Ethiopia Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Ethiopia (Continued...)

tions. The country is emerging as a confident developing Africa nation. So, if you want culture and adventure it’s a great choice. Here you find extremes and opportunities intertwined. Point your compass to emerald Ethiopia: it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you and offer opportunities unparalleled in Africa.
'Afro' and 'alpine' aren't usually aligned in the same sentence but if you find yourself talking about Ethiopia it is truly appropriate - the country is dominated by the intermittently snow-capped heights of the Ethiopian Highlands. This extensive collection of mountains stretches from south-west to north-east and is the longest continuum of high peaks in the world (no point in the chain drops below 1,500 metres). The highest point is in the north; Ras Dashen sits in the Semien National Park and rises to 4,550 metres. Elsewhere in Ethiopia you’ll travel through moor-like grassy plains and steamy, verdant valleys; you’ll gaze at giant, gushing waterfalls and trek through dense, jungle forests.
Ethiopia has, at present, designated a dozen regions within the country as national parks or protected territories; a move of great foresight and wisdom that will help preserve the country’s rare beauty. The Semien Mountains in northern Ethiopia have also achieved the status of Unesco World Heritage Site.
The Bale Mountains National Park in southern Ethiopia is separated from the larger part of the Highlands by the Rift Valley. This is a remarkable region of volcanic lakes, famous for its bird life, great escarpments and stunning vistas. Other highlights in Ethiopia include the raw power of Blue Nile Falls in the north and the Sof Omar Caves in the south-east. Alternatively, for the brave among us, there is the Denakil Depression; an area named as the "cruellest place on Earth" by National Geographic. It is one of the Earth’s hottest, lowest and most inhospitable places. The Depression lays at around 120 metres below sea-level and boasts high volcanic activity, pungent sulphur fumaroles and a bizarre, lunar-like landscape. It’s also the territory of the now-friendly but formerly-terrifying Afar people; an Ethiopian tribe that used to have a habit of castrating and murdering intruders!

Trekking

Trekking in Ethiopia gives you the opportunity to travel through wondrous landscapes that brim with wildlife and burst with beauty. You can easily get the physical challenge you might expect from a trekking holiday across Ethiopia's rugged terrain. Try the Semien National Park in the north for a choice of high altitude peaks that soar above the grassy plains. Another option is the Rift Valley in southern Ethiopia. This area receives a lot less tourists, and is therefore perhaps more rewarding. The chain of lakes and parks are home to tonnes of wildlife and in the far south are little-visited tribal areas of great ethnographic interest. Or for a real challenge, travel to the north-eastern reaches of the country to the remote and wild desert around the Danakil Depression. The area is home to the Afar salt traders and is spectacularly volcanic. Be prepared, it's hot, remote and not for the fainthearted!

Whitewater Rafting

In Ethiopia millennia has passed and the high basalt plains have slowly been eroded away to what is nowadays a white water rafters Eden. The Omo River, in southern Ethiopia is a wild and beautiful water course that tumbles through steep-sided gorges and densely wooded forests. Find the lost canyons and crash through the swirling rapids whilst getting a glimpse of remote communities and endangered wildlife. Rafting on the Omo River suits all abilities and the best time of year to go is October through December.

Cultural

Perhaps the best of Ethiopian adventures are to be discovered while on a cultural tour. The country is by far and away one of the most historic nations on Earth. Modern day, high speed lifestyles have not yet filtered in to Ethiopian civilisation and thus the cultural traveller will find rewards at every turn. Ancient churches carved from rock faces are the religious sanctuaries from where the Christian, Muslim and Jewish population of Ethiopia immerse themselves in a deeply spiritual way of life. Other Ethiopians choose to practice a pagan belief system and their mystical rituals can be seen as exciting, pre-historic and maybe even shocking to the eyes and mind of the visiting traveller. As young village men vie for the attention of their local female peers they leap across the backs of agitated bulls, execute unbelievable skills of accuracy with primitive weapons and festoon their faces and bodies with an assortment of piercings and tattoos. If you are the adventurous cultural traveller, and you can respect, accept and honour the traditions of ethnic diversity, then Ethiopia should definitely be on your 'To-Do-List'!

Classic Itineraries

Arrange flights to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Absorb yourself in the mind-boggling mix of religious customs and city energy. Travel north-west to the country’s largest body of water, Lake Tana, and the impressive Blue Nile Falls. Moving north again, locate Axum close to the border with Eritrea – a historically significant town with stunning architecture. Also in this area is the Semien National Park, so take the opportunity to trek through the incredible landscape. Your journey continues east through grassy lowland scenery and arrives at the actively volcanic, arid desert around the Danakil Depression. From here start heading south, past Addis Ababa and on to the Rift Valley and Bale Mountains National Park. The park oozes natural abundance, so feast your eyes on the array of wildlife and join in with local village customs. Then drive back to Addis Ababa and catch your flight home.

Other Activities

Overlanding and multi-activity holidays are becoming increasingly popular around Ethiopia. They offer an easy way to see a lot of the country and incorporate a variety of different activities. Horse-riding, mountain biking and cycling also entitle the intrepid traveller to a wonderful perspective on this incredible land.