Ethiopia Info
Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 15
Home Country: ethiopia
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 Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:32 am Post subject: ETHIOPIA TOURISM GUIDE / TOURISM IN ETHIOPIA |
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ETHIOPIA TOURISM GUIDE
ADDIS ABABA
Ethiopia’s capital is located at an altitude of 2440m (8000ft) in the central highlands. Places of interest include the university, St George’s Cathedral, the Ethnology Museum, the Menelik Mausoleum, the Trinity Church, the Old Ghibi Palace and the market, one of the largest in Africa.
When orienting yourself, it also helps to keep in mind that the city is essentially divided into three main sections. To the East lies what may be termed the Government and Educational sector. From North to South the University, the National Museum, the Menelik School, the first State printing press, the old Menelik Palace, the Hilton Hotel, the Jubilee Palace, and Meskal (Revolution) Square are located.
The Central sector is devoted largely to commerce but also houses some government businesses. This sector goes from Saint George Cathedral, City Hall, and the Television Studio in the North to the Railway Station in the South - all by way of Churchill Road. Here you will also find the headquarters of the National and Commercial Banks; the main sales office of Ethiopian Airlines; the Post and Telecommunication office; the main Hospital; and the National Theatre.
In addition, there is much trade in the Western sector of the city, where the famous Mercato can be found, as well as the City's main mosque and many shops rarely frequented by foreign visitors. The south-west sector of the City, which developed later than the centre, is partly residential and partly industrial.
Many tourist attractions and important offices are found along the Capital's main roads, which make exploring the city by car easy and enjoyable. However, perhaps the best way to explore Addis is by foot which allows you to take in much more of the local 'flavour' and see some sights you would perhaps miss if you were in a vehicle.
AKSUM
Aksum, Ethiopia's most ancient city, and capital of one of the most glorious empires of the past, is one of the most illustrious links in the Historic Route. The Aksumite Empire flourished 3000 years ago. Its riches can still be pictured on the magnificent stelae or obelisks, the graves of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, the Legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba and for the church, which claims to house the Lost Ark of the Covenant. The ancient royal capital of the earliest Ethiopian kingdom lies in the north of the country.
GONDAR
Gondar was the 17th century capital of Ethiopia, and is notable for its Medieval Castles and churches. The city's unique Imperial compound contains a number of Castles built between 1632 and 1855 by various Emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic Castles, unlike any other in Africa, display richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia.
Other treasures of Gondar include the 18th century palace of Ras Bet, the bath of Fasiledes, the ruined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals.
NATIONAL PARKS
There are nine national parks in Ethiopia: the Simien Mountain National Park (in the northern mountain massif); the Awash National Park (east of the capital); the Omo and Mago National Parks (southwest of the capital); the Shalla-Abijatta Lakes National Park (south of the capital); the Gambella National Park (Ilubabor region); the Nechi Sar National Park (Gambo region); Yangudi-Rassa National Park (Harerge region); and the Bale Mountains National Park, on high southern moorland country, which has its own unique flora and fauna.
OTHER PLACES
The Blue Nile Falls (also called Tissisat) are one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Northern Africa. They are situated about 35km (22 miles) from Bahar Dar. Close by is Lake Tana, on which 37 islands stand and is the largest lake in Ethiopia. Lalibela is famous for its 12th-century, rock-hewn churches. Harar is a famous Muslim walled city and the centre for the coffee trade. Dire Dawa, near Harar, is an important trading centre on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway line. The Rift Valley Lakes in Ziway, Langano, Awasso, Abiyata, Shalla, Abaya and Chamo offer unique scenery and beautiful beaches. Langano is one of the most popular lakeside resorts. |
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