Friday, April 30, 2010

Addis Ababa and Surrounding Places

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, which means "New Flower" in Amharic, is an intriguingly indigenous African city. Unlike many other African capitals, it's founding, growth and development, are not rooted in colonization. Founded in 1887 by Emperor Menelik II, This big, sprawling, hospitable city is 7,200-feet high in the foothills of Mount Entoto and the panoramic view from the peak is spectacular.

Addis Ababa is a mix of the past and the present, sheep, cows and goats walking down the road, framed by skyscrapers in the background, the city and the small-town feel, the modern apartment buildings and the small houses with zinc roofs.

If you happen to be in Addis Ababa for some reason and have some leisure time; need no worry what to do, here is some information about activities in Addis Ababa and surroundings that are worth spending your time with. There are many interesting places to see in Addis Ababa and in the surrounding of Addis Ababa.

Places to see in Addis Ababa include:

National Museum: one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art.

Ethnographic Museum: which was the former palace of Haile Selassie and its collection, reflects the life styles of different ethnic groups of Ethiopia? In addition; it hosts Ethiopian art and traditional music instruments.

Trinity Cathedral: famous for its stained glass paintings and its grandeur architecture. It is where Hailesilassie’s tomb is found.

St’ George Church: built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik II after the victory over the Italian colonizer. The inside wall is occupied with religious and historical motivated paintings made by World famous Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle. The museum in the church houses spiritual items and royal relics.

Mercato: the largest open air market in Africa.

Entoto Mountain: 9843ft high and where the city was founded at first. The panoramic view from the peak is spectacular.

Places for Excursion near Addis Ababa include:

  • Tiya Stele and Adadi Mariam Rock Hewn Church (6-7 hours)
  • Wanchi Crater Lake, Addis Alem Church, Guder Falls, Woliso hot spring spa (10 hours)
  • Blue Nile Gorge and Debre Libanos Monastery (9 hours)
  • Ziquala Mountain and Crater Lakes ( 7 – 8 hours)

Ethiopia Tourist Attractions

Ethiopia - What to See and Experience in Ethiopia

Ethiopia … a land of discovery!

Ethiopia, formerly called Abyssinia, is a land rich in culture and tradition. Extensive historic sites, wonders and splendors, stunning landscapes and fascinating attractions will surprise any visitor. It is a unique country that has much to offer to please any taste: history, culture, wildlife, nature and so on. It is a land of great antiquity, with a culture and traditions stretching back more than 3,000 Years.

Ethiopia also presents one of the most stunning natural environments in Africa. Because of the size of the country, and the great variety of its landscapes and climate, Ethiopia represents all that Africa has to offer.

North Ethiopia and East Ethiopia

Ethiopia has so much to offer visitors: the Historic Route, covering the ancient town of Axum, with its amazing carved obelisks, Christian festivals and relics, including the Ark of the Covenant; Gondar, with its castles and palaces; Lalibela, with its remarkable rock hewn churches; and the walled Muslim city of Harar.

Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile and others magnificent Great Rift Valley Lakes, many with national parks, home to a wealth of bird and animal life. The high, rugged, Simien Mountains in the north and the Bale Mountains in the south are also home to some unique wild life, and are ideal for trekking.

North-Eastern Ethiopia

In the north-east, Dallol, this part of the African continent also offers an opportunity to see the first signs of a new ocean basin forming. It looks like another planet because there are lots of colorful rocks in each meter. It’s quite like a science fiction. Not far from Dallol in the Danakil Depression north of the Great Rift Valley, the only volcanic crater below sea level has remained silent since 1926 as the seabed it will one day occupy gradually widens.

South Ethiopia and South-Western Ethiopia

In the Southern and South-Western of Ethiopia, beautiful scenery and colorful cultures all combine to make this part of the country unique. The mix of cultures vastness and solitude of the lower Omo basin, combined with Mago and Omo National Parks, makes this area a natural wonder that offers unmatched experience.

Come to Ethiopia to the majestic natural and cultural beauties of highest splendor and make an unforgettable discovery of life time!