Category: Ethiopia

Camping with wolves and dancing with AK47s: the hidden treasures of Ethiopia; Guy Kelly; Telegraph

Source: Camping with wolves and dancing with AK47s: the hidden treasures of Ethiopia

The Magnificent Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia; Barbara Weibel; Hole In The Donut

In the 12th century, King Lalibela of Ethiopia received a vision from God, who told him to carve 11 churches out of the local stone. This New Jerusalem, as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela were known, kept pilgrims from having to make the dangerous trek to Jerusalem to honor their God.

Source: The Magnificent Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia

Ultimate Travel Guide to Gonder and the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia; Steph; Big World Small Pockets

Ethiopia – Fasil Ghebbi Gondar Region

The UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains and the UNESCO-listed city of Gonder (or Gondar!) are – perhaps unsurprisingly given their world heritage status – among 2 of Ethiopia’s finest attractions.

Situated close by each other, many tourists explore them together, as I did, and that’s exactly why I’m pairing them together in this guide.

Located in the Amhara region in Northern Ethiopia, I visited these 2 great parts of the country during my first trip here in December 2017 and certainly they were a large part of why I fell in love with this magical land.

From the soaring vistas of the Simien to the crumbling castles of Gonder these 2 destinations are wildly different, but equally as magnificent.

Indeed, many travellers I met in Ethiopia claim the Simien Mountains, in particular, as one of their Ethiopia highlights and if you’re heading to this country, then please do not miss this national park, or Gonder, either.

And with my ultimate travel guide to Gonder and the Simien Mountains, you can get the full rundown ahead of your trip so that you have the best time there too.

Read more from source: Ultimate Travel Guide to Gonder and the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia

The Complete Guide to Visiting Axum in Ethiopia; Steph; Big World Small Pockets

Ethiopia – Aksum

It’s supposedly home to the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant (which holds Moses’ 10 commandments) and it definitely was the centre of an ancient civilisation on a level with Rome, Greece and Egypt!

So why hasn’t anyone heard of the mighty city of Axum?

Because it’s in Ethiopia, that’s why!

Yes this country has more hidden treasures than you care to imagine and pretty near the top of the list is the amazing city of Axum, complete with its sacred churches, cobbled streets and ancient obelisk ruins.

Axum is one of my favourite spots in Ethiopia – I’ve already been there a number of times – and to give you the complete rundown on why you should go to, here’s my complete guide to this wonderful town.

Why Should I Visit Axum?

For starters Axum is a UNESCO World Heritage site – one of 9 in Ethiopia, which currently has the most of any African country.

It’s also a beautiful, safe, small town, which has a genuine living culture to it that is highly visible everywhere.

Read more from source: The Complete Guide to Visiting Axum in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s rock-hewn churches are an ancient wonder of the world; Zelda Caldwell; Faleteia

Ethiopia – Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

For centuries, Christian pilgrims — and tourists —  have travelled to the mountainous region of northern Ethiopia to visit the 11 spectacular medieval churches carved out of rock. After Muslim conquests blocked Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land, King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, who ruled Ethiopia in the late 12th century and early 13th century, set out to construct a “New Jerusalem,” which remains a pilgrimage site and place of devotion to this day.

Source: Ethiopia’s rock-hewn churches are an ancient wonder of the world

Feeding Wild Hyenas and 9 Other Unique Things to do in Harar, Ethiopia; Stephanie Parker; Big World Small Pockets

Ethiopia – Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

Over in the east of Ethiopia, as you head towards the Djibouti border, the ancient city of Harar is a rare gem in an otherwise pretty, desolate landscape.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this walled civilisation has long been an important trading centre, situated strategically between the Red Sea and the great empires of inland Africa.

Having withstood its fair share of invasions and conquests, Harar has stayed strong in maintaining its own distinct flavour and character, with the local people here undeniably proud of their traditions and culture.

As such, Harar is a totally unique destination with Ethiopia – a unique enough country in its own right!

This makes a trip to Harar an exciting part of any travel in Ethiopia. Taking the time to spend in its markets and streets give glimpse into life of a city that changed little.

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Harar: Ethiopia’s City of Saints the Best Place in the World to Visit in 2018; Tadias Magazine

Ethiopia – Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

New York (TADIAS) — Ethiopia’s beautiful ancient city of Harar has been selected by the editors of the National Geographic magazine as among the best places in the world to visit in 2018.

Harar — a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2006 for its cultural heritage — is home to many mosques some of which date back to the 10th century as well as over a hundred shrines for saints. Harar’s historical architectures include the famous five gates of the city, the Medhane Alem Cathedral, Jami Mosque built in the 16th century, and the residence of Haile Selassie’s father, Ras Mekonnen who served as Governor.

Ethiopia’s colorful and ancient city of Harar is also considered the fourth holiest city in Islam and known as the City of Saints. “Harar was an important centre between the coast and interior highlands and a location for Islamic learning”.

 

 

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Trekking the Simien Mountains: Inside Ethiopia’s dying World Heritage Site; Sue Watt; The Independent

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Ethiopia – Simien National Park

In the busy market town of Wossen, an entourage of a hundred curious children followed Sue Watt past small roadside shacks selling everything from garish blankets to vegetables and jelly sandals. Jostling to be at the front of the throng, some wanted to stroke her arms, puzzled by her freckles.

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Centuries Old Glorious Architectures of Ethiopia; Eden Sahle; Africa Business

Ethiopia – Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region

If you are someone who is fond of history and glorious old architecture, Ethiopia has beautiful spots that will delight all your expectations. From palaces to obelisks and rock hewn churches it has an amazing ancient architecture. Checkout the beauty of the outstanding architectures of Ethiopia and the exquisite churches.

Ethiopia has several destinations which have breathtaking spots that attract tourists from all corners of the world.  Historical sights, wildlife’s and other sceneries are abundant.  Jumia Travel highlighted the best part of Ethiopia that will make your vacation to Ethiopia one of a kind.

Lalibela

Ethiopian architectures are spectacular. The famous rock hewn Lalibela churches are a significant place of pilgrimage and pride being the Ethiopian iconic structures. The UNESCO registered global heritage is the most outstanding design ever built in the country.

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