Historical and Natural sites of Ethiopia
Konso, named after the Konso people, is known for its religious traditions, waga sculptures,
and nearby fossil beds (the latter an archaeological site of early hominids). The site was added
to the UNESCO World Heritage List on September 30, 1997 due to it’s their land scenery and
work habits, those are work very hard on the farm lands of terraces which like buildings it makes
color full their farm land.
Mursi
The Mursi are a nomadic cattle herder ethnic group located in the Debub Omo Zone of the
Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region in Ethiopia, close to the Sudanese border.
According to the 2007 national census, there number is estimated 7,500.
The Mursi people are the most popular in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley. They are well known for their
unique lip plates.
Surma
The Surma people live in a remote corner of south-western Ethiopia, virtually untouched by the
modern world. The Surma live close to the border with Sudan but the international frontier
means little to most people – especially those who live away from the area’s only road.
Natural Attractions
Simien Mountains
The simien mountain massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in
Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4543m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in
Africa and not too far from the equator,snow and ice appear on the highest points and night
temperatures.
Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains National Park is an area of high altitude plateau that is broken by
numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing
mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands
below. As you ascend into the mountains you will experience changes in the vegetation
with altitude, from juniper forests to heather moorlands and alpine meadows, which at
various times of year exhibit an abundance of colorful wildflowers.
Axum
The legacy of the Queen of Sheba lies just below the shifting sands, and churches hewn out of sheer rock
attract wide-eyed tourists. The African nation’s historic route begins in the ancient city of Axum, which
dates to about 100 B.C. This capital city was the first place in Ethiopia to adopt a new religion —
Christianity. According to the Old Testament, The Queen of Sheba was born in Axum, but travelled to
Israel to meet King Solomon. They had a son named Menelik, who later became the first emperor of
Ethiopia.
Yeha
Yeha is situated in the northern mountainous section of the Tigray region. Although today this small
settlement survives as a shanty town, it was once a site of great pre-Axumite civilization. Believed to be
Ethiopia’s first capital, Yeha was first uncovered in a complex archeological excavation around a
courtyard at the beginning of the 20th C. The first settlers of this area, the Sabeans, were the founders of
the Axumite kingdom.
Gonder
The city’s main imperial precinct, known as the Royal Enclosure, covers an area of 7.7 hectares and
contains five castles, raised walkways and connecting tunnels surrounded by high stone walls.
The oldest of these is the Castle of Fasilades. Built of stone in the mid-17th century it reflects a number of
influences, Axumite, Portuguese and Indian. The upper storey offers panoramic views and Lake Tana is
visible on a clear day. The castle has been renovated recently.
Lalibela
Ever since the first European to describe the rock churches of Lalibela, Francisco Alvarez, came
to this holy city between 1521 and 1525, travelers have tried to put into words their experiences.
Praising it as a “New Jerusalem”, a “New Golgotha”, the “Christian Citadel in the Mountains of
Wondrous Ethiopia”. The inhabitants of the monastic township of Roha-Lalibela in Lasta,
province of Wollo, dwelling in two storeyed circular huts with dry stonewalls, are unable to
Harar
Harar is one of the most impressive Ethiopia’s historic destinations pulls remoteness and
ancient history as part of the long and colorful existence of the country, Ethiopia. Located strictly
East of Ethiopia it has survived since the late first millennium BC being a strong hold of Islam.
Happen to be a strong Muslim sultanate, Harar has been ruled by seventy two successive
Imams since its formation i.e. 1900s till Mid 1500s through which time quite unique, strong and
authentic Muslim tradition was created.
Cultural Attractions
konso
Konso, named after the Konso people, is known for its religious traditions, waga sculptures,
and nearby fossil beds (the latter an archaeological site of early hominids). The site was added
to the UNESCO World Heritage List on September 30, 1997 due to it’s their land scenery and
work habits, those are work very hard on the farm lands of terraces which like buildings it makes
color full their farm land.
Mursi
The Mursi are a nomadic cattle herder ethnic group located in the Debub Omo Zone of the
Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region in Ethiopia, close to the Sudanese border.
According to the 2007 national census, there number is estimated 7,500.
The Mursi people are the most popular in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley. They are well known for their
unique lip plates.
Surma
The Surma people live in a remote corner of south-western Ethiopia, virtually untouched by the
modern world. The Surma live close to the border with Sudan but the international frontier
means little to most people – especially those who live away from the area’s only road.
Natural Attractions
Simien Mountains
The simien mountain massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in
Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4543m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in
Africa and not too far from the equator,snow and ice appear on the highest points and night
temperatures.
Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains National Park is an area of high altitude plateau that is broken by
numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing
mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands
below. As you ascend into the mountains you will experience changes in the vegetation
with altitude, from juniper forests to heather moorlands and alpine meadows, which at
various times of year exhibit an abundance of colorful wildflowers.
