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Ethiopia, the
oldest independent nation in Africa, is a
land of stunning natural beauty with a rich
diversity of culture and geography that will
captivate the visitor. The welcome
that comes from the mosaic of a people with
over 80 different languages and as many
cultures is warm and spontaneous. The
attractions of Ethiopia are world renowned,
but now visiting the land of the Queen of
Sheba, the birthplace of the Blue Nile and
the "cradle of mankind' is no longer a
dream. This is a land of natural contrasts,
from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains
to the depths of the Danakil Depression, at
120 metres below sea level, one of the
lowest dry land points on earth. |
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The
wealth of natural beauty that blesses Ethiopia offers an astonishing
variety of landscapes: Afro-alpine highlands, moors and mountains,
white water rivers and the splendour of the Great Rift Valley.
Recent archeological discoveries trace the country's heritage back to
the beginnings of mankind, details of these can be found in the museum
in the capital, Addis Ababa. Other places of
interest in the city include historic churches, palaces, monuments and
the stunning view from the ridge of Entoto.
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Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city
was capital of one of the past most glorious
empires. The Azumite Empire flourished
3000 years ago. Its riches can still
be seen in the form of magnificent stelae,
the graves of Kings and the legendary bath
of the Queen of Sheba.
Also in Axum is the Cathedral of St. Mary of
Zion, built in the 16th century it is the holiest church in Ethiopia. |
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Lalibela, is a place of pilgrimage
and a World Heritage site. Its 11
subterranean churches, built 800 years ago,
are still in use today. Some of them
are quarried and enlarged caves, while
others have been sculpted from volcanic
rock. With arches, Greek pillars and
Arabesque windows, the churches demonstrate
a wide variety of styles. Attributed
to King Lalibela (1181 - 1221) of the Zaghwe
dynasty, archaeologists estimate 40,000
workers were required for their
construction. However, according to
legend, angels with masonry tools worked at
nights to help. |
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Gondor was the 17th century capital
and is notable for its medieval castles and
churches. The city's unique imperial
compound contains a number of castles built
between 1632 and 1855 by the various
Emperors who reigned during this period.
These dramatic castles, unlike others in
Africa, display a richness in architecture
that reveals the Axumite traditions as well
as the influence of Arabia. |
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Bahar Dar is located on the shores of
Lake Tana which, with its ancient island
monasteries and the spectacular Tis Isat
waterfalls, is the source of the Blue Nile.
Harar is a holy city famous for its
ancient buildings, great walls and as a
centre of learning and Muslim scholarship. |
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Ethiopia's many national parks enable the
visitor to enjoy the country's scenery and
its varied wildlife conserved in natural
habitats and also offer opportunities for
adventure and sports enthusiasts. |
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Prices on request
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Local Information |
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Time Difference |
Local Currency |
Local Language |
Average flying time |
Weather |
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GMT / UTC + 3 |
Birr |
Amharic |
5 hours |
Click here for
details |
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