Aksum 
Lalibela 
Tis abay 
Obama-meets-Dinknesh
Gondar
Currently, it is a season for a heavy rain in Ethiopia. The country becomes greener than any other season. Rivers are now becoming clear as a crystal after entertaining inundations from highlands to lowlands. After the restless rain, currently the rivers are showing an average flow.
The swampy lands also sprinkled with a variety of diversified blossoming colored flowers that welcome people. One could witness for oneself the veracity of this fact via a firsthand visit of Ethiopia now. And also one could confirm that Ethiopia is a “Land of Origins.”
If one wants to escape the mundane urban life full of hustles and bustles what must one prefer to do? If one is safe with the urbanities cacophonies sound it is Okay. But, sometimes people voice complaint about the discomfort with the perpetuity of noise from dawn to dusk. Musical noises that come from night clubs, bar, hotels, among others, are becoming a growing challenge that disrupts urban residents’ sleep and day to day activities.
If one opts to seek a hideaway or adventure in the nook and crannies or far flung corners of the country one will have a chance to admire nature being independent from human intervention.
The skyscraping mountainous topography (Semien Mountain) in the Northern Ethiopia affords one pleasure after a successful hiking into the sky of the Horn of Africa. Dallol, the nadir of earth, coupled with a smothering climate condition, exhausts once patience and endeavor to realize one’s goal without being frustrated by an external factor whatever it is natural or human made.
The mysterious Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela demonstrate how much ancient Ethiopia touched the peak of civilization. Its shows how the then Ethiopians were the outstanding architectural engineers and construction experts.
After visiting the ancient Ethiopian administration capital’s palaces; Ankober, Gonder and Entoto, one will appreciate the then Ethiopians for their professionalism in building a strategic fortress defend enemies and gain a foothold in times of war.
After visiting the whole Ethiopia, one will have a full picture of the country that I could not explain to you.
As Ethiopia is one the fastest growing economy in Africa, the country allocates a huge budget towards standardizing its infrastructure. Thus, the fastest urbanization seen here and there facilitates optional weekend and seasonal entertainment destinations countrywide. This article tries to afford one a chance to visit, among others, the major natural, historical, cultural, religious and adventurous as well as other top touristic destinations of the country.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Tourism Ethiopia are responsible organizations in the country mandated with protection, rehabilitation as well as expansion of new tourist destinations throughout the country.
Information from the Ministry indicates that new tourist destination development, conservation and renovation tasks had been underway countrywide to attract numerous tourists. The birth of new lodges, hotels, guest houses as well as expansion of standardized infrastructures helps generate more from the tourism sector.
Ethiopian airlines is one reliable servant in providing credible, luxurious and satisfying flight services from one’s original town to one’s destination and vice versa .It wings its legs into more than 160 countries on the earth.
The lack of basic infrastructures like clean water, electricity, roads, airport, hospitals, guest houses as well as other major requirements might not be a hindrance to enjoy your vacation here in Ethiopia.
The refreshment and mental satisfaction you gain from the diversified Ethiopia’s tourist hotspots might be equal if not greater from the artificial entertainment that one observes in urban areas. Breathing in and out abundant and clean oxygen— not adulterated by tobacco, vehicles’ smoke as well as industrial outputs make one’s vacation especial and comfortable. Therefore, one will also witness how much the country’s climate is sumptuous and preferable for life and one’s vacation. Here are some of the not-to-miss tourist destinations of Ethiopia.
The Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela
It is mysterious architectural work hewed out of a single rock. One could but wonder how the single rock could be subdivided in to several rooms. The rooms’ subdivision keeps in line with the preaching of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as per biblical words.
The Aksum Obelisks
The other single rock-hewed monument in the Northern Ethiopia is the Aksum Obelisk. One will wonder how a single rock could be carved into portraying greatness through a long monumental architectural engineering. Historians and tour guides explain how and why the past generation managed to curb such monuments.
The Lake Tana and the Monasteries
Lake Tana is one of the largest lakes in Ethiopia. It is dotted by numerous islands that range the gamut from large to small and in between ones. It is believed that people in ancient times lived on the islands and kept worshiping God . The lake included the mystery of Christianity. The lake is not only like other lakes it is home to diversified flora and fauna. Various endemic vegetation, bird and mammal species made their destination at the lake.
The Walled city of Harar
Located in the Easter part of Ethiopia the walled city, Harar was commercial hub Horn of Africa. Beyond this, the city is a renowned Islamic religion preaching center in Ethiopia. This ancient city is registered under the list of the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritages prestigious list.
The Semien Mountain and its endemic Walia Ibex, Red Fox and Gelada Baboon
The largest national park of Ethiopia with the world’s endemic Walia Ibex, Red Fox and Gelada Baboon is the peak of the country which extends to 4,620 meters above seas levels. The mountain is best for trekking in the current Ethiopian rainy season [August, September, October…] due to the greenery topography and cloudy weather conditions.
The Gondar Castles
Back from the natural peak of Ethiopia you will again amazed with ancient civilization footprints of the country. The long aged Gondar Castles depicts how much the art of construction were sophisticated by the time. The long time Ethiopia’s administrative capital is recognized as a cultural, historical, religious, educational and tourist destination city of the world.
The Tis Esat Fall (Chis Abay Fuafuatie) on the Blue Nile
It is among the leading tourist destinations of the country. During this high rainfall season (Ethiopian Kiremit) the Tis Esat Fall becomes beyond the expression through portraying the art of catching human’s mind towards nature.
The Timket and Meskel (founding of the true cross) street festivals
If you admire huge festival gatherings with a cultural dressing and adornments you are better to attend these outstanding Ethiopia’s street festivals at the Addis Ababa Meskel Square to mark Meskel in September and Timket in January at various parts of the country. Timket celebration is colorful in mid of January at Jan Meda (Addis Ababa), Gondar (Atse Fasil swimming pool) as well as the Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela.
Lucy (Dinknesh)¬_Ancestor of humankind
Finally, you will never back you face to your home before visiting and greeting your grand ancestor Lucy/Dinkinesh. Her fossil is open for visitors at the Ethiopian National Museum found in the center of the capital Addis Ababa. Lucy/Dinkinesh is a prominent figure all over the world. If you are not familiar with Lucy you missed something great that you will regret it. The rest is to be told you by your guides here.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 1 September 2019
BY TEWODROS KASSA
