Ethiopia, the cradle of mankind, sticks out in so many ways. Its natural wonders run the gamut from the spellbinding Dashen Mountain, awe-inspiring Blue Nile Falls, and breathtaking Sophomore Cave to the astonishing Danakil Depression, which is the nadir of planet Earth. The live volcano of Erta Ale also offers an opportunity to escape Earth, while on Earth.
As it has different agro-ecological zones, Ethiopia, boasting 13 months of sunshine and a land of origins has a climate that is salubrious for health.
Adding to its tourist attractions, it also boasts animal species like Walia Ibex, Red Fox, and Chillada Baboon indigenous to Ethiopia. In addition, it is the top birding destination in Africa. Bird species endemic to Ethiopia, mostly roving the blue sky, wading through lakes, and landing on trees arrest the attention of photographers and tourists, addicted to bird watching.
It is not a nationalistic bombast to claim that feasting one’s eyes on scenery and greenery as well as valleys that set cliffs apart serves as an elixir. From the vantage point of mountains, observing gorges, rivers, lakes, and landscapes is soul-nourishing.
Ancient civilizations that left their footprints behind in places like Axum, Lalibela, and Harar are among the country’s looked-forward tourist spots.
Tourists that pay homage to this mysterious country, whose name is often mentioned in Holy Books, will not go back without memorable scenes printed on the temples of their minds.
Spectacular obelisks, magnificent rock-hewn churches, and splendid castles are but to mention the architectural standouts of the country. Add to that mysterious steals and spectacular walls encircling towns.
Places like Adwa hosted showdowns, mounted to chase out colonizers, and helped write histories of invincibility in golden inks. They are absolute must-sees. Ironically, the mountains of Adwa resemble lions sitting side by side.
Churches and mosques that abut each other without discomfort bear testimony to the time-old coexistence of both Christians and Muslims in Ethiopia, which pioneered in Africa when it comes to accommodating Judaism parallel to the aforementioned two religions.
Shifting the focus to its intangible heritages, the ancient country Ethiopia is marked for the electrifying vibe of its outdoor celebrations. The finding of the true cross (Meskel), the pilgrimage to Sheikh Hussien Mosque and Epiphany are but to mention the salient events that wind their way into the hearts of celebrants, including tourists who reportedly are sure to come back with relatives or friends. “Euphoria washed over us when we witnessed the events,” tourists corroborate this fact.
Home to over 80 ethnic groups, Ethiopia is an amalgam of splendid cultures. The superb chemistry among its children of the ethnic mix, especially in the south, draws researchers in droves to delve into the unity in diversity mystery. During festivities, it is magnetizing to watch the traditional-musical-instruments-accentuated grooving styles of these ethnic groups that come together in a show of unity in diversity.
On Epiphany Day, the nooks and crannies of Ethiopia witness a colorful procession of the laity as well as other celebrants that pour out to the streets to see off replicas of the Ark of the Covenant to nearby rivers as well as escort them back in the return route. The procession starts on the eve of Epiphany and, in some places, continues on the morrow.
This time-old anniversary, having cultural aspects too, transcending barriers of religious lines and denomination, is ever expanding the number of its attendees.
The cordiality and kindheartedness of its people are in the magnetic pulls of the country that proved a haven even to refugees.
Luckily, standard hotels and lodgings are dotting the map of Ethiopia which is experiencing a rapid technological turnaround.
Fledgling parks are joining the attraction list. Many others are in the pipeline promising tourists’ spike and the prolongation of their stay. The country is also bolstering the smokeless industry in e-technology.
Organic coffee made traditionally, and mouth-watering dishes are the allurements that await tourists who pay homage to Ethiopia. Souvenir shops also await tourists with artifacts the latter could not resist buying.
Epiphany day, which brings all ethnic groups together, is a sign of accretion.
The time-old peaceful coexistence and considerateness Ethiopia has set as an example from time immemorial must be kept as the apple of one’s eye.
Any tide, against this sentiment, be it from within or otherwise, must be checked in good time as it is tantamount to militating against the nerve center of the world.
Resilient Ethiopia must learn to iron out differences in an amicable way not oblivious to the radar of accountability. Infrastructural development that buttresses tourism and also investment is afoot.
The bottom line is Ethiopia must remain a sought-after hub of tourists to bolster its economy with much-needed hard currency. Hence, we must maintain our time-old tranquility, unity, and cordiality and spur our development as well as our neighbors by tapping our bountiful resources such as water.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2024
