Cell: +251 911 145612
Address: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Email:
info@Discoverethiopiatours.com
Welcome to Ethiopia- the oldest
independent nation in Africa who has entered in to its 3rd
Millennium is a land of stunning natural beauty covering an area
twice as that of Kenya, France or Texas. Our country holds a
rich culture and geographical feature that can easily captivate
visitors with the warm and spontaneous welcoming smile that
comes from its people.
With
a moderate climate that Ethiopia is gifted, visitors can
perfectly discover the country in which ever month of the year
they planned to visit. For much of the year, the country has
warm and pleasant climate in low lying areas and cool and
bracing breath in the highlands. There are 2 principal season –
rainy season from June to Mid September (although the sun still
shines on most days) and dry season for the rest of the months.
Its attractions are 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
the visit of the land of queen of Sheba, the source of the Blue
Nile, the cradle of man kind, as well as the lowest place on
earth (Danakil depression) was previously just a dream.
Historical Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s history as an organized and independent polity dates
back to about 100 BC with the kingdom at Axum in the northern
regional state of Tigray where by the kingdom emerges at about
the beginning of the Christian era – 4th century A.D. the
greatest power of the kingdom lasted from 4th – 6th century and
underwent prolonged decline from eight to 12th century mainly
due to the rise of Islam.
When Axum collapsed in 8th century, power shifted to the south
and as early as the mid seventh century, the old capital at Axum
had been abandoned and serves only as a religious center and
place of coronation for a succession of kings who traced their
lineage to Axum . By then, Axumite cultural, political and
religious influence had been established south of Tigray in Agew
district such as Lasta, wag, Angot and eventually, Amhara.
In 1137 A.D, a new dynasty came to power in the Christian
highlands known as Zagwe dynasty where the kings of the dynasty
are responsible for the construction of the 11 rock hewn
churches of Lalibela which is unofficially considered as the 8th
wonder of the world.
Beginning of the 13th century up to 15th century was the era of
the treat of Muslim on the Christian kingdom until Emperor
Gelawdios who defeated the Muslim forces and killed Gragn Ahmed
(Muslim force leader).
In the 16th century of emperor Fasiladas era, Ethiopia’s history
was dominated by regional nobility. This is the era where the
castles in Gonder have been built.
By the late 18th century, although powerless emperors and the
Ethiopian orthodox (Coptic) church provided an element of
continuity, real power was in the hands of provincial nobles
from the highlands of Tigray, Oromo and Amhara who fought for
the control of the throne. In 1880, Yohannes the 4th from Tigray
region successfully fended off Egyptians, Italians and
Dervishes. Minelik of Shoa (Successor of Yohannes the 4th)
presides over the first stage of Ethiopia’s modernization;
Haileselassie (the last Solomonic dynasty king) turned Ethiopia
in to centralized autocracy.
The last Solomonic dynasty king finally overthrown by the Derg
communist leader in 1974 which in turn overthrown by the
coalition of the Ethiopian people’s Revolutionary Democratic
Front (EPRDF) on May 1991 who are currently in power since then.
Natural Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains (where by about 25 of
them are above 4000 meters above sea level), broad savannah,
lakes and rivers. The rift valley which stretches from
Mozambique all the way to Syria covers 5000 kilometers. Part of
the rift valley which is found in Ethiopia creates the
remarkable volcanic lakes with their famous collection of
birdlife, great escarpments and stunning vistas. The Blue Nile
falls (Locally known as Tis Isat) is ranked as one of the
greatest natural spectacles in Africa .
Birdlife and indigenous animals from Walia Ibex to the wild ass
roam free just as nature intended. After the rainy season,
Ethiopia is a land decked with natural flowers and other native
plants than most countries in Africa .
Cultural Ethiopia
With over 80 languages and 200 dialects, the cultures of
Ethiopian communities are prominent in their lifestyle. With
tradition going back to the era of Axum and strong religious
settings, celebrations and festivals play an important role in
the daily life of the community.
In every region, you will discover local festivals and
ceremonies where you will always be welcomed as an honorable
guest.
Topography
Ethiopia, with a surface area of nearly 1.2 million square
kilometers is the 7th largest country in Africa . It is located
in the horn of Africa which is largely a high plateau with an
elevation ranging from 110 meters below sea level in the Dallol
depression of Afar to mountain peaks of 4543 meters above sea
level in the Semien Mountains . The Great Rift Valley which
stretches from Mozambique through Ethiopia all the way to Syria
separates the western and the eastern highlands of Ethiopia and
these highlands gradually descends to the lowland areas in the
east, west and south of the country. Much of the country
consists of high plateau and mountain ranges, which are
dissected by numerous streams and rivers.
Religion
Religion has a great role in Ethiopia history. Ethiopian is a
country where the Christian and Muslims live in harmony for long
era. The main religions in Ethiopia are Christianity, Islam and
paganism. Predominantly it is a Christian country of which the
majority is the Ethiopian Orthodox church followed by the Roman
Catholic and Protestants.