Six Reasons to Visit Ethiopia

Ethiopia isn’t necessarily at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list, but it has much to offer in terms of culture, nature, and education. Our view of developing nations such as Ethiopia can often be tainted by our charitable view of them. With many organisations and charities campaigning to help Ethiopia, we are left to believe that the country is in a state of disrepair. Though many Ethiopian inhabitants are living in poverty, and it’s important that we’re aware of this and do what we can to help, the country itself is also a beautiful nation with plenty of unique travel experiences. 

Cuisine

If you identify as a foodie, Ethiopia has deliciously varied and unique cuisine. Their dishes comprise of meat and vegetables that are beautifully seasoned with hot spices. It’s the ideal dining experience for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Usually, Ethiopian dishes are served alongside Injera (a flat, spongy sourdough bread) and this is eaten within social gatherings. 

It is Ethiopian custom to have food together on a single plate called Mesob. Each diner will then tear a piece of Injera to scoop up the stew and feed it to their loved ones. This is custom is called Gursha. 

Community Tourism

Arguably, the most important aspect of travel is familiarising yourself with foreign cultures. Ethiopia provides networks of community-managed touristic sites, allowing tourists to interact with local communities and learn about the unique cultures. 

Pilgrimage

Ethiopia is a deeply religious nation as the bible indicates that Moses was mentored by the Ethiopian man, Jethro. In the psalter of King David, Ethiopia is described as a country that will stretch out her hands to God. Similarly, the Arks of the covenant have rested in Ethiopia since the tenth century.

Furthermore, Prophet Mohammed and his followers fled to Ethiopia as it was thought to be the land of the righteous king. Before Islam was the official religion of Saudi Arabia, the refugees were worshipping Islam in Ethiopia. 

Bird Watching

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s key birding destinations with 860 species, including 18 that are unique to the country. The Nechisar nightjar is considered the world’s rarest bird. The first and only live specimen of the breed can be found in Ethiopia. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, Ethiopia is the only place that you’ll be able to spot certain species. 

Wildlife Safari

Ethiopia is home to some of the rarest birds in the world. It’s also a space of rare and alluring mammals. For example, the world’s rarest wild dog is the Ethiopian Wolf whilst the Mountain Nyala is also exclusive to this region. Another species that is unique to Ethiopia is the Gelada Baboon that can be viewed in the hundreds at the Simien Mountain National Park. Additionally, the Walia Ibex is the only goat that is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa that can be viewed on the ledges of the Simien Mountains. Finally, Ethiopia is also rich with primates, giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and lions. 

Coffee Forest Tours

Ethiopia’s forests are the original home of coffee. Bonga’s tourist office offer guided walks to several sites associated with the Kafa Biosphere Reserve. On these walks, you will be shown God’s Bridge (a remarkable natural rock formation), and the mother Coffee Tree (the oldest living plant of its type). Coffee lovers may want to explore these routes to appreciate coffee’s journey and production process. 

Yes, You Should Visit Ethiopia

Why not visit Ethiopia to immerse yourself in a tourist experience like no other? Ethiopia is an incredibly unique tourist spot with a wealth of exciting travel prospects.