Ethiopia is a large landlocked country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia and Djibouti. With a population of slightly over 75 million people, Ethiopia is known for her diverse culture of more than 80 ethnic groups. A large percentage of Ethiopians speak Afro-Asiatic, while English is the most used foreign language here. Ethiopia is an interesting country with so much to offer her visitors from cultural practices to breathtaking natural attractions. Getting into Ethiopia is facilitated by swift air transport. In the capital Addis Ababa is the Addis Ababa International Airport from where Ethiopia Airlines operates direct flights to London, Washington DC and numerous other countries in Africa and other continents. Once in Ethiopia, there is an elaborate infrastructure network to aid you in moving around using trains, buses, taxis and car hire. One interesting thing about Ethiopia is that it uses the Coptic calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar widely used all over the world. During their New Year celebrations, thousands of visitors flock to Ethiopia to witness, first hand, the unique celebrations that are characterised by diverse cultural performances.



Wildlife in Ethiopia is a major attraction too. The country hosts around 14 major wildlife reserves and a wild safari here said to be awesome. Some of the most popular national parks in Ethiopia include the Abijatta Shalla National Park, the Awash National Park, the Neshisar National Park and the Yangudi National Park among numerous others. Besides wildlife, other natural attractions in Ethiopia include the Blue Nile Falls, the Simien Mountains, the Bale Plateau and Lake Tana among others.

If you want to get down to absolute fan in Ethiopia, you can indulge in many diverse activities. Safari walks are popular with those who are daring enough to get up-close to wild animals and hiking through wild terrain. Exploring caves in Dire Dawa, the second largest Ethiopian city and climbing the Simien Mountains are some of the other exciting activities awaiting you in Ethiopia. If water is your pleasure, you can go swimming in the Lake Langano Resort where you can also go windsurfing and waterskiing. Sailing in Ethiopia’s biggest lake, Lake Tana is a great and relaxing option too.

Away from the spectacular countryside sights and into the cities and towns, Ethiopia has massive places of interest. In Addis Ababa, you can explore its rich museums that include the National Museum and the Ethnology Museum while the Menelik Palace, the Jubilee Palace and the St. George’s Cathedral are other popular attractions. Make a point of visiting the Aksum, famous for its age old archaeological remains as well as its church said to hold the Lost Arch of the Covenant. Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Aksum, Harir and Nazret which are some of the major cities have an extremely bubbly night life. You can visit nightclubs, casinos, bars and pubs and party all night.

Ethiopian cuisine is as charming as its attractions. Injera is a famous dish here prepared from sour dough and served with a variety of vegetables and meat, made into a thick stew. In the cities however, you will find cuisine from all over the world from Italian, Chinese, American and English among others. You do not have to worry about accommodation in Ethiopia; there are plenty of good hotels in the cities and towns and whatever your budget, you are sure to find a suitable hotel for your stay. If however you are feeling free spirited enough, you can opt to go camping or caravanning.