Overview

Ethiopia is a dynamic African country, with its high Simien Mountains classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and its low sulfurous Danakil Depression that resembles the exterior of the moon. Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries on earth, which boasts of a culture that dates back to a minimum of 3,000 years, and that's just in written history. It houses some of the alluring archaeological sites that any lover of history would love to visit.

It's not the country alone that retains an old world charm, as the faith of most Ethiopians is also ancient. The rituals and ceremonies of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church are derived directly from the Old Testament, with little modernization.

Lucy (sometimes called Dinkinesh) is the remains of this earliest-known of humans, which was found in 1974 in Ethiopia. It was established that this skeleton belongs to a 20-year-old woman, who was believed to have lived 3.5 million years ago. The site where her remnants had been discovered is registered by the UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science, and Culture Organization) as a World Heritage site. The site of this discovery is called Hadar and is located 160 km from Addis Ababa.

Activities & Attractions

Lucy's skeleton is widely celebrated as the missing link of evolution between apes to modern man; hence why many people who come to Ethiopia visit this place of such historic significance and path-breaking discovery. In addition, the oldest hominid that is believed to be 4.4 million years old and another aged 2.5 million years has both been discovered in Ethiopia within the last 20 years.

For those interested in sports, Ethiopia has something for them also. The country is well-suited to the adventurous or athletic and offers many outdoor activities for its visitors.

The Simien Mountains and the Bale Mountain parks are suited for long walking trips and hiking. Resorts close to Addis Ababa, such as Rift Valley lake banks and vineyards, are suited for leisurely strolls. You can also explore the underground caves that are carved out of limestone with the help of the local guides. This country is also home to almost 900 species of birds, which make bird watching an ideal activity. You can also indulge in swimming, rafting and other water sports that are popular in Ethiopia. Tours are available to take you through archaeological sites as well as other areas, with guides and rangers assisting your trips through national parks.

Lodging

Many who visit Ethiopia for the outdoor experience prefer to camp at the campgrounds available for this purpose. For those who wish for traditional accommodations, the Intercontinental Asmara Hotel would be a great choice at $91 for an overnight stay, while others such as the Hilton Addis Ababa costs you $143 per night. In the same city, the Harmony Hotel provides budget lodgings for $65.

Transportation

Buses and minibuses are the prime means of transportation in Ethiopian cities, while you can travel on foot to the nearby small villages. A railway network does lead from the city of Addis Ababa to Djibouti City. Rental cars and cars for hire are also available for the visitors.