why you should visit ethiopia
Travel to the Land of Origins
Ethiopia is the perfect playground for explorers and wanderers. An ancient land filled with timeless treasures, culture, and landscapes. From national parks to historical landmarks and vibrant cities, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do and see.
Home to 86 ethnic groups and over 80 spoken languages, Ethiopia is the most culturally and linguistically diverse nation in Eastern Africa. Amharic is the official language, and most likely the language you will be most exposed to. It’s helpful to know some useful words and phrases as you travel. Some common ones are: selam-hello, ciao-bye, ameseginalehu-thank you, dehna-fine, awo-yes.
In the streets of the capital Addis Ababa, you’ll find the pulse of the big and bustling city. People, cars, and donkeys fill the streets almost equally. Yes, donkeys. Don’t be too surprised to find some domesticated animals on the road. Addis is also home to Africa’s largest open-air market known as Merkato. Vendors are lined up for kilometers on end as the market weaves in every direction. Who knows what you’ll end up coming away with after a visit through the maze that is Merkato.
At the heart of Ethiopian culture you’ll find coffee. You’ll come to realize that Ethiopians love their coffee. Ethiopia is after all the birthplace of coffee. Coffee, or buna in Amharic, is best enjoyed after injera in a traditional coffee ceremony. Injera, a slightly sour fermented bread made from teff, is the staple food in Ethiopia. It is enjoyed with various sauces and meat dishes. And the food is suitable for everyone. Are you a vegan? No problem. A meat-lover? Even better. Ethiopian food boasts some of the best vegan and meat dishes. For vegan lovers, your best bet is to order a vegetarian combo to get a bit of everything. As far as meat options go, tibs (beef cubes sautéed in spiced butter with onions, peppers, and tomatoes), is a great place to start. You’ll have a meal you’ll never forget, filled with rich spices and flavors to your satisfaction. And another plus? Teff is gluten-free.
Now what better way to pair your delicious meal than with a little cultural dance? Visit a cultural restaurant and be introduced to the world of Ethiopian dances. Cultural dancers come out on stage showcasing dances from various tribes and cultures within Ethiopia. If you’re lucky, they might hop off stage and dance with you at your table! When in Addis, Yod Abyssinia and Totot are two popular options to check out.
Venturing outside the noise and commotion of Addis, take the chance to visit the quieter and more mystic parts of the country. Nature lovers can explore the Bale Mountains National Park, located 400km southeast of Addis Ababa. Experience the diverse landscape featuring glacial lakes, swamps and volcanic ridges and peaks. You may also choose to visit Arba Minch, the largest city in southern Ethiopia known for its many springs that feed a groundwater forest.
Head up north to visit some of the most fascinating historical treasures. Lalibela, a UNESCO world heritage site, features 11 medieval monolithic cave churches, each carved from single blocks of stone with amazing detail from the top down. Further north lies Axum, an ancient town and religious center known for its tall granite obelisks. It is also believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Both of these historical sites are regarded as holy cities by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
While Ethiopia boasts 13 months of sunshine, the best time to visit is between September and April to avoid the rainy season. During this time, some of the country’s biggest festivals take place. Meskel and Timket are two popular festivals that are celebrated. Meskel celebrates the discovery of the true cross of Jesus, while Timket honors the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan. Both are lively and beautiful festivals to take part in and give a glimpse into the ancient traditions of the Ethiopian people.
But it’s one thing to read about it and another to experience it! Make sure to book your next trip to this incredible African travel destination. Experience first hand the adventure, excitement, vibrancy, and the rich culture this East African nation has to offer.
