When you are planning holidays solo or with your family you need to focus on how you can make the most of your time and resources. Africa has always been one of the top choices for those who are interested in nature and wildlife, history and culture and unique landscapes. While Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa are some of the popular destinations in Africa you need to look for places like Ethiopia that would offer you a unique experience.
Over the years, Ethiopia has quickly gained more visitors as it has something different to offer. Hence, you would want to focus on how you can plan your Ethiopia holidays or hire experts who can make arrangements for you to ensure that you can make the most of your time and budget.
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Addis Ababa
If you are planning to fly into Ethiopia Addis Ababa sounds like a perfect place to start your tour in this country. Being the capital city, Addis Ababa provides the right start you need for your holidays in Ethiopia. You can initiate your tour by exploring Addis Ababa and its surroundings at your own pace. The city is packed with parks, mosques, churches, and various monuments and landmarks. You can explore The Holy Trinity Cathedral, Entoto Maryam Church and Anwar Mosque. If you are interested in the city’s history you must visit the Tiglachin Square, Victory Monument and Menilik Square. You can also explore various museums that would provide you with insight into the culture and history of the city. Addis Ababa
Lalibela
One of the most important towns that you must visit when you are exploring Ethiopia is Lalibela. Popularly known as the Jerusalem of Ethiopia this town is known for its fascinating churches that are unlike any other churches in the world. These monolithic churches are carved out of rock and they can provide you with a unique experience when you visit them. There are 11 medieval churches that you can visit when you are exploring this town. These churches are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites and therefore you must not miss them. While you are exploring these places in the town you can also talk to locals and get to know more about local culture and history insights.
Simien Mountains National Park
If you are looking for places that allow you to explore the geography and terrain of Ethiopia along with nature and wildlife you should choose Simien Mountains National Park. This national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a spectacular landscape of rugged mountain peaks and deep valleys. This is where you can spot the iconic Ethiopia wolf so make sure you look out for that. Also, you will find other animals like Menelik’s bushbuck, Gelada baboon, and Walia ibex. These mammals are endemic and therefore you can only find them in the Ethiopian Highlands. You can also spot other animals like Anubis baboon, golden jackal, and spotted hyena. This park offers excellent biodiversity of plant life as well. Hence, if you are looking for outdoor adventure activities like hiking and camping you can do that here.
Danakil Depression
Ethiopia is a land of unique landscapes and one such example is the Danakil Depression. If you are looking for something unique and colourful Danakil Depression is one of the best places in Ethiopia you should not miss. This place is considered one of the driest, hottest and lowest places on the planet. With plenty of salt lakes and lava lakes, you can take pictures of this landscape for your social media profile. Danakil Depression is also known for its volcanoes and you can see why many visitors visiting Ethiopia do not want to miss exploring this place even though it has a hot climate. You can look out for tour groups that would allow you to visit this place with groups which would make sense.
Bale Mountains National Park
Apart from the Simien Mountains National Park, you must also add Bale Mountains National Park to your list if you are a wildlife enthusiast. This is considered one of the best places in Ethiopia for wildlife excursions. Located in southern Ethiopia this park can provide you with a diverse landscape which includes glacial lakes with high volcanic ridges on the sides. While you are exploring the area you can also find Ethiopian wolves which are endemic and elusive. You can also find many chameleons and monkeys here that you can spot as you explore the national park. If you are into plant life you can also explore more than 1000 species of flowering plants of which 12 per cent are endemic. This park is also ideal for trekking and camping. So, if you are looking for outdoor adventures you need to ensure that you have the best hiking shoes to help you tackle the terrain.
Bahir Dar
If you are someone who wants to relax and unwind in Ethiopia you would want to explore the lakeside town of Bahir Dar. This is one of the popular towns that you must visit when you are exploring this country in East Africa. With excellent scenery and natural landscapes, you can find your mind and soul at peace here. The most popular thing you can do out here is head to Lake Tana. This is Ethiopia’s largest lake and offers a perfect opportunity for you to boat in the lake. While you are here you can also head to the Blue Nile Falls where you can find stunning rainbows that emerge from the deluge of water falling. You can take pictures of the falls and probably some selfies as well. Many accommodations in Bahir Dar offer you the opportunity to put up your feet and relax.
Axum
When you are planning to explore Ethiopia you would also want to explore the original capital city of Ethiopia. Known as the cultural capital of Ethiopia, Axum is a city for those who want to dig deeper into history and folklore. The Obelisk of Axum is one of the top local attractions that you should not miss when you are visiting this place. This city also connects as a home to the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant. Historically, it is one of the oldest cities in Africa and has many structures that date back many centuries. Also, while you are in Axum you would want to explore various churches here including the Church of Saint Mary of Zion.
Gonder
Known as the Camelot of Africa, Gonder is another important town you should not miss when you are exploring Ethiopia. This place has plenty of churches, castles and fortifications that have stood for centuries now. You can visit many ruins here that would tell you various biblical tales and events. Gonder is also quite close to Simien National Park which you can visit when you are touring Ethiopia.
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