Ethiopia - “rich in history “

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa next to Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea. The surface area of the country is 1 127 127 kms² large and the population is about 85 237 000 inhabitants (2009) divided into 82 ethnic groups speaking approximately 290 different kind of languages and dialects, but the common and official language is Amharic.

Land of Lucy, Queen Saba and 13 months of sunshine, Ethiopia has great and extraordinary history and archaeology. The country has also different wonderful cultures due to the lifestyles and beliefs of the people: Muslims, Christians, Animists and Falashas (Jewish). From North to South and from East to West, Ethiopia is a land of tourism with many National Parks, Hotels and Tourist Camps everywhere you go.

The most visited sites in Ethiopia are: the north historic route, the south Omo Valley, the Danakil depression, hyena feeding in Harar and the national park of Bale and Awash.

The South circuit is a wonderful tour destination, from Arbaminch to Gambella, the landscape is wonderful and rich in fauna & flora. It is the largest territory of wildlife in Ethiopia, from crocodiles and hippos to zebras and lions the southern part of the country is a good area for Safaris as same as in Kenya.

Before reaching the region of the low Omo valley, you visit Konzo and Mursi people, and you leave the South with full of souvenirs. Kaffa and Gamo Gofa, also located in the South, and it is the area of coffee-growing, probably it is the spot where the coffee is discovered for the first time. Part of Ethiopia since the end of the 19th century, the South is completely different from the North of the country. Half naked, most of South people are animists; it is contrary to the main religion of Ethiopia – Orthodox.

 As in Djibouti the history of Ethiopia started also in the North. Gondar, Lalibela and the Empire of Axum by the time of Queen Sheba, all these places are the treasures and the mysteries of Ethiopia. Except the town of Harar, most of Ethiopia history is in the Northern part of the country.

The tourism is well developed in the Northern part of Ethiopia compare to the South, nice paved roads and multi choice accommodations. The monasteries and the Blue Nile fall in Bahar Dar, the castles in Gonder, the staeles of Axum, the churches of Lalibela and the temples in Tigray are the most visited sites in the North

The Danakil Depression is located in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea and small part in Somaliland Gulf of Aden. It is one of the hottest places in the world; the temperature could reach between 55°C and 60°C.

The volcano Erta Ale which is part of the depression in Ethiopian side is active but Djibouti side there is no active volcano right now except some fumaroles and many micro-earthquakes per day. The depression in Eritrea and Somaliland are not explored like in Ethiopia and Djibouti sides, right now it is easy and cheaper to combine and visit the depression of Ethiopia and Djibouti sides. There is communication between the depressions of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland. Lac Abbée, also part of the depression, is partly located in Djibouti and the 2/3 of the lake is in Ethiopian side.

The Danakil Depression is the speciality of our agency and we are proud to say that we have great experience organizing trips in the Danakil of both countries (Ethiopia and Djibouti). If you are planning a trip to the Danakil of both countries, the Afar team of Bambu Service Touristik is glad to provide you with all the best assistance and services you need.

Harar is the holiest and famous Muslim city of Ethiopia and in the region. After Mecca, Medina and Al-Quuds (Jerusalem), Harar seems to be the fourth holiest place for Muslims. As in the Northern part of Ethiopia, Harar has also an excellent and extraordinary history. It is a mysterious town full of enigma. City of Imam Ahmed Gragn (famous invader of Gondar around 1520) and Amir Abdillahi (last governor of Harar), the town was conquest by Menelik and Ras Makonen and Harar joined Ethiopia in November of 1886 after a long time of occupation by Turkish Empire and Egypte.

Harar had also been the place of Arthur Rimbaud (famous French writer and explorer) and many others famous European explorers of the 19th century. Today, the house where Rimbaud used to live is a museum visited by almost all tourists and visitors in Harar.

Harar is a touristic city with full of tourist’s everyday of the year, the city is well known for its five gates and hyena feeding. It is also a good base for visiting Babile. Bambu Service Touristik is also specialist of Harar history.

The most visiting sites in Danakil are Lac Abbeh and Lac Assal in Djibouti, Erta Ale, Dallol and Afdera in Ethiopia.

The national park of Bale is located 4000 m high, and it is the best spot for Safari and animals photographing. The park is full of animals, some of them endemics. It is also the best site for hiking & trekking.

The road from the capital Addis Abeba to Bale is paved with many scenic views, but unfortunately the Bale Mountain is not the most visited site in Ethiopia due to the long distance, it is an untouched special site to discover!