Ethiopia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes and a unique historical significance.
Ethiopia land of origins, a mysterious and mountainous land in the Horn of Africa, split by the Great Rift Valley. Fossil remains and stone tools have put Ethiopia at the forefront of palaeontology, the most well-known discovery being that of “Lucy” in 1974, a full Australopithecus skeleton found in the Awash Valley of Ethiopia’s Afar region. Ethiopia has an unbroken history from the palaeolithic era when the first early humans left Africa on their early great migrations. It is the land of the Queen of Sheba and the guardian of the Ark of the Covenant. It boasts ancient civilization like Axum, celebrated for its obelisks and the church of St Mary of Zion which houses the Aark of the Covenant. The country’s cultural tapestry is equally remarkable , with it’s unique Ge’ez script and the profound influence of its very early Christian Orthodox heritage. Local music traditions, dances, seasonal festivities and tasty, nutritious food further enrich Ethiopia’s vibrant cultural significance.
In the south are a large variety of tribes along the Omo River, on Lake Tana’s 37 islands are many ancient churches and monasteries. The 12 rock-hewn churches of World Heritage Site Lalibela are not to be missed. The world’s hottest environment, the Danakil region with its volcanos lies to the east. Ethiopia’s natural abundance encompasses deserts, high mountainous plateaux, lush forest, savanna and numerous rivers.The Ethiopian Highlands are the “water tower of Africa”, waters in the Blue Nile which rises in Lake Tana pass through Sudan and Egypt.
Ethiopia is the continent’s oldest independent country with the longest unbroken monarchy up to 1975. It is a safe, welcoming and rewarding destination.