Embracing Ethiopia – a rising star of the East African travel scene

Ask someone what they would regard as Africa’s top travel destinations and there’s a good chance Ethiopia won’t get a mention. But this often overlooked country boasts an incredible array of qualities that demand attention.

While so much of East Africa is blessed with inspiring wildlife, landscapes and heritage, Ethiopia has some genuinely distinctive features that make it well worth a visit. As one of the few African nations to resist European colonisation, Ethiopia has preserved its indigenous traditions and cultural heritage to a high degree. Adding to this its wealth of natural wonders, Ethiopia is a wonderfully distinctive and fascinating place to experience.

These are some of the travel highlights in store if you take a trip to Ethiopia:

Food and drink

Arriving in the capital, Addis Ababa, will be the first introduction for your tastebuds to this country’s inviting and diverse cuisine. One dish you’ll be sure to encounter is injera – the spongy sourdough flatbread at the heart of Ethiopian cooking. This is the base for all manner of delicious toppings, from dried meats to ground chickpeas to hearty stews and curries.

And, as the birthplace of coffee Ethiopia, there’s nowhere better to enjoy a cup. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to sample coffee created from freshly roasted and ground local beans. For a beverage unlike any other, try a traditional Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a clay pot and served black and sugary.

From your time in the big city through to your safari camps, you’ll find plenty of pleasant surprises when it comes to eating and drinking in Ethiopia.

History and culture

Ethiopia is abundant in cultural heritage. There’s a wonderfully rich mix of tribes, including the Geleb, the Mursi, the Surma, the Arbore and the Hamer – each with their own customs and lifestyles. Prepare yourself to be dazzled by the creativity of the indigenous people, who craft strikingly colourful jewellery, including elaborate necklaces, metal bracelets, earrings and, in some cases, lip plates.

There are also some wonderful ancient architectural gems to be discovered in Ethiopia. Visit Lalibela to see the town’s breathtaking collection of rock-hewn churches, sculpted out of the rocky landscape. You’ll also find numerous castles, tombs and palaces, all pointing to the long and fascinating history of this unique country.

Wildlife

Visit anywhere in East Africa and you’re never far from incredible wild animals. But Ethiopia boasts some particular treats for wildlife seekers, including some that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.

The headline act in Ethiopia’s wildlife line-up surely has to be the gelada baboon. The only surviving primate to feed on grass, this creature makes some truly bizarre sounds and boasts a striking look, including a red chest patch that earns it the nickname ‘bleeding heart monkey’. But the country also offers a phenomenal array of birdlife, as well as large concentrations of hyenas, wolves and much more besides.

Landscapes

Ethiopia’s scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and exceptionally varied. From dramatic mountain landscapes to pretty lakes and lush valleys, the country offers a feast of stunning views. And in national parks such as Omo, you’ll find those quintessentially East Africa savannah landscapes too, complete with thrilling game viewing potential.

The Simien Mountains are undoubtedly a highlight among Ethiopia’s abundant spectacles. With endless rows of jagged peaks and sheer cliff drops at every turn, it’s truly a landscape like no other. Then there’s the beauty of the Blue Nile, and most dramatic point, Tis-Isat Falls, a thunderingly powerful waterfall – a must-see if you’re in this part of the country.

Ethiopia really does present a tempting menu of choices for the intrepid traveller. It shares much of the classic safari appeal of its better-known neighbours Kenya and Tanzania. But with a unique combination of treasures, both natural and cultural, it offers something so very different too. To plan your own Ethiopian adventure, get in touch with Africa House and we’d love to guide you in exploring your options.

Contact Africa House Safaris

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