Ethiopia is a country of numerous interesting and wonderful tourist attractions. The uncommon combination of historical, cultural, and natural attractions that marks Ethiopia as a unique tourist destination in Africa is an exciting and unexpected surp ise for many tourist. Eight of her attractions have been declared world heritage by UNESCO.

Lalibela, the eighth wonder of the world, as many travelers and travel writers say, is Ethiopiaprime tourist attraction. It is the site of eleven remarkable rock-hewn monolithic churchs, belived to have been built by king Lalibela, in the late t elfth or early thirteenth century.

Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city and the site of many remarkable monolithic stone stelae or oblisks is also a spectacular attraction. The three most important are decorated to represent multi storeyed buildings complete with doors and windows.

Gondar, which is referred by many as the the camelot of Africa, is so impressive that charms visitors by its setting. It is the site of numerous medieval castle-like palaces.

The ancient Walled City of Harrar, which was for many centuries a major commercial center, is said to be one of the most scenic in the world. The city's unique housing, the colourful dress of its inhabitants, and its stout old walls have always fascina ed visitors.

Apart from historical sites, Ethiopia has also immense wealth of natural attractions.

The Simen Mountains National Park is one of those marvelous sites. Within this spectacular splendour live Walia ibex , Simien red fox, and Gelada babbon - all endendemic to Ethiopia - and a lot of other animals and birds.

With their vast moorlands, extensive heath virgin woodlands, pristine mountain streams alpine climate and endemic animals, the Bale mountains remain an untouched and beautiful world.

The blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tis Isat- 'smoke of fire' is the most dramatic spectacle on either the white or the Blue Nile rivers is also an attraction that charms many tourists.

The ceremonies and rituals of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which open a window on the authentic world of the Old Testament, are also dramatic attractions. Timket - a feast of epiphany, and Meskal - the finding of true cross, are the greatest festival of the year which are the greatest festivals of the year which are celebrated colourfully with huge, dramatic processions.

Such fascinating ranges of experiences make Ethiopia a truly land of discovery - brilliant and beautiful, secretive, mysterious, and extraordinary. One should see these things for himself if he has to appreciate them. So take a move and visit Ethiopia. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THIS ASTONISHING LAND.

This article was taken from ' Ethiopia tourist newsletter, Vol.1 No.2 July-Sept. 1998'.

---

Do you know that Ethiopia is the ORIGINAL home land of COFFEE PLANT ?

CLICK HERE to read more about the history and other interesting articles about the coffee plant.

---

---

REFERENCES:

• AFRICAN ARK
  Carol Beckwith, Angela Fisher



• THE BEAUTY OF HISTORIC ETHIOPIA
  Graham Hancock



• DISCOVERING ETHIOPIA
  Ethiopian Tourism Commission