Ethiopia is located in North East Africa. It is a landlocked country without any access to the ocean.
INCREDIBLY INTERESTING!
- Considered one the oldest countries in the world
- Oldest independent nation in Africa
- Its population’s main ethnicities are Oromo, Amhara, and Tigreans. However, this nation is comprised of 90 ethnicities
- Ethiopians have 5 official languages Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya. Oromo is spoken by 34% of the population followed by Amharic.
Nations Online Project. SINAI, Egypt. [format]. “Map of Sinai.” URL: https://www.nationsonline.org/maps/Ethiopia-Map-L.jpg. July 1, 2024
Did you know this about Ethiopia?
01
A LAND OF KINGDOMS
Ethiopia has one of the oldest histories of monarchs; kings and queens with amazing obelisks and castles. It was ruled as a dynasty and its first kingdom of D’mt dates from the 10th Century BC.
02
COFFEE & COFFEE RITUAL
Coffee beans have their origins here in Ethiopia.
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, look no further than the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. This traditional practice is an integral part of Ethiopian culture, and it involves a lengthy process of preparing, making, and serving coffee. The end result is a delicious cup of coffee that is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience when you visit Ethiopia.
03
OLDEST FORM OF CHRISTIANITY
One of the five world’s oldest forms of Christianity. Christianity first came to Ethiopia in the 4th Century A.D. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church comes from the Coptic Christians that originated in Egypt in 55 A.D.
04
HOME OF THE OLDEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD
The oldest human ancestor fossil named “Lucy” was found in Ethiopia in 1974. She is 3.1 million years old! so if you ever feel old, just think of Lucy!
A replica of her original skeleton is displayed at the National Museum in Addis Ababa. The real Lucy is preserved in a special safe at the same museum.
05
NEVER COLONIZED
The only country in Africa together with Liberia that was never colonized!!! This fact makes the country very unique. Ethiopia’s unity helped avoid colonization.
Avoiding colonization contributed to keeping lots of its cultures away from intruders thus being so unique!!
07
LARGEST OPEN-AIR MARKET IN AFRICA
This open market named MERCATO is located in the Addis Ketema neighborhood of Addis Ababa and it employs over 13000 people. Any commodity, including clothing, rugs, curtains, kitchenware, tools, auto parts, and coffee beans, among others, may be found there. There are many kinds of refurbished items, including kitchen utensils and appliances, available there.
WARNING: don’t dare to go alone you MUST have a guide.
08
SECOND LARGEST POPULATION IN AFRICA
With 128 million citizens, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked nation and the second largest after Nigeria.
Pic: A side street coming from a paved road in Addis Ababa.
09
HOTTEST PLACE ON EARTH
The Danakali Depression, located in Northeastern Ethiopia, is the lowest place in Africa. It is an area situated around 125 meters (410 feet) below the sea level. This desert area averages temperatures of around 34 + degrees Celsius (94 degrees Fahrenheit).
thanks to Afrikit
10
AFRICA’S OLDEST ALPHABET
Ethiopic is Ethiopia’s own alphabet and was created in 200 BCE. It is also used in Eritrea. Ethiopians have their own alphabet, numbers, and letters.
My bus ticket 🙂
11
POVERTY
Ethiopia is one of the poorest nations in the world. Natural disasters such as droughts have been one of the main factors.
SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP HERE!!
12
ORPHANS
Ethiopia has the largest number of orphans in the world. In the last 15-20 years, several significant factors have been identified as key contributors, including the devastating impact of diseases, political unrest, and severe poverty that leads parents to relinquish children they are unable to support. According to UNICEF, Ethiopia has an estimated 4.5 million orphaned children.
SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP HERE!!
አስራ ሦስት
FRIENDLINESS
Meeting Ethiopians always ends up loving their friendliness. They are probably some of the most polite and friendly people in the world.
Addis Ababa
The city was founded in 1887; the Empress Taitu named the city Addis Ababa (“New Flower”) the capital city of Ethiopia
The Capital of Ethiopia is considered Africa’s diplomatic capital. It is the headquarters of many international organisations and the headquarters of the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. This hub of international organization makes Addis quite international in some areas of the city.
Addis Ababa is located in the highlands and borders the Great Rift Valley. It is a very important city in Ethiopia, officially having over 3 million inhabitants. However, when you walk around, you feel that those numbers don’t really add up. There are a lot more people than 3 million in this city.
Nice boulevards with fountains
More affordable stores
Addis is a place of contrast where you see haves and have-nots, people of wealth living in luxury while the rest of the people live in poverty in places within the city that look quite rural. The city has nice modern neighborhoods such as Bole or Kazanchis where folks who work for international organizations, expats, or people with money choose to live. However, most people live in simple places that look more rural than city-like, and the difference between the two is staggering.
I found myself in a modest neighborhood that pushed my boundaries a little. It wasn’t due to any sense of poverty, but rather because I was a white mega minority, attracting quite a bit of attention. The hustle and bustle around me often felt overwhelming. Nevertheless, I always returned to my safe haven—a circus—where I would relax and have conversations with the friendly security guard.
For a human rights defender, the most challenging aspect of speaking out is witnessing how those with wealth, even a little, often mistreat those who have none. As much as I cherish Ethiopia, it would be harmful to my mission to ignore this reality.
Bahir Dar
Situated in the northwestern region of the nation, this destination requires an extensive 11-hour bus journey along public roads spanning a distance of 304 miles/490 km. Bahir Dar is renowned for being on the edge of the captivating Lake Tana, which serves as the origin of the majestic Blue Nile River, meandering through Ethiopia and Sudan.
Hippos at Lake Tana
The city of Bahir Darhas around 250000 inhabitants and for someone who enjoys discovering new locations, it proved to be an ideal and convenient place to navigate. The city has wide boulevards, palm trees, and beautiful flowers. One can explore the city with rickshaws bicycles or walking.
You have the opportunity to explore all the captivating sights around Lake Tana and its surrounding areas from Bahir Dar. And yes, as a solo woman, you can definitely visit the monasteries despite what some travelers may say. I personally have visited many of them myself and can assure you that it is possible. However, it is important to be cautious as there are hustlers everywhere, especially if you stand out as a non-Ethiopian. This is not limited to Bahir Dar alone but is a common occurrence throughout Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Coffee Break
Rickshaw/Bajaj in Ethiopian
During my visit, I had the opportunity to explore various schools and volunteer organizations, making it a truly worthwhile experience. Among the places I had the chance to visit was Rispin Schools, which is overseen by The Rispins from the UK. I have great admiration for individuals who dedicate their lives to making a positive impact in a foreign country, and this couple is certainly worth witnessing. Stay tuned for more details in my upcoming Volunteering post, but for now, here’s a sneak peek…
Lake Tana
Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile River and the largest lake in Ethiopia. It is of great importance to Ethiopia because it provides 50% of the inland water to the country. The lake has an important biosphere with unique species of fish and birds, only located in this area. Its biosphere reserve is so important that UNESCO declared it a biosphere reserve, being an ecological hotspot in the world!
Lake Tana has been an essential place in the history of Christianity, being considered one of the most sacred places in the world. The lake is considered sacred because of its 37 islands, 27 of which have churches, monasteries, and hermitages that were built by the kings of Ethiopia during medieval times around 470 A.D. (A.D. stands for After the Death of Christ).
You can’t fully appreciate these stunning spots unless you take a boat ride. And let me tell you, Abraham is the best guide you can find! (Look for him in the photo on the bottom left!-his email is abrahamemro4@gmail.com) He’s an exceptional guide who will go the extra mile to address all your questions. As a local from one of the islands on the Lake, he knows the area and its history inside out. Allow him to escort you to one of the islands so you can see the beauty with your own eyes!
The churches surrounding Lake Tana carry rich historical and political importance. Remember, these people had to hide their religious beliefs! Back in the 14th century, the churches provided a safe place for Christians. To this day, they safeguard precious sacred art manuscripts and jewelry. These cultural treasures, including unique paintings, manuscripts, scrolls, and jewelry, date back to ancient times and are truly one-of-a-kind. Unfortunately, due to their location in a lesser-known destination, not many people are aware of their significance.
Discover the amazing ecosystem and meet the locals on the islands, as well as immerse yourself in the rich culture! Check out this photo of a mother and child from one of the islands. The image on the right shows an invitation to lunch from some islanders. It’s clear that life isn’t always hectic, and it’s crucial to highlight that.
Lalibela
Lalibela, nestled in the picturesque mountains of the northern region, is a charming city that holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. Renowned for its magnificent rock-cut Christian churches, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of the area. Lalibela is a place where every corner tells a story and every stone whispers ancient secrets. Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer beauty and historical importance of this must-visit destination.
The Lalibela churches were reportedly constructed by a king, with each church carved out of a single rock and each piece meticulously crafted from solid red granite. According to local accounts, these churches were built clandestinely at night due to the persecution faced by Christians. This enigmatic place is believed by the locals to have been built by angels.
The town of Lalibela is of great spiritual significance for the Christian Orthodox religion being a Sacred place of some of the most unique and beautiful pilgrimages!! Click here for Lalibela Sacred Place
Lalibela is a real town. Besides the hundreds of Orthodox priests, some farmers have lived there for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the urban expansion, with lots of incoming people working in the tourist industry, has had an impact on farming families being displaced from their agricultural land.
It was truly a stroke of luck that I had the opportunity to embark on a 14-hour bus journey from Bahir Dar to Lalibela with a group of farmers who showed me immense kindness, even though we couldn’t communicate due to the language barrier. Surprisingly, fate brought us together again at the Saturday Farmer’s Market, where people from all walks of life gathered to sell their goods.
Accompanied by my friend from the grocery store, who introduced me to this vibrant market, I found myself exploring and eventually meeting a young girl who graciously became my guide. I am already looking forward to returning in the future to see her again. This volunteer project is one that I will require assistance with in the coming months!
Blue Nile Falls
You can easily get here by hiring a private vehicle, taking a bus, or going on a tour. As a solo woman, I prefer taking buses, although it is the least comfortable way to get there. It is only around 30 km/19 miles away from Bahir Dar.
The Blue Nile Falls are 42 meters high (138 ft) and composed of four streams. While this is a beautiful site, it is important to know that there is a hydroelectric plant that has reduced the flow of water. The best time to visit is from June to September. During the rest of the year, the flow of water is low and the Falls don’t seem quite as impressive. There is a ferry that goes along. However, I always recommend, “if you can visit a place, do it.”
Gondar
If you have a fascination for kingdoms and castles, then Gondar is an absolute gem. This place is brimming with history, boasting a circuit of palaces, royal buildings, churches, and fortresses that have stood since the 17th Century. One of the highlights in this region is the magnificent “Fasil Ghebbi” complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as the residence for Emperor Fasilides and his descendants. Prepare to be awestruck by the grandeur of this place!
“image: Freepik.com”. This cover has been designed using assets from Freepik.com
One of the highlights of my visit to Ethiopia.
Working children with great dignity!!
Many Other Amazing Destinations in Ethiopia
AKSUM
The kingdom started to decline in the 7th century with the advent of Persian and later Muslim i
Aksum is a must, it was a kingdom in East Africa and Saudi Arabia from Before Christ (around 500 BC) to the Middle Ages. It was a very important kingdom that extended to what is now Eritrea, Sudan, Djibouti, and part of Saudi Arabia. This place had enormous power being a key place for the trade route between Rome and India.
One can now visit beautiful nature, great monuments and manuscripts, obelisks, royal tombs, and churches. It is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites for its outstanding historical and cultural significance.
HARAR
This city is Considered one of the UNESCO World Heritage Centers for its historical and cultural importance. It is an ancient walled city that originated during medical items. It is a holy place and one of the main pilgrimage sites for Muslims in the region.
JINKA is a picturesque market city in the Southern part of the Ethiopian places. It is the home of ancient peoples and a destination to meet the Omo people and culture, together with the amazing natural environment in their national park.
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