Adventure Holidays in Ethiopia

Things to Do on an Ethiopian Adventure Holiday in the Horn of Africa

Jun 15, 2009
Helen Smeaton

Ethiopia Travel, Castles at Gondar - Helen Smeaton

Ethiopia offers the traveler a myriad of cultural, historical and natural wonders making adventure holidays to this little-known destination a voyage of discovery.

Think of Ethiopia and the first picture that comes to mind is one of starving children, drought and disease. Yet the 11th poorest country in the world is culturally and ecologically rich and hides a wealth of historical and archaeological sites, not to mention areas of outstanding natural beauty including several national parks like the Simien and Bale mountains.

Historical Sites in Ethiopia

Those looking to tread the steps of history and culture have a huge range of options including:

Axum, home to one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient world and the origin of Christianity in Ethiopia where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to rest. Here can be viewed gigantic monoliths, subterranean tombs and the ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba.
Beautiful rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, built in the 13th century which appear to be built underground. This is Ethiopia’s most popular tourist attraction.
Gondar, former capital located in the North and site of 17th century castles and churches including the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie.

Ethiopia, The Cradle of Humanity

Amazing prehistoric archeological finds have been discovered in Ethiopia:

3.5 million year old fossilised remains of a hominid, a remote human ancestor, who became known as Lucy after the Beatles track Lucy in the Sky, playing as she was discovered in 1974.
More recently, 4.4 million year old remains from several creatures with ape-like features together with stone tools dating back 2.5 million years.

Natural Wonders of Africa

Ethiopia is awash with areas of outstanding natural beauty, home to a remarkable variety of mammals and birds:

The majestic Tississat Blue Nile Falls, the second-largest in Africa.
Lake Tana, covering 3,500 sq km, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the site of ancient monasteries located on 20 of the lake’s 37 islands.
Simien Mountains in the North, a spectacular trekking destination.
Bale National park in the South, popular with walkers and bird watchers.

Trekking Holidays in Ethiopia

The Simien mountains offer fantastic trekking on a journey of true discovery. Tours definitely fall into the no-frills hiking category but the reward of seeing Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex in their natural environment more than makes up for the lack of a toilet tent!

Known as the “chess pieces of the gods,” the towering peaks and steep gorges offer breathtaking vistas and offer experienced trekkers a humbling experience when camping close to poor mountain villages.

Responsible Tourism in Ethiopia

Whatever a tourist chooses to do on their voyage of discovery in Ethiopia, never forget that water and food are precious. Follow good responsible tourism practices by conserving water wherever possible, carefully disposing of all waste and refraining from using open fires whilst trekking. Good green tourism travel companies will always abide by these principles but, if traveling alone, ensure that any guides employed do the same.

Discover Ethiopia on an Adventure Holiday

Whether history, culture, wildlife or natural beauty is required, Ethiopia, though poor, offers a rich array of wonders to discover. It is probably Africa’s best-kept secret so make a point of visiting soon.

Related Articles