Ethiopia has many attractions. They include natural factors, the hospitality of people, rich culture, rare animals, tremendous biodiversity and bird life. Ethiopia’s uniqueness makes it a fascinating destination for every kind of traveler, but in particular for the one who wants that bit more.
Ethiopia’s historic sites are extremely wide-ranging and possibly the most extensive in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. Experts claim that such sites are only a fraction of what Ethiopia has to offer given that a further 95 percent remain to be discovered and excavated.
Seven of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage sights are included in the world cultural heritage list.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains (some are over 4,000 meters high) broad savannah, lakes and rivers. The unique Rift Valley is a remarkable region of volcanic lakes, with their famous collections of birdlife, 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 Sub-Saharan eco-system. Birdlife abounds and indigenous animals 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.
“Its tourist attractions are aplenty,” says Ethiopian Consul General Tekleab Kebede. That is why tourist numbers from the world over and especially from Saudi Arabia are increasing. A substantial increase of tourists has been witnessed over the last three years.
According to him, the country’s tourism industry is one of the fastest growing economic sectors and the potentiality for its growth is immense. The country is endowed with both natural beauty as well as fascinating historical sights offering a unique opportunity for people to savor the past while also enjoying the natural scenic beauty and the adventures of the safaris on offer. “The country has a lot to offer for both lovers of nature and lovers of history,” he emphasizes.
The country is blessed with most of the beauties of nature. The deep valleys, roaring rivers, meandering streams, jagged mountains are all fascinating to see. The numerous parks and hot springs are also a visual treat and refreshing to behold.
Ethiopia has nine national park, 13 wild life reserves and 18 hunting areas. These parks are natural sanctuaries and habitat that houses more than 839 species of birds, thousands of plants and numerous types of mammals. The country is a haven for bird lovers. The endemic birds numbered 26 are found along the western and southwestern highlands. “In fact, bird lovers agree that the song of the Abyssinia is one of the most beautiful of any bird in Africa,” the consul general said.
The magnificent view of the falls, breaking the smooth edge of the rolling river into a thundering cataract of foaming water, has been visited over the years by many notable visitors including the late 18th century Scottish traveler James Bruce, and in more recent times, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. “The Blue Nile Gorge is 1,000 m deep, and abruptness of the cliff and the immensity of the gorge are so inspiring that it is regarded as grander than the Grand Canyon of America,” he added.
Simien Mountains, one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, also known as Ras Dashen, is the highest point in Ethiopia (4,500 m) and the fourth highest mountain in Africa, at its center, offers to its visitors endemic animals and plants.
On the historical site, he added, Ethiopia has many fascinating sights. Such sights are mainly centered in the northern and eastern parts of the country. The historic route covers Axum, Yeha, Laibela, Gondar and Tana with its island monasteries.
From kings to emperors and castles, from churches to mosques, the country has many historical attractions. Both Christianity and Islam were introduced to Ethiopia at their earliest stages.
One of the first persons who accepted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in Ethiopia was Ahmad Al Negashi, previously known as King Armah of the Axumite empire. Seyed Ahmad Al Negashi is believed to have played an important role in propagating Islam, the consul general said.
Al Negashi, a town named after Ahmad Al Negashi located 66km north of Makale, capital of Tigray region, which is two hours flight from Jeddah, is considered to be one of Ethiopia’s earliest Muslim centers.
There is a fine mosque of considerable antiquity. Thousands of Muslims form different parts of Ethiopia and neighboring countries visit Al Negashi every year.
However, the most important Islamic center since medieval times is the famous walled city of Harar. The city came into formal existence in 1520 and around 1550 it was encircled by strong walls with five gates by Amir Nur ibn A-Wazir Mujahid in order to protect itself from outside aggression.
Harar was and still is well known for its Islamic learning and scholarship. Also of interest is Jami Mosque, which dates back to the 17th century, but its slender minaret, however, was built in 1761-62. The Bale region is an important Islamic center.
Many flock here from all over the country and also from neighboring countries. The Sof Omar cave in the Bale region is named after Sheikh Sof Omar, who took refuge here many centuries ago.
The Sof Omar cave has the world’s most spectacular and extensive underground caverns. Formed by the Web River as it changed its course in the distance past and caved a new channel through limestone foothill.
“The Web River vanishes into the giant underground. Sof Omar cave is an extraordinary natural phenomenon of breathtaking beauty,” he said.
According to the consul general, the historical sights located in the northern and northwestern parts of the country with its rock-hewn churches, monasteries and castles are equally fascinating.
“In fact, from the remains of the first human to amazing manifestations of religious allegiance, Ethiopia is truly a country with an unforgettable living past,” he added.
