Tourism in Ethiopia, 10 Reasons to Visit Ethiopia. Tourism is part of the Ethiopia Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), which aims to combat poverty and encourage economic development. Within the scope of tourism developed in the 1960s, it subsequently declined greatly in the 1970s and 1980s, and recovery began again in the 1990s.
Ethiopia was chosen by the European Tourism and Trade Council as the World’s Best Tourism Destination for 2015, with Ethiopia’s exceptional natural beauty, dramatic landscapes and antique cultures.
In 2016, 868,780 tourists came to Ethiopia with an increase of 5.7%, and in 2017 918,000 tourists arrived. 10 reasons to go to Ethiopia, Africa’s mysterious and mystical country.
1. Timkat Festival
Celebrated in commemoration of the baptism of Christ, the most important character of Christian faith, in a river in Jordan, the festival is one of the world’s most interesting religious events. The festival, celebrated 12 days after the birth of Jesus, the savior of mankind, is also known as the 12th Day Celebration. The best place to watch the festival is Lilebela. Carved out of the rocks in Lalibela, the wonderful temples are already among the world’s cultural heritages and protected.
2. Fossil Lucy
The oldest fossilized humanitarian skeleton 3.2 million years ago, which took place in the Beatles’ “Lucy in the sky” song, is in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, the national museum. Forty percent of Lucy’s bones remain intact. The size of Lucy walking on 2 feet is estimated to be 110 cm2.
3. Omo Valley
The tides that live in the Omo Valley are one of the most interesting places in the world with its eco system. Omo Valley, located on the southwestern part of Ethiopia, has about 50 tribes, including 7 main tribes, and 250,000 people of these tribes. All these tribes live without simple needs like clean water, electricity, health care. The Omo River, which passes through the middle of the Great Rift Valley and flows into Lake Turkana, gives life to the region.
4. Lalibela
Lalibela, located in the northern part of Ethiopia and among the Lasta Mountains in the central part, is known as the holy city of the country. The valley where the rock-cut churches are located in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a sanctuary of Ethiopian Christians. The story of these churches dates back to the 12th century. The King of Ethiopia, who wants to establish a new center of worship outside Jerusalem, has built churches in Lalibela and indeed turned into a pilgrimage center for Christians in the nearby geography. This is still happening today.
5. St Mary of Zion Church
According to the legend of Ethiopia, the Chamber, which houses the ten commandments, Solomon and Saba Melikesi’s son, I. Menelik, was kidnapped from Jerusalem and brought to Aksum in the north of Ethiopia. The Chest, which today is said to be hiding in the Church of Zion Mary, is not seen by anyone except the head priest of the church. With the great debate as to whether or not this is the case, the possibility of being hidden in a church in Ethiopia, which is a lost sacred thought for Christians for years, makes it important for the Christian world.
6. Great Rift Valley
Scientists have found this long and narrow voyage of the fossils associated with modern people. Furthermore, the place where today’s Africa’s Great Rift Valley is located is a vast platoon 30 million years ago. Since then, the natural conditions have made the earth become the great canyon of Africa.
7. Kaffa
The world’s first coffee production was made in the Kaffa district. Moreover, The Ethiopians say kaffa, they serve homemade coffee in small cups and sugar.
8. Tribes
It will be very interesting to observe ethnic mosaics and different habits in the country where more than 80 cousins who make up the country speak more than 200 languages.
9. Bird Species
924 different species of birds on the country’s borders will make very happy the bird watchers.
10. Number of Vehicles in the Country is Low
People with very few vehicles in the country have to walk from one place to another. Furthermore, it will be very interesting to see people walking in baskets on their backs every hour of the day.
