NatureThe nature of Ethiopia has no limits. You will enjoy breathtaking sceneries and encounter a variety of wildlife and birds, among them many endemic.You will encounter national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other protected areas. If you want to travel in Ethiopia with a main interest for nature, we suggest the following destinations:
Simien MountainsThe Simien Mountains is very popular. It is one of Africa's widest and most beautiful mountain ranges. It is made up of several plateaus and separated by broad river valleys. Ras Dashen is the highest peak - and the highest point of Ethiopia at 4533 meter. And the whole site is considered a world heritage site. Simien Mountain is filled with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices. The dramatic landscape is a result of massive volcanic activity some 40 million years ago followed by erosion ever since. The Simien Mountains is a great place to explore on foot, it can easily be explored by car combined with short walks but hiking options are also available.Here you get to encounter Ethiopia’s endemic species; the gelada baboon, the walia ibex, the very rare Ethiopian wolf and the lammergeyer.
Bale Mountains and aroundThe Bale mountains lies in a beautiful area often overlooked by visitors. Its natural beauty is mezmerising and you will see nothing like it anywhere else in Ethiopia. Here you will see montane forests, moorlands and caves. Many of the endemic animals of Ethiopia are found in this area.It was only recently that accommodation in this area was available, before then travelers only had options to stay in mountain huts or do camping.
Dodola - AdabaThe forest around Dodola and Adaba is the base of all Bale treking, a community tourism project started with help of the German development organization GTZ. An extensive network of hiking trails is laid out making hiking possible from half a day up to 6 days. Mountain huts and tented camps are available to accommodate travelers and horses are available to make the hiking easy.
Bale Mountains National ParkThe Bale Mountains National Park harbors a wide range of ecological areas with amazing scenery, flora and fauna. Bale Mountains is home to many of the endemic species of Ethiopia, some are easily found, some are not. Exploration of the park is easily carried out by car but hiking, with or without the support of a horse, is also available.
Sof Omar CavesThis extensive 15 kilometer long underground Sof Omar Caves is said to be the largest in Africa. Nature has worked out a marvel of architecture which is easily explored on a 1.7 kilometer walking trail. A more demanding exploration takes 3 to 4 hours and crosses the river 7 times. Only basic camping is available near the caves.
The Rift Valley LakesThe Great Rift Valley are where a row of interesting lakes are found. These Rift Valley Lakes harbor a great natural diversity, it is a popular destination for Ethiopians who want a break out of the busy capital. It is a great place to end a sometimes demanding journey through Ethiopia in a relaxing way. The area is of particular interest for bird watchers.
Koka DamThis lake has been created by the construction of a dam in the 1950's. Although a beautiful lake, it is mainly of interest for bird watchers.
Lake ZiwayThis lake is well known for its abundant birdlife and an easy access road leads to a viewpoint where even non-bird watchers will be impressed by the varieties of birds. It is said that the Tullo Gudo island in lake Ziway was once home to the Ark of the Covenant during the end of the Axumite Empire.
Lake LanganoLake Langano is the only Rift Valley Lake suitable to swim in, which is the main reason the lake is more developed for tourism than the others. In recent years, a number of lodges have opened in this area; The Bisangari Lodge, Sabana Beach Resort, Africa Vacation Club and Wenney Ecolodge.
Lake Abiata and Lake ShalaThese twin-lakes and the beautiful surrounding area are declared a National Park, it is a great place to visit to take pleasant walks and watch abundant birdlife, but you won’t see any more wild animals. Hot springs in the park are the active relics of a once enormous volcanic activity in the area.
Lake HawassaThis lakeside town is the capital of the southern nations. It is also the last big town before proceeding further south. Besides the lake, the fish market is the main interest for tourist. Here the local fisherman sell fish and plenty of birds hang around waiting for their share. Vervet monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys are easily seen. You can even ochose your own piece of fresh tilapia filet and have it prepared on the spot.
Awash National ParkThe beuatiful Awash National Park is located less than 200 km east of Addis Ababa and covers 750 square kilometer acacia and grassland savanna. It has a beautiful gorge carved by the Awash River and a huge waterfall where the river plunges into the gorge. A quick dip in the hot springs is possible. The dormant Fantelle volcano is another distinct feature of the park.The recently opened Awash Falls Lodge is a great place to stay in the park but you can also camp if you like. Bilen Lodge is found outside the park and offers prime game viewing opportunities in the surrounding area.
-The Awash Falls
The beautiful Awash Falls is an impressive site, especially in the rainy season. A short walk leads to the falls and the riverine forest support the surrounding birdlife and monkeys.
-Wildlife
Even though the numbers are small, the park offers a good variety of wildlife. The Beisa Oryx, Soemmering's gazelle, Salt's dik-dik, defassa waterbuck and warthog are common wildlife. Big predators like lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena are present but not often seen.
- Bird life
Over 450 species are recorded in the park, among them are some endemic or near- endemic species. This makes the park a prime destination for enthusiastic bird watchers.
Arba MinchArba Minch is situated in a beautiful setting at the foothills of the Rift Valley escarpment overlooking Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. The name of the town translates into '40 springs', which are found nearby. The suggested places to stay in this town are the Paradise Lodge, Swayne's Hotel, Dorze Lodge which has an amazing view over Lake Abaya and Chamo.
-Nech Sar National Park
The Nech Sar National Park offers stunning scenery and a variety of wildlife among them the endemic Swayne's hartebeest. Gamedrives and walks are possible in the park. A boat trip on Lake Chamo offers a variety of birds, most of the time hippo's and a spectacular visit to the 'crocodile market' where dozens of crocodiles warm their bodies under the sun.
-Chencha and Dorze
The Dorze people live around the villages of Chencha and Dorze. They are well known for their tall beehive like huts which can reach over 10 meters when built. The Dorze are famous for their weaving skills and for the use of the 'ensete' or 'false banana' as their staple food. During a visit, you get a real insight into the daily lives of the Dorze people. It is also a great idea to visit the market days in Chencha and Dorze.
-The Danakil Depression
The Danakil depression is one of the hottest, driest and lowest places in the African continent. It is an area of geological fascination with active volcanoes, hot springs, salt lakes and plains in an endless desert. The brave Afar people manage to survive under these extreme conditions although many travelers find the weather to be very extreme.
Erta AleErta Ale is the only volcano on this planet with a permanent lava lake. Rising up from below sea level to an altitude 613 meter, an exhausting climb to the crater rim (best undertaken in the cooler hours of the very early morning) is rewarded with the extraordinary sight of a boiling pot of lava. It is well worth to spend an overnight at the rim, exploring the volcano in full and returning again in the early morning.
DallolDallol is the only volcano on earth below sea level and not covered by water. Geysers erupt an acid brine, leaving a bizarre landscape of cones and pools covered with a colorful layer. The nearby abandoned mining settlement Dallol holds the record of the hottest inhabited place on earth with an average temperature of 34 degrees Celsius.
Lake Afrera and Lake AsaleThese two big salt lakes are found in the Danakil, and this is where the precious salt is harvested with huge camel caravans transported to Mekele.
Lower valley of the AwashThis is where the remains of 'Lucy' where found, she was an early hominid, living in this area over 3 million years ago. Many more fossilized remains have been found in the area, having great impact on our knowledge of history of humankind. The lower valley of the Awash river is declared a World Heritage Site. Unfortunately it is difficult to visit the site.