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Ethiopia Map

Map Ethiopia

Weather Ethiopia

03.09.2010
mostly cloudy
19°C
Sunrise 06:15:00
Sunset 18:27:00

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Ethiopia

Ethiopia is truly a land of contrasts and extremes, like the ruggedly-carved steeples and spires of the Simien Mountains, the Danakil Depression with its lunar-like landscapes, and one of the country’s most striking geographical features, the Great Rift Valley.

Trips to the remote lower Omo Valley where villagers’ traditions have remained unchanged for millennia, have become increasingly popular.

A rich wildlife destination, Ethiopia has a number of endemic animals and birds, including the world’s rarest canine, the Ethiopian Wolf (previously known as the Simien Fox). Star attractions for bird watchers are Ruspoli’s Turaco, Abyssinian Catbird and Stresemann’s Bush-crow.

Ethiopia is a land of endless mysteries in its geology, in the diversity of its animal and plant life, in its tumultuous national history and the rich culture of its people. Church scholars reckon Ethiopian History spans 7,492 years going by its own chronology and calendar, from the time of Genesis to the present.
The name Ethiopia, meaning “land of burnt face” in Greek, according to one derivation, was already known in 3000 B.C.  Archaeological findings abound in Ethiopia, covering sites stretching in the Rift Valley from the Omo River Valley in the southwest to the Afar Depression in the northeast. These consist of hominid remains dating up to four million years old, some of the earliest man-made tools ever recorded and imprints of human settlement said to be no less than one and a half million years old. All this has earned Ethiopia the epithet “cradle of mankind! “

Briefly occupied by Italy (1936-1941), Ethiopia consequently has an Italian influence. The population of 70 million is divided into over 80 ethnic groups. Amharic is the first language but English is widely spoken. Sample the traditional dish of injera (pancake-like bread) served with delicious spicy stews.

People and Culture
Over 80 linguistic groups exist in Ethiopia, representing four of the five Afro-Asiatic families of languages, including the Omotic language family found exclusively within the confines of Ethiopia. The mystical symbols, myths and ritual practices found in Ethiopia are linked with the mysteries and traditional beliefs of the ancient civilizations of Asia, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean.

Religion

Three of the world’s major religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam have had their followers here since they were founded and thus have grown with indigenous expressions that are distinctly Ethiopian. Both Christianity and Islam became state sponsored and protected in Ethiopia before anywhere else. The Prophet Mohammed’s earliest followers (the “Asshaba”) were able to escape persecution in Arabia by fleeing to Ethiopia, where they were accepted and allowed to flourish under the protection of the king of Axum. In appreciation of this, there is an injunction in the Koran against violence by Muslims directed at Ethiopia. Today, almost 95% of Ethiopians are adherents of one of these three main religions with the rest being followers of animist traditional spirit or ancestral worship of one kind or another.

Fine Arts and Crafts
Ethiopia prides itself for having its own lexicon of knowledge, especially in such celestial matters such as astronomy, cosmology, mystical theology and the art of healing. These come, of course, with their own strongly distinctive symbols, arts and crafts and decor. Ethiopia today possesses some 250,000 ancient books on parchment; some nearly 1000 years old (e.g. Ritu Haimanot from Narga in Lake Tana).

The Cross in Ethiopia and other Icons
The cross is a universal Christian symbol associated with the crucifixion of Jesus. As is evident from the prolific and triumphant representation in over 3,000 styles of dome, processional, hand and neck crosses, the Ethiopian cross has an ancient and elaborate heritage and is reminiscent of the Egyptian Ankh and the Tau cross of Tibet.

Food

Everything being so completely different from what you are used to, can sometimes be as daunting as it is fascinating. Injera is the staple all over the highlands and in the towns elsewhere. It is a soft, thin chapatti-like bread made from the grass-like grain teff (Eragrostis Teff), barley or sorghum. Injera always comes with Wott (somewhat like stew) which can be made from any kind of meat, fish, lentils, peas or chickpeas. The best of these and the national delicacy is Doro Wott (chicken stew). A variety of vegetarian types of wott are served on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the country as part of religious custom.

Unique Ceremonies, Festival and Rituals
There are many great national and local holidays and celebrations throughout the year and all over the country. Every one of the 54,000 parish Churches and the 800 monasteries of the Orthodox Tewahido Church all have at least one minor monthly and one major annual festival. These may share origins with Christian, Muslim and tribal festivals elsewhere in the world, but have unique indigenous characteristics in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Reviews

Ethiopia

From: Bernice
Subject: Ethiopia

Hi Helen

Just want to give you some feedback on our trip to Addis.

We arrive in Addis very excited and rearing to go.  We were met at the airport by Assefa as arranged.  Big rotten toothy smile but he went around and greeted each person by hand.  He then escorted us to a bus that when we looked at it didn’t think it was going to go anywhere but the shock was even greater when the luggage started disappearing through the window and the back of the bus became the luggage carrier.  But we all fitted in and off we went.  The bus took us everywhere we wanted to go with no problems at all.

We arrived at Dream Liner hotel in the middle of a very busy and noisy town.  The hotel is by no means a 4 star in fact, in SA the hotel would have received a 2 or 3 star only.  The rooms are spacious and airy.  No aircons, no fans, no hairdryers, no amenities, no coffee stations.  The bathrooms were good.  TV was there but I never got to use mine (no time).  No aircon or fans meant that you continually wanted to open the windows but this meant you would have to listen to the night club music all night as the nightclub next door runs 24/7.  The dogs are really active at night and bark most of the night. The Imam at the nearby mosque wakes you up at 05h00 with his call to prayer.  So no open windows for anybody I’m afraid. 
The beds were a very sore point of this trip.  When you sit down on the bed the mattress is so hard that it doesn’t give way at all.  It felt like you were sleeping on the base and not the mattress.  Sleep was only possible if the bed was lined with pillows or a triple folded duvet.  So a lot of sleepless nights were had by all. 
The food was good.  The chef made special meals for my special dietary guests – which was greatly appreciated. 
We had a very limited breakfast on departure as nothing was ready as requested. 

Yob Abyssinia – stunning dinner venue with traditional food and entertainment.  Greatly enjoyed by most.  The others didn’t appreciate eating with their hands – tough !!!
Top View – great food.  Great view. 

Assefa – what can we say about Assefa – except that he was awesome!  He really made the group feel special.  The group got so attached to him that when we got into the bus in Gaborone somebody shouted “Wait we’re missing somebody” – The bus ground to a halt and everybody turned to look at the person that shouted.  He then said – “we’ve left Assefa behind”.  Everybody agreed and burst out laughing.  So excited were they that they left him with a hefty tip on departure.  He was indeed a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend FK Explorer and in fact Assefa for further trips to Ethiopia. 

Thanks again !!!

Bernice 

Sent: 05 May 2009

Hi Helen

Just to let you know we had a brilliant time in Ethiopia and a belated thank you here are a few photo's of the wolves we saw on the Sanetti Plateau. Will send a few more from around the places we visited FK was a real gentleman and we loved the people and keep in touch with most of our guides.
Thanks again and take care
Graham+Cha


From: Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Dear Janet

I received an email from Mr Georgiadis after his trip to Ethiopia.I thought you might like to read his email, as it could not have been done without your helpful and friendly assistance. How was your trip to Ethiopia …..mmmm, are you even back yet??

Thank you for your help with Mr Georgiadis’ booking – it is much appreciated.

Kind regards
Cathy

Dear Cathy,
I just got back this morning. The trip was absolutely fantastic and I wanted to let you know that you did an amazing job at organising everything; also thanks so much for your proactive approach staying on top of everything (visa, yellow fever certificate etc). Lalibela (with its 900 year old rock-hewn Orthodox churches) is a unique place which really made a big impact on me, as did Axum and Gondar.  I really enjoyed the trekking in the Simeons as well.  Everyone was extremely friendly and I really developed a great appreciation for the country, its history, culture and the people. I will try and persuade my father (to whom I am copying this email) to go as well one day!


Speak to you soon, and once again, thank you for your assistance,
Vassos

Ethiopia Top Attractions

  • Lalibela: See the eleven rock-hewn churches believed to be carved after divine instruction to the legendary King Lalibela. Usually, a short mule trip is included as part of the excursion.
  • Axum: A dusty town with much to see. Remarkable pre-Christian stelae/obelisks (up to 23m tall) stand in the ‘obelisk park’. Do not miss the local museum for fascinating artefacts, or the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace outside the town. Also worth a visit is the Temple of the Moon in the isolated town of Yeha, 55km from Axum.
  • Gondar: Fasalidas’ Castle in the royal compound is the highlight here. Gondar, founded by Emperor Fasalidas in the 17th century, is often referred to as the Camelot of Africa. It is also the access town to the Simien Mountains.
  • Bale National Park: A highly rewarding destination for birdwatchers (Ethiopia has 30 endemic birds). The Park is also home to the world’s rarest canine, the Ethiopian Wolf. There is basic accommodation in the park. Getting there entails a drive through the Great Rift Valley.  Blue Nile Falls: Unfortunate consequences of a hydroelectric development has been the virtual disappearance of these Falls. The project will have long-term effects on the region's plant and bird life.
  • Simien Mountains: One of Africa’s largest mountain ranges with some of the highest peaks on the continent. Take a mule excursion organised by our Ethiopian ground operators, a wonderful adventure.
  • Omo Valley: Visit the last remaining Ethiopian tribes (Mursi, Hammer Karo and Er-bore) in the lower Omo Valley.

Ethiopia Travel Tips

  • Getting there: Ethiopian Airlines operate regular flights from South Africa and Europe to Addis Ababa.
  • Visas: All visitors need visas. Apply for your visa through the embassy. Visas are issued on arrival, but the process is very time consuming.
  • Currency: Ethiopian Birr. Take cash and traveller's cheques in US$. Credit cards are occasionally accepted in the capital. US$ minted before 2002 are not accepted.
  • Health: Malaria is present in the low-lying areas. Immunisations are required for yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis.
  • What to pack: Temperatures in the high lying areas are mild, with sunny days and cool/cold evenings. Pack warm clothing, good hiking boots, protective wear against the tropical sun and rain, personal medication, toiletries, a money belt, torch and insect repellent.
  • When to go: All year; September to February is best for birding.
  • Power supply: 220v; European two-prong plugs.
  • Time zone: GMT + 3 hours.
  • Read on: Ethiopia by Philip Briggs (Bradt Travel Guides).

Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions will apply to your holiday and the arrangements which you make. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

By making a booking, the client confirms that all of the people named in the booking made by him/her have read these conditions, and have agreed to be bound by them and all the other terms of the contract, and that he/she has the authority to accept these terms and conditions on their behalf.

1.    Regardless of the place of execution, performance or domicile of the parties, this contract, together with all modifications and amendments, shall be governed by, construed under and in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

2.    All packages and tours are sold subject to our standard terms and conditions. Reservations must be signed on a booking form. If the services of a courier are employed during this process, the costs shall be borne by the client.

3.    A 20% deposit is payable on confirmation, unless otherwise stated on the booking form. The balance must be paid 6 weeks prior to your departure. No contract is made between the client and Unusual Destinations until the deposit or, where required, the full price has been paid, whether or not a booking confirmation has been issued by Unusual Destinations or one of its agents. Failure by the client to pay any sum by due date shall entitle Unusual Destinations to cancel the booking, and to charge a cancellation fee as set out below (see point 17 below).

4.    Quotations are based on the exchange rates valid at the time that they are sent to the client. Unusual Destinations reserves the right to increase any prices where currency fluctuations occur, until such time as they have been paid in full. It is the client’s responsibility to check on possible price increases prior to full payment. Airfares are subject to prices quoted by airlines, and Unusual Destinations can therefore not accept responsibility for unexpected fare increases.

5.    It is the clients’ responsibility to obtain travel documents including a valid passport and air tickets. It is also the clients’ responsibility to contact the airlines at least 72 hours prior to departure to reconfirm all flights. All clients who, at the time of departure, are under the age of 18 years, must be accompanied by a client aged 21 or over who will at all times during the tour or trip be responsible for their welfare, conduct and behaviour. Clients are expected at all times to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with due regard to the health, safety, comfort, enjoyment and general well- being of all the other people who may be on the tour or trip, or other people who may be staying in the relevant hotels. If it appears that the client’s conduct or behaviour is such as to be a breach of this requirement, or is likely to endanger the client’s own health or safety, or that of others, or where their actions or conduct impedes the operation of the trip, then Unusual Destinations reserves the right to refuse the further participation of any such client. No refund will be considered in respect of any client whose participation in the trip is terminated for these reasons. Further, where the client is repatriated pursuant to this clause at Unusual Destinations’ expense, or where Unusual Destinations is put to any additional expense as a result of the client’s conduct, then Unusual Destinations shall have the right to recover such costs upon demand. Under no circumstances, at any time, shall Unusual Destinations have any liability for the denial of boarding or expulsion from an aeroplane by any airline contracted in terms of this contract, such denial being at the sole discretion of the airline concerned.

6.    While Unusual Destinations will do its best not to cancel or make any material alteration to the itinerary after a booking confirmation has been issued, it shall nonetheless be entitled at any time prior to departure to cancel the contract between the parties, or to change and/or curtail the scheduled itinerary where this becomes reasonably necessary on operational, commercial or other grounds. Unusual Destinations will however inform the client of any such cancellation or change of itinerary as soon as possible. Where such a change of itinerary amounts to a material alteration, the client shall be entitled to cancel the booking within 3 days of being advised of the itinerary change without any cancellation fee being applicable.

7.    Although Unusual Destinations attempts to make all itineraries as accurate as possible at the time of printing, they are to be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of the tour rather than an inflexible chronicle of events. The itinerary may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond the control of Unusual Destinations, whether as a result of weather, government restrictions, transportation problems, road conditions, acts of God, terrorist threats, natural disasters, fires or other circumstances. Unusual Destinations however undertakes to do its best to maintain the itinerary, and will not unreasonably change it. However any such changes shall not constitute a material alteration of the contract, and Unusual Destinations shall in consequence have no liability to the client in respect thereof.

8.    Unusual Destinations will not be responsible for any additional costs occasioned by changes in the itinerary or flight schedules, such as additional flights, hotel nights or meals not included in the scheduled itinerary. Payment for such additional services will be required at the time when the amended itinerary is provided to the client. Further, any expenses incurred owing to unexpected extensions to packages, trips or tours caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other reason beyond Unusual Destinations’ control will be paid by the client upon demand.

9.    Where the client is making a booking with a tour, the rates quoted are based upon group participation, and no partial refunds will be given for unused trip arrangements or sightseeing tours for any reason whatsoever.

10.    Unusual Destinations, in order to provide the tour as set out in the brochure, group/individual tour or individual package, quotation and/or booking, is obliged to make arrangements with local operators who may themselves engage the services of local suppliers. Unusual Destinations endeavours at all times to appoint reputable and competent local operators to comply with the requirements and standards expected by the client. However, although these local operators are appointed by Unusual Destinations, they are acting as an agent on behalf of the client directly, and a direct contract is therefore entered into between the client and the local operator or service provider, and the terms and conditions of the local operator, whether or not contained in this brochure, will apply to arrangements made by them. Unusual Destinations makes the travel arrangements on behalf of the client on the express condition that it is not liable for any inconvenience, irregularity or expense occasioned by the failure of the local operator to comply with the itinerary provided, whether in relation to travel arrangements, airline scheduling, airline changes, cancelled flights, missed flight connections or any other factor not directly under Unusual Destinations’ control. In the event however that Unusual Destinations is, in spite of the provisions of this clause, found to be liable to the client, then its liability will be limited to the sum paid by the client in respect of the travel arrangement(s) in question.

11.    As Unusual Destinations acts only as an agent for local operators, it accepts no liability for any loss or damages which clients may suffer as a result of the failure by such local operators to fulfil their obligations whether in relation to travel flights, land arrangements, accommodation or otherwise. These local operators are independent suppliers who are not affiliated with Unusual Destinations in any way. Further, Unusual Destinations shall not be liable for any loss, damage, delay, accident or inconvenience caused to any person, their property or luggage under any circumstances.

12.    Unusual Destinations will not be liable for bodily injury to, or death of any client, or damage to their property occasioned through the conduct or default of any company or local operator or individual engaged in providing these services or for any reason, including, but not limited to, acts of God, quarantine, strikes, industrial action, medical emergencies, civil disturbances, theft, detention, annoyance, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, closure of ports, changes in government regulations, terrorism, war, medical emergencies or failure of the conveyance to depart or arrive as scheduled.

13.    Unusual Destinations does not provide medical services during the trip or tour. However, wherever possible, Unusual Destinations will offer general assistance to any client who suffers illness, personal injury or death, whether or not arising from an activity forming part of the trip or tour, and whether or not the result of fault by any party.

14.    Clients should bring with an ample supply of any prescription medicines required, and a first aid kit.

15.    Any cost or expense which is reasonably incurred by Unusual Destinations for or on behalf of the client in respect of any form of medical, dental or similar treatment, hotel, transportation, repatriation, or any other expenses of whatever nature, shall be repayable by the client to Unusual Destinations on demand, whether or not such sum is covered by the client’s travel insurance.

16.    Travel insurance (medical and personal accident) is compulsory. However, clients are strongly recommended to take out insurance to cover the loss of their luggage, and the deposit or part of the tour fee through cancellation.

17.    Any changes and/or cancellations will incur penalties; in many cases air tickets are totally non-refundable. All cancellations have to be in writing. Unless otherwise stipulated, the following fees shall be charged by Unusual Destinations if a client cancels a reservation:

More than 6 weeks prior to departure:
10% of price

4 – 6 weeks prior to departure:
50% of price

2 – 4 weeks prior to departure:

75% of price

Less than 2 weeks prior to departure:

100% of price

18.    These terms and conditions, together with any other clauses set out on the application form, defines the responsibility of Unusual Destinations with respect to all of the trips/tours/arrangements made by them. Further, Unusual Destinations shall not be liable for the failure of performance or improper performance which is wholly attributable to any or all of the following:
    
a)    The fault of the client;

b)    The unforeseeable or unavoidable act of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services to be provided under this contract;

c)    Unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of Unusual Destinations, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care was exercised;

d)    Any event which Unusual Destinations could not even with all due care have foreseen or avoided, including (but not limited to) an event or force major. Unusual Destinations further confirms that the carriage of passengers and their luggage by air is governed by various international conventions and the client shall be bound by the rules, regulations and conditions of contract laid down by any carrier upon which he / she may travel as a result of the reservations made, and Unusual Destinations shall be free from any liability in consequence thereof.

Addis Ababa and surroundings

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and the political and commercial heart of the country. Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887, the city has a current population of four million. Its modern buildings and wide open boulevards are in total contrast to the country’s rock-hewn churches, palaces and monuments. The capital is near Mount Entoto (2200m above sea level) and the city centre is 8km from Bole International airport.

Many international organisations, including the AU and the Economic Commission for Africa have their headquarters in this vibrant city that offers a wide range of hotels, from luxury to reasonably priced budget accommodation.

Link to Addis Ababa packages.

The Legendary Historic Route

Lalibela has the highest concentration of Churches of such architectural elegance and overall engineering sophistication in one spot. The 13 Churches in two complexes are said to represent a reproduction of Jerusalem. Their lighting systems, channels, water works, network of interconnected subterranean passageways and the sheer magnitude of the whole project are mind boggling.

Impressive ruins, monuments and archaeological artefacts abound in and around Axum attesting to the solid, articulate, confident, literate and resourceful strength of this civilisation.

The Bahir Dar area with the Lake Tana basin is a rare environment in northern Ethiopia.

The city of Gondar was known for its medieval pageantry, gilded regalia and extravagant ceremonies. The Castles, the only ones of their kind on African soil, and the Debre Birhane Church renowned for its ceiling of angels’ faces are today what remains of Gondar’s glorious past.

Link to Historical Route packages.

Simien Mountains, Bale National Parks and Omo Valley

The Simien Mountains National Park has many summits above 4,000 meters  with Ras Dashen, the highest point in Ethiopia and the fourth highest in Africa being 4,620 meters.  The sights of the Simien are genuinely and universally awe-inspiring.

Bale National Park is the largest expanse of Afro-alpine moorlands in the world. The alpine scenery and the relative ease with which one can explore this 2,200-km2 park and see the many birds and animals that are unique to Ethiopia.

The Omo is one of the top ten river systems of Ethiopia. It empties into Lake Turkana (Rudolf) supplying almost all the fresh water to the Lake. Its upper reaches are marked by spectacular canyons and reckoned by enthusiasts to be one of Africa’s most exciting locations for white-water rafting. Its lower part makes up one of the last true wilderness areas in all of Africa. Its western banks remain unexplored.

Link to explorer packages.

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