Top 12 tourist attractions in Ethiopia

People travel to Ethiopia to admire the virgin and striking nature of the African continent. There is an attractive Lake Tana, bizarre reliefs of the Ethiopian Highlands, national parks with rare endangered species of animals, and endless savannah.

In Ethiopia, one could found some mysterious things. Despite the current dispute, many tribes living in the country live the same way they did hundreds of years ago. Tourists are allowed to observe the mysterious rituals of local shamans, visit bright holidays and touch an almost primitive culture.

What to see in Ethiopia?

1. Dallol volcano

It is considered one of the most unusual places on Earth. According to some researchers, the landscapes of the surroundings resemble those of one of Jupiter’s moons. After an intense explosion in 1926, a sizeable yellow-purple lake form is located 48 meters below sea level.

2. Simien Mountains National Park

A unique natural monument with a total area of 22.5 thousand hectares. Here is the Ras Dashen peak, reaching a height of 4620 meters. On the park territory, there is an opportunity to see different natural zones of Africa: mountain deserts, savannahs, highlands. It is also home to a large number of unique and exciting animals.

3. City of Aksum

It locates in the north of the country, almost on the border with Eritrea. It is the most visited city by tourists and the main attraction. According to legend, the founder of the Aksumite kingdom, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon, ruled here. There are about 200 giant obelisks erect by the Cyclops people (according to local legend).

4. Fasil Ghebbi fortress

A complex of churches, palaces, and castles of the 17th-18th centuries, included in the UNESCO list. The fortress combines several architectural styles: Baroque, Arabic, Nubian, and Indian. Several centuries ago, the building served as the residence of local rulers; now, the complex is open to tourists.

5. Church of Saint George in Lalibela

It was built in the XII century. By the will of the king, who decided to found a New Jerusalem in the country. The temple dedicates to the patron saint and protector of Ethiopia, Saint George. The building hews out of the rock in the form of a Greek cross going into the ground. The church is, as it were, immersed in a stone well 25 meters deep.

6. Baths of Fasilides

Royal Baths, built under the Ethiopian ruler Fasilides in the 17th century. Nowadays, they use it during the Timkat holiday organized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church once a year. The pools fill with water, and after the official ceremony is over, residents take a dip.

7. Erta Ale volcano

It is the most restless volcano in Ethiopia. There is a hot lava lake in its crater. The volcano has been continuously active since 1967. This is an ever-growing volcano – with each release of lava and eruption, the mountain rises higher and higher above the ground. Now its height is 613 meters.

8. Lake Tana

One of the main waterways of Ethiopia is Lake Tana. This is where the Blue Nile begins. The body of water is not only a vital source of water and food. The hydroelectric power plant, using the waters of Tana, provides energy to all of Ethiopia. There are 37 islands on the lake, 20 Christian monasteries, and churches build on them.

9. Awash River

A sizeable deep river, along which fertile plains stretch. Sugarcane and cotton have been cultivated here for a long time. There is a national park along the river banks, where large populations of antelopes and gazelles live. During a flood, the water level rises by almost 20 meters.

10. Tis-lsat waterfall

One of the Blue Nile waterfalls, and a very scenic natural landmark in Ethiopia, showcasing the power and strength of the river. It locates near the famous tourist centre – the city of Bahir Dar. Many tourists and locals come to admire the waterfall.

11. Lake Abbe

Lake Abbe is a salty body of water located in an utterly unearthly landscape. You can find limestone pillars and towers in these places, forming the most unusual shapes and colors. Puffs of steam are constantly erupting from the ground, recalling the potent volcanic activity of the surrounding area.

12. Sof Omar cave

A large cave in the Bale National Park. It forms banks to the Weyib River, which has been making its way through the mountain for thousands of years. For a long time, it played the role of a religious center, was a sacred place for Muslims and representatives of local pagan religions.