BY TSEGAY HAGOS
Ethiopia is one of the ancient countries in the world which has long and rich history and culture. It has splendid topography and suitable climate. Aksum, Lalibela, Gondar, Harer and Yeha are historical tourism sites in Ethiopia. Natural tourism sites including Semein National Park, Bale National Park and other national parks, Sof Omar Cave, the rift valley, various lakes and rivers are among awe-aspiring tourist attractions of Ethiopia. Besides, there are plenty of cultural heritages which lure many tourists from different parts of the world. Not only this, the magnificent endemic animal and bird species make Ethiopia unique in the eyes of tourists.
Regarding tourism, when it comes to attracting tourists and boosting the sector, the Afar state is among states top on the list. The state is globally famed for being home of the 3.2 million years old human ancestor, Lucy (Australopithecus afarnesis. The ancient fossil was found in Hadar, Afar by Donald Johnson and his team in 1974.
Another blessing which Afar proffers to the world is the Danakil Depression, also known as ‘the Dalol Depression’. The Danakil Depression is one of the harshest and driest areas in the planet with a temperature of more than 50 degrees. It is situated in the northern part of the Afar triangle bordering Eritrea. It receives 100 to 200 mm of rainfall annually and it is one of the lowest places in the world. It is found 125 meters below sea level. Many tourists stop short of words to describe the astounding beauty of the area.
Salt is an abundant resource in Afar state which has been supplied to different parts of the country. The people of Afar and other traders from neighboring states cut slabs of salt from the vast salt pans and take them to market on the backs of camels and donkeys.
Ahmed Hassen came from Afar, Danakil Depression area. Now, he works as a tourism consultant in Addis Ababa. He describes Danakil Depression as ‘most impressive place’ for visitors.
‘‘It is obvious that the (Danakil Depression Dalol) is the most hostile place on our planet. It is a disagreeable place to inhabit due to its extreme hot weather. But it is also one of the most fascinating areas to visit. Every Afari and tourist that visited the area has unforgettable memory on Erta Ale, an amazing lava crater,’’ he said. Adding: ‘‘I used to chunk salt to sell it in Afar towns and neighboring states. That helped me to pursue my education. Not only me, there are many households who depend on salt extraction for their livelihoods.
Ahmed insists that the Afar people are friendly people and many tourists get happy by the warm welcome and heartfelt hospitality they receive. ‘‘As all Ethiopians do, Afaris have an amazing hospitality culture. They host guests and make the latter’s stay enjoyable.’’
It is obvious that most of the Danakil Depression is extremely dry and hyper-arid. The Awash River which flows from the Ethiopian highlands tries to lend life to the unforgiving environment. But the high temperature forces the water to evaporate, living behind the great salt pans. This indicates that the Danakil Depression is lifeless without Awash River.
‘‘Awash is everything to us. Existence or perpetuation of life would have been highly difficult in that tough climate. But thanks to Awash, life continues in the desert area. As pastoralist society, we have been drawing water for ourselves and our animals from the river,’’ as to Ahmed.
Regarding infrastructure, Ahmed pointed out that the state government in collaboration with the federal government should further expand infrastructural facilities like roads, hotels and lodges so as to elongate tourists’ stay.
Tewolde Semere who works in one private Tour and Travel Company as a tour guide urges his partners to promote Afar and its immense tourism blessings whenever they get the opportunity to guide domestic and foreign tourists.
‘‘There are innumerable tourism potentials in Afar. The state has fabulous natural and manmade tourist attractions. But they are not promoted and preserved well. Hence, every stakeholder should work to develop and preserve tourism attractions. Tour and travel operators have huge role in this aspect,’’ he noted.
He adds that private investors should understand the tourism potentials of Afar. Hence, they would be motivated to open hotels, restaurants and other basic facilities in tourist destinations like Danakil Depression.
To sum up, the Danakil Depression is miraculous place worth more promotion and visitors. And those who strive in tourism development ought to work hard towards expanding infrastructural facilities and drawing the attention of the rest of the world towards it. If so, it could play a decisive role in transforming the sector to higher level.
The Ethiopian Herald February 17/2021
