Imagine stepping into the 11th Century and staring back at history, then being awoken by the sudden touch of modernity… This is Ethiopia.
Ethiopia, as a country, is one of the richest cultural sites in the world. The country boasts of an extraordinarily long historic influence.
Naturally, it is also filled with great, and authentic historic sites and attractions. Its cities boast a good measure of them.
Coupled with the speedy modernization sweeping through the country, you have a unique blend of antiquity and posterity.
Thus, many tourists and travellers flock to Ethiopia to experience these beauties and worldies. Tourists and travellers are always glued to these 8 top places you must visit in Ethiopia.
And we will be guiding you through it all, so you can make the best choices, and maximise your stay in Ethiopia.
8 Top Place You Must Visit in Ethiopia
Here are the Top 10 Lifetime Style City in Ethiopia you may like to visit next time you see Ethiopia:
1. Darhir Dar
Bahir Dar is nature’s favorite. It does not only have a breathtaking landscape, it is also a lakeside city. Therefore, it provides a natural, ambient view on warm summer days.
Bahir Dar is naturally the first stop on the north circuit of Ethiopia. Many tourists and travelers choose to spend some days here to soak in one of the major landmarks of Ethiopia.
Excitingly, this is where the Blue Nile, the famed biggest contributor of the world’s longest river, the River Nile, begins. The Blue Nile Falls, Tis Abay (“the great smoke,” as the locals call it), can also be found here.
The Blue Nile Falls is a 45m high waterfall, the 9th highest in Africa. Another charm of this attraction is the constellation of rainbows that forms as the waters splash and wind their way through naturally-engineered alleys. Truly, this is a sight to behold.
There are also other sites to behold in the famous city of Bahir Dar. Places like Lake Tana, Kebran Gabriel, and the Ura Kidane Mehret monastery.
Great hotels and luxury apartments to stay in are also plenty in Bahir Dar. Hotels and resorts like the Blue Nile Resort Hotel, and the Kuriftu Resort and Spa.
2.Lalibela
Lalibela is a city in the heart of Ethiopia. The haven of stone-hewn underground churches. Lalibela is a spiritual haven. Constant smokes, churning bells, belches from little speakers here and there; must have been a meeting point of spirits and mortals.
The atmosphere in Lalibela is quite different. It is heavy with cultural, historic, spiritual, and extremely unique designs. King Labela, brought more than a Jerusalem back to Ethiopia in the 12th Century.
When you visit Lalibela, these places will interest you to visit; the rock churches of Lalibela, 11 of them. Also, the mountain-top monasteries are extremely old. These monasteries span hundreds of generations.
Hike through the mountains and explore the spiritual atmosphere. You will never get tired of Lalibela.
Lalibela has simple places where tourists and travelers can lodge, maybe heightening the spiritual ambiance. The Hudad Lodge is one of these small and simple settlements.
More advanced places to stay can be found in the Mezena Lodge or the Marbella Hotel.
3.Addis Ababa (Finfinne)
Addis Ababa ( New Flower) or Finfinne ( Water Springs ) is the political capital of Africa and also the capital of Ethiopia. Talk about elevation; Addis Ababa is the third-highest capital in the world, standing at a whopping 2.665 kilometers above sea level.
Therefore, aside from its modern and man-made attractions, you can also experience myriads of nature’s graces in this city.
The best places to visit in Addis Ababa include the National Museum and the famous Merkel Square of the Merkel festival. Also, go to Addis Merkato, Africa’s largest open market, and see for yourself the “rich mosaic of cultures,” as the renowned Carlo Conti Rossini called it.
Also, imagine going to the roof of a city. That is what St. Mary Church of Entoto feels like on its 3.2-kilometer elevation.
Addis Ababa also has a lot of comfortable and luxurious places to stay. You can find almost every type of accommodation here.
Places like the Sheraton Hotel, Marriott Executive Hotel, Addissinia Hotel, and the Weygoss Guest House are some of the top picks.
4.Danakil Depression
The Danakil Depression is one of the geographical wonders of the world. An expression of some of nature’s most explosive works.
Indeed, it is the joining point of three continental tectonic plates. This unusual composition created a depression of massive proportions. The depth of the Danakil Depression is over 100 meters below sea level.
This site also holds serious archeological significance. This northernmost part of Ethiopia is also known as one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places on earth.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Danakil Depression is that it spans not only through Ethiopia but also through some other countries like Djibouti and Eritrea.
As unusual as the Danakil Depression is, it also houses some of other nature’s wonders. Vis a vis, Erta Ale, which means the smoking mountain. This is one of the most fascinating volcanic lava lakes view-wise, yet very active.
Other places like the Salt Lakes and Dallol are also some top-notch sceneries to visit.
5.Harar
Harrar is the fourth holiest city according to the Islamic religion. This will give you a hint of the serenity, ambiance, and outright outside feeling this city gives.
Notably, this city does not feel like Ethiopia. It lacks that little bit of noise in the air. It is also the oldest city in the country, dating back to the 1200s.
One of the historic landmarks of this sanctimonious city is the arrival of the Sheikh in 1216, marrying a Harrari woman and setting up the Jamia mosque.
This is also the home of the famous Hyena men.
The best places to visit at Harrar include the Harar Jugol Wall, Sherif Harar City Museum, Arthur Rimbaud Museum, and the unique markets. Also, feed some hyenas while at it.
6.Arba Minch
Arba Minch ( Fouthy Spring) is known as the departure point of southern Ethiopia. That it has an airport is also helpful. However, the super attraction of Arba Minch is its different feel.
It is one of the very few cities in Ethiopia that has an industrial feel to it. However, it also boasts scenic mountain lines and elevated platforms.
Also, due to its altitude, the city takes up another type of beauty at night. The night sky is breathtaking. Especially when overlooking Lake Chamo, and Abaya.
Some of the best places to visit in Arba Minch are the Sar National Park, Lake Chamo, and Abaya.
7.Omo Valley
The Omo valley lies between the Ethiopian and Kenyan border. It is the home to some of the most fascinating tribes on the African continent. The Mursi tribe, the Dassnech, and the Nyangatom. It is also home to the Karo, the renowned bodypainter tribe.
Additionally, Omo Valley is not lacking in nature’s gift. It has some wonderful natural sites like the Omo Delta and the blistering Lake Turkana, also called the Jade Sea. These sites include the famous Omo River. What sights!
The Omo Valley is a basin that looks like a pot of different cultures and traditions due to its unique blend of people, tribes, and cultures.
The accommodations here are largely in small settlements like the Mursi Fly Camp, the Harmar Fly Camp, and the Lale’s Fly Camp.
8.Bale Mountain
The Bale Mountains National Park is characterised by striking mountains and rock formations, lush terrain ranging from forest to grassy plains, and remarkable bio-diversity. Bale Mountain national park is known for it’s:
- The Ethiopian Wolf ( Red Wolf)
- Amazing Wildlife
- Stunning Rock Formations
My Conclusion
Ethiopia is a haven for tourists and travelers. There is never a dull day if you visit Ethiopia.
Naturally, as one of the oldest countries of the world, nature still has some of its best stowed away in the ambient city.
Enjoy the mountains, the people, the Lakes, the natural reserves, the skylines, and the starlights.
Ethiopia is immensely rich in culture, attractions, and sights. These 8 top place You Must Visit in Ethiopia.
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