Ethiopia is a country with a rich more than 3000 years of independent history, the country has gone through a dynamic historic course of action, gracefully signified by incredible traces of greatest indigenous civilizations. The present day Ethiopia, once was in control over the vast East African territory. Back then, it also was a world famous influential power house with absolute control over the red sea, Indian Ocean trade routes and the South Arabian countries as well. Ethiopia, the wonder land, is a land of varieties, extremities, uniqueness, freedom, colorful culture, religions, legends, natural beauty and much more things which blooms Ethiopia to the public as a country so much to be told, a lot to be heard and still many more to be seen about. All proven with live testimonial reveals and still intact rocky seals. Pointing to the East on the map of Africa, one can easily trace Ethiopia fitted on a stricture technically called the horn of Africa. Covering a total area of 1, 112, 000 sq.kms. It shares a boundary with Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea. Ethiopia is the 2nd most populous country in Africa, with a population number of 91 million. Ethiopia hosts about 80 different tribal groups who speak different languages and have their own cultural code.
Ethiopia is the only sub Saharan African country with 10 UNESCO World heritage sites, they are; the historic city of Axum, Rock churches of Lalibela, Gondar Castles, Islamic city of Harar, Tiya Stele site, Konso people Villages, Lower Omo Valley, Simien Mountains National Park, Lower Awash Valley and the newly registered Meskel Festival (The finding of the true cross), celebrates on September 27.
The cultural variation, which is a result of immense tribal differences, could be seen between every individual tribe. Being rich in culture and speak different dialects, Ethiopia stands as the only nation in Africa claims to have its own languages and related Alphabet ‘Amharic’ is the language and Geez is the root for the Alphabet. Ethiopia takes the lead to build the first Christians Church on the soil of Africa. In deed is Christianity cross the border in the 4th C. AD during the time of Axumite Kingdom. This church, to this date shelters the original Ark of the Covenant brought from Israel by king Menelik I of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is the original home of hominids. The 1974 discovery of 3.1 Million years old named Lucy, locally called ‘Dinknesh’ meant you are Miracle, asserts this concrete truth.
To the North of Ethiopia,the town of Axum with its former glory. Here is where the Axum Zion Mary Church, the 1st on the African Soil (4th AD) is found. Also it is here that the famous pre-Aksumite obelisks are found. It is believed the erection of these obelisks dated back (300-200) BC. It is in here that the tallest fallen (33.3m), the second brought back from Italy after it is looted by fascist (27m) and the third still standing (23ms) Obelisks are found. These structures are the tallest structures on earth carved out of a single granite rock.
The 12th century founded town of Lalibela North West of Ethiopia, possessed the extraordinary carved rock hewn churches during the reign of king Lalibela. (1181-1221.Ad). These eleven rock hewn churches are proposed to be the 8th wonder of the world by UNESCO. The town of castles, Gonder, 17th C. Ethiopia capital, has a great historic significance. It’s a place where King Fasil made a strong attempt to relocate the former tradition of building a permanent capital. Same wise to signify the power of the dynasty by building the glorious castles as the steles stand for Axumite and the Lalibela rock hewn Churches to the Zagwe dynasties. To the medieval period churches best example is ‘Debre Birhan Selassie’ adds up to Gondar’s charm. South wards, the rift valley system is another grand touch where bunches of other attractions are sited. The rift valley crater lakes, alkaline lakes, saline lakes, active geysers, hot spring pools. As they are paradise for nature lovers, water sports are also frequented on some of these beautiful lakes. National parks with their exotic bird, animal and plant life adds up to the beauty of the rift. Beautiful landscape and extreme nature made features also the most enjoyable components that make up the system. Salt lakes, active volcano sites and caravan routes still are amongst Ethiopia’s ethnic great attractions sighted in the rift valley. Further South is the Omo valley with its popular ethnic treasures. And a place where about 50% of the total Ethiopia’s ethnic groups resided. It’s a part of the country where ethnicity is observed with unique cultural practices. Amongst, the Konso people with their terracing agricultural practices and rituals, the Mursi people exceptional with their lip clay plates and original life style, the Hammer (Hamar) people with their bull jumping ceremony to qualify for adulthood and the Karo people with their body painting and adornment excellence can be mentioned. It‘s in general a different world where super traditional traits such folk music, rituals, marriage, burial and other more practices are observed still in their genuine manner. Ethiopia offers all these attractions for the tourist world and Dreamland Ethiopia Tours present them all in a professional manner by historians, adventurers, hikers, bird watchers and qualified guides.
