Why Ethiopia: Ethiopia is a country of diverse and striking beauty, with a fascinating and turbulent history moulded by the influences of Christianity. Wild and Exotic recommends that a trip to Ethiopia includes awe-inspiring cultural tours discovering beautiful buildings, and understanding a way of life of the friendly Ethiopians, together with the more physical treks, to inhale the breathtaking landscape and witness the rural community. Sometimes the two are combined, with a hike, and even a climb, to see ancient mountain-top churches.
Gondar lies at the edge of the Simien mountains and is home to some fascinating architecture, including the Royal Enclosur and the beautiful church of Debre Birhan Selassie. A short flight away, Lalibela is home to 11 world famous monolithic rock hewn churches that date from the 12th century and endure as an extraordinary feat of engineering and is the single most impressive site in Ethiopia. Queen Sheba used the ancient city of Axum in the far north of Ethiopia as her capital in the 10th century BC, and the city of Axum is famous for its obelisks as well as for being the final resting place of the Arc of the Covenant. Wild and Exotic highly recommends a trek through the beautiful and rugged scenery of Tigray province, staying at simple but spectacularly located lodges run by the local community. There is one church here, Abuna Yemata Goh, which has a particularly steep climb, a section of which must be climbed bare foot using natural hand holes. The drop off is stomach churning: a challenging visit that is not for the faint hearted. We also advise you to travel south to the Bale Mountains National Park where it is well worth the drive for the wildlife rich experience: home to rare endemic species such as Nyala antelope, and Menelik’s bushbuck and the endangered Ethiopia wolf. Addis Ababa is an impressive African capital with the buzz of a strong expat presence, and a cosmopolitan feel.
Capital: Addis Ababa
Getting there: Flights from London Heathrow are approximately 7 hours. We recommend Ethiopian Airlines, as domestic flights are inexpensive if you have booked your international flights with them.
Time: GMT plus three hours
Weather: There is no winter or summer as Ethiopia is close to the Equator. Because the altitude is an average of 2000 m above sea level, the heat is not oppressive, evenings cool, and there are few mosquitoes. There are two rainy seasons, a short one in April, and a long one from mid-June to mid-September.
Visas: A valid passport is required for visits to Ethiopia. Visas can be purchased for US$50 on arrival in Addis Ababa. If applying for a tourist visa on arrival, visitors will require two passport photographs and at least US$ 50 in cash. Application takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, ivsas can be obtained prior to departure by contacting the Ethiopian Embassy in London www.ethiopia.embassyhomepage.com.
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