gonder
Gonder was the 17th Century capital of Ethiopia, and is notable for its medieval Castles and churches. The City's unique imperial compound contains a number of Castles built between 1632 and 1855 by the various Emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic castles, unlike any other African, display a richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia.
Other treasure of Gonder include the 18th Century palace of Ras Beit, the bath of Fasilades, the reuined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhane Selassie with its unique murals.
Makale
Although Lalibela is unique, it is not the sole site of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches. In Tigray near Makale, over 200 fine example of these monuments to man's devotion to God as well as his building skills, may be seen and visited.
The Capital of the emperor Yohannnes IV (1871 - 1889), Makale is now the main town of Tigray, the most northern Ethiopian region. The emperor's palace has been turned into a particular interesting museum, with many exhibits of his time and subsequent history. The town is also well known as a transit point for the Camel Caravans bringing salt up from the arid lands of the Danakil Depression. This makes the market palace a particular interesting place to visit. Intrepid visitors can also make excursions into the Danakil to visit some of the Afar nomads that trek across the region.
Harar
The city of Harar is an ancient (1520) and holy city. Always an important trading centre, the city is famous for its ancient buildings, its great city walls and as a centre of learning muslim scholarship ( the town has 99 mosques). The city is well known for its superb handicrafts that include woven textiles, basketware, silverware and handsomely bound books, Harar has been a place of pilgrimage from all over the world for many years.
Harar's attractions are:
- The City Walls
The City Walls, and the narrow streets lined with traditional Harari gegar houses.
- Rimbaud House
A Fine building traditional house dating from the period when the French poet Rimbaud lived in Harar.
- The Hyena Man
As evening falls, local men attract wild hyenas to the city in a bizarre spectacle as they bravely feed these dangerous scavengers.
C. Archeological Attractions
The remains of " Lucy" dated from 3.5 million years ago and the recent discovery- RAMIDAS, 4.4 millions years old hominid fossel, makes Ethiopia the Cradle of Mankind. Both are discovered in Haddar, along the Awash river, east of the country. They completed the missing link between Apes and men.
Melka Konturie is also an important archeological site where 1.5 million years old stone tools were found . Several cave paintings and stone monuments are found in different parts of the country like Dilla, South of Ethiopia and Dire Dawa east of Ethiopia.
Tour Operators and Travel Agencies
LIST OF TOUR OPERATORS( What Visitors need to know)
No.
Name of Tour Operator
P.O.Box*
Telephone
Fax
1 Abyssinia Tours 100355
614240
614240
2 Addis P.L.C 2590
158600
510097
3 Aki Tour 5923
654889
511699
4 MIDROC Ethiopia P.L.CO. 1223
513755
515244
5 Ambassador Abdulmenan Sheka 41103
158186
514139
6 Bahir Dar Tour & Travel Agency 5408
550546
553579
7 Bekele Mola Hotels P.L.C 1349
514601
518223
8 Caravan Travel & Tour Agency 1348
516501/02
517454
9 Dashen International Travel Agency and Tour operator 101568
513305
650452
10 Dimitris Asimacopolos Safari 2437
516616
517334
11 Eastern Travel & Tourist Agency 1136
511574
511468
12 Eng.Getachew Eshetu 6770
653961
653862
13 Ethio Rift Valley Safari 3658
551127
550298
14 Experience Ethiopia 9354
519291
152336
519982
15 Four Seasons Travel and Tour 2856
613121
613616
613616
16 Galaxy Travel Services 1128
510355
511236
17 Ghion Nile Touring Investment 3228
512524
519777
513553
18 Green Land Tours 15355
180327
180327
19 Hess Travel Ethiopia P.L.C 1569
111252
550619
20 Ibex Hotel P.L.C 21429
654400
-
21 Jemil Travel Center 2932
158738
514118
22 Kidane Biadgo 11417
612273
-
23 Life Lion General Trading and Travel Tourism P.L.C 50992
518872
_
24 Lift air Ethiopia 5609
518715
519601
25 Lion Travel A.P.L.C 23339
550446
26 Maj.Gizaw Gedle Giorgis Safari 5218
200824
-
27 Mitchel Cots Co. 527
517160
2511-515365
28 National Tour Operation and Travel Agency 5009
512955
517688
29 Nile Touring company 4090
513553
753611
30 Number Nine Travel Agency 4737
551787
551787
31 OROORO Tour 31627
112207
551277
32 Rocky Valley Tour & Photo Safari 22867
127436
517454
33 Shala International Travel & Tourism Agency 1255
117787
553660
34 Sterling Travel & Tour Agency 100933
154440
443579
518940
35 Tewodros Shiferaw 11030
614475
36 Travel Ethiopia P.L.C 9438
150046
150036
510200
37 Tourman's Travel & Safaris 30249
612917
712644
38 Walia Travel 100933
154440
443579
518940
39 Wild Life Safaris Ethiopia 2444
553767
551276
40 Yumo International Agency 5698
518878
513451
*Unless it is stated all of them are in Addis Ababa, the Country and area code is (251 1)
List of Travel Agencies
No. Name of Travel Agencies
P.O.Box*
Telephone
Fax
1 Yesuf Unis Wezir Travel Agency Dire Dawa
113242
112285
2 Safeway Travel & Tours 8449
511600
511800
3 Alfa Travels 4263
511735
-
4 Africa Travel Agency 6717
519380
710011
5 Emmad Travel Agency 5598
136300
710011
6 Aschal " " 3033
614458
-
7 Alemdus Travael Agency 4977
150793
-
8 Africa Safari Service 9654
123603
551033
9 Ali Ahmed Travel Agency 1348
516501/02
517454
10 Distance Travel Agency 70186
151715
515963
11 East West Travel Agency 2020
204245/46
513977
12 Ethio-Adam Int. Tour & Travel 3543
518003
510947
13 Ethio-Tours Travel Agency 3976
518118
513904
14 Forship Travel Agency 30754
552159
15 Four Season Travel Agency 2856
613121
613616
16 Gebre Admasu Travel Agency 7611
513890
513890
17 Globe Travels 5603
510437
18 Host Ethiopia Travel 5944
157878
19 Itco Tourist & Travel Agency 1048
514334
512382
20 Karamara Travel Agency -
154243
-
21 Lalibela Travel Agency 2590
514403
510097
22 Lion Travel Agency 23339
550446
551600
23 Mega Consulting & Trading Company Travel Agency 238
514822
515959
24 Peers Tours & Travel Agency 3545
515140
513177
25 Payoners EthioP.L.C.T.A. 90391
553649
26 Radia International Travel Agency -
516297
27 Selam International Travel & Tour Agency 30208
117444
551499
28 Sheba Travel Agency 3422
513032
-
29 Sky line Travel Agency 50146
756656
754688
30 Solast Travel Agency 26847
513423
551233
31 Telul Travel Agency 5576
514342
512826
32 Transport Consult International Travel Agency 1658
517644 514756
517644
33 Luxor Travel Agency 30714
515730
517422
34 Tana Travel Agency 90612
166335
551276
35 Medhin Girmay Travel Agency 22579
202991
712816
36 Emiru Woldeyes Travel Agency -
185898
-
37 Ayisha Buseir Travel Agency 131843
755370
38 Bizuhan Service Travel Agency 100555
181969
513890
39 International Travel Agency 2101
511898
712884
40 Aklilu Yohannes Travel Agency 1569
111252
41 Abay Hizkiyas Travel Agency -
614387
-
42 Edris Abdulhamid Travel Agency 5574
516313
654668
43 Zeyid Birhanu Travel Agency 40810
653419
-
44 Teshome Tesfaye Travel Agency 150734
45 Anwar Travel 2224
752512
755996
46 Yemsratch Asrat Travel Agency -
183287
47 H/Meskel Gesesse Travel Agency 12129
514144
48 Yonas H/Tsion Travel Agnency 25502
654809
49 Union of Nations Travel Agency 5261
519550
519550
50 Gashim Travel Agency 13178
157557
514722
51 Idris Yasin(united Travel) 11000
751202
751955
52 Yesuf Kelefela Abdurahman
Sagora Travel Agency
154348
-
53 Air Link P.L.C. Travel Agency 12798
166156
653013
54 Elias Mohammed Travel Agency 50518
551356
-
55 Mulika Haji Duri T.A. 5014
512130
613859
56 Habetu Atsebeha (Kaleb Travel Agency) 3541
515661
515577
57 Ellamo P.L.C. Travel Agency -
518400
-
58 Univesal Travel Agency Mohammed Ibrahim
21556
204824
710240
59 Shalla (Shewangizaw Awel) T.A. 117784
-
60 Fozia Juni Abdi T.A. 151243
-
61 Alhuda Trading P.L.C.T.A. 22830
518358
518358
62 A.T.O.(All Tour Operation) -
514699
-
63 Fiorella Barbui 9626
614198
64 Abdulmenan Sheka 41108
158186
514139
65 Mekonnen Gebeyhu 5407
550505
66 Life Lion Travel Agency 50992
518872
*Unless it is stated all of them are in Addis Ababa, the Country and area code is (251 1)
Visa Requirement
Visas are required for all visitors to Ethiopia ( with the exception of nationals of Djibouti, Eritrea and Kenya) and are readily available from Ethiopian diplomatic missions abroad. Except in the case of a few nationals, passengers in transit in Ethiopia, holding confirmed onward bookings within 72 hours, can obtain transit visas on arrival. However, in this case, passport are held at the airport until departure and a pink coloured receipt card issued.
Health requirements
Prior to entry, visitors should possess a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera - infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.
Customs
Duty-free import are permitted for up to:
a) 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 1/2 lb of tobacco
b) 1 litre of alcholic beverages
c) 1/2 litre, or two bottles, of perfumes
Visitors may expect souvenirs with a value not exceeding E. Birr 500, although some articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.
Transport
Roads:-
There are some 4,100 kilometers of asphalt roads with a further 19,000 kilometers of gravel and dry-weather roads.
Railway:-
A 778-kilometer long railway line links Addis Ababa with Djibouti, and carries both freight and passengers.
Air:-
Ethiopian Airlines has an extensive domestic network flying to 43 airfields and an additional 21 landing strips.
Time
Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone. Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which consist of twelve months of 30 days each and a 13th month of 5 or 6 days.
Currency
The local currency is the Ethiopian birr made up of 100 cents. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, providing declaration of such currency is made to customs on arrival.
Since May,1993, foreign currency has been available to licensed importers through a fortnight auction. The frequency of auction has now increased to weekly appearance. The exchange system consisted of two rates: the official rate and the auction rate. On this date the official rate and the auction rate were unified with the official rate set equal to the marginal rate derived from the auction. The commercial banks can now engage in retail trading of foreign exchange with participation in the auction held by the central bank. This system is used as a transition from a fixed to a free floating exchange rate system.