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Ethiopia,
the oldest independent nation in Africa, is a land of stunning natural
beauty, covering an area twice the size of Kenya, France or Texas. A rich
diversity of culture and geography that will captivate the visitor.The
welcome that comes from the mosaic of a people with over 80 different
languages and as many cultures is warm and spontaneous.The attractions of
Ethiopia are of world renowned, and the development of the Country as the
foremost tourist destination in North East Africa has opened up Ethiopia
to a new generation of tourists, to whom a visit to the land of the Queen
of Sheba, the birthplace of the Blue Nile and the 'cradle of mankind' was
previously just a dream.
The climate is dependent on the physical
terrain and its position close to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, but
for much of the year it is warm and pleasant in low-lying areas and cool
and bracing in the highlands.There are two principal seasons,rainy from
June to September, (although the sun still shines on most day), and dry
for the rest of the year. Just perfect for discovering the riches of
Ethiopia |
| HISTORICAL
ETHIOPIA |
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That
Ethiopia has a heritage from the beginnings of mankind was underlined when
the remains of 'Lucy', dated from 3.5 million years ago, and the 4.4
million year old Homo ramidus afarensis, man's oldest anthropoid ancestor,
were uncovered. Traders from Greece, Rome, Persia and Egypt knew of the
riches of what is now Ethiopia, and by the first century AD Axum was the
capital of an great empire.This realm became one of the first Christian
lands of the World. Late in the 10th century Axum declined and a new Zagwe
dynasty, centered in what is now Lalibela, ruled the land. Axum, Lalibella
and Gondar now provide our greatest historical legacy. |
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It was in
the 16th century that the son of the great explorer Vasco da Gama came to
Ethiopia, but then found a land of many kingdoms and provinces feuds and
wars.In the l9th century the great Emperor Menelik led us towards the
modern state of Ethiopia, and the Country's passage to modernization
began. |
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The
natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a
land of rugged mountains (some 25 are over 4,000 meters high), broad
savannah, lakes and rivers.The unique Rift Valley is a remarkable region
of volcanic lakes, with their famous collections of bird life, great
escarpments and stunning vistas. Tissisat, the Blue Nile Falls, must rank
as one of the greatest natural spectacles in Africa today. |
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| With 14
major wildlife reserves, Ethiopia provides a microcosm of the entire
sub-Saharan ecosystem. Bird life abounds, and indigenous animals from the
rare Walia ibex to the shy wild ass, roam free just as nature intended.
Ethiopia, after the rains, is a land decked with flowers and with many
more native plants than most countries in Africa. |
| CULTURE
OF ETHIOPIA |
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With over
80 different peopels, the cultures of our communities are prominent in our
lifestyle. eith tradition going back to the days of Axum, and a strong
religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in
our daily lives.Our greatest festival is Timket (Epiphany), where tourists
are welcome to celebrate with us. But other festivals such as Enkutatash
(the Ethiopian New Year, in September after the rains), Maskal, Gena
(Christmas), Id and Easter are all glorious celebrations. |
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