Eastern Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritage

By Lisa Loverro
The country of Ethiopia, with its ancient history and culture, varies immensely across its geographical regions. While most head to the North to savor the cultural richness of this destination, a trip to Eastern Ethiopia’s low-lying, arid land brings a sharp contrast from the lush green landscape found in other parts. While this may not be the ideal place for the active traveler, for the coffee addict it’s pretty close to Heaven on Earth—as it is known as home to some of the best coffee in the world. Religion varies here as well, as most of the population in Eastern Ethiopia is Muslim. Combined with palaces and Mosques, Eastern Ethiopia is truly a unique destination.

The Walled City
The main attraction in this section of the country is the old walled city of Harar. Housing 99 mosques and shrines, it’s considered the fourth most sacred center of the Islamic World. This is a city where wild hyenas roam freely at night and “hyena men” take to the streets with meat-filled baskets for an unusual and unscripted show. It’s not as touristy as it may sound—it’s all about tradition and survival for the locals. Hyenas aside, along with its superb architecture, charming people and ambience, this is one of those places where your clients will feel completely foreign, like they are in another world. The women in Harar are known for basket weaving and the town’s silversmiths are famous for jewelry.
While there are few accommodations in Harar, there are some worth noting. The Tana Hotel, recently re-opened in 2005, offers nicely appointed rooms, clean bathrooms with hot water and a bar and restaurant that serve regional cuisine. Tucked away on a side street in the heart of Old Town, The Rewada Guesthouse is warm and welcoming, though reservations are critical. The Heritage Plaza Hotel, one of the newer hotels in New Town Harar, is comfortable and spacious.
The small town of Babile, about 20 miles from Harar, is noted for amazing rock formations. On Saturdays, there is a bustling market, ideal for tourists to meander through. There’s also an Elephant Sanctuary that houses other interesting creatures such as black-maned lions and antelope.

Markets Galore
Dire Dawa, the second most populated city in the country, is an important center of trade between the port of Djibouti and Ethiopia’s capital city of Addis Ababa. It’s filled with tree-lined streets, plazas, colonial buildings and several market centers. The enormous Kafira Market in Megala is one of the most bustling, attracting herders, farmers and even large camel caravans from the Somali desert.
For accommodations here, the Mekonen Hotel is housed in an Italian colonial building opposite the train station, with spacious rooms overlooking the main square. A bit removed from the center of town, the Tsehay Hotel & Restaurant features clean rooms within manicured gardens. The Paradiso Restaurant is one of the best in town, serving Italian and local dishes.

Houses of the Holy
There are other sites worth visiting during a trip to the Eastern portion of Ethiopia, some of them the holiest and oldest in the country. The architectural site of Melka Kumture, dating back to over 1.5 million years, lies approximately 30 miles south of Addis Ababa on the bank of the Awash River. It’s a remarkable prehistoric stone tool factory discovered in the 1960s and perfect for a day trip.
Situated about 45 miles to the south of Addis Ababa and surrounded by beautiful hills, Adadi Mariam is one of the holiest places in Ethiopia. It is known for its Adadi Mariam cave church, which dates back to the Lalibela era. The city of Ankober, a bit more Central than Eastern, holds the ruins of Menelik’s palaces and beautiful views across the eastern escarpment of the low land and the high land.

Getting There and Tour Information
Ethiopian Airlines operates the web portal “See You in Ethiopia” (www.seeyouinethiopia.com), a useful resource for all bookings and ground excursions.
With a recently acquired Boeing 777-200 LR, Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) now offers non-stop service from Washington, D.C. to Addis Ababa, eliminating their stop in Rome. Total flight time duration is 12 hours and 25 minutes, which slashes overall travel time by over two and a half hours. The return trip from Addis Ababa to Washington Dulles will continue to make a stop in Rome.
U.S. Citizens need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Single entry 1-3 month tourist visas can be issued upon arrival at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. Visit www.tourismethiopia.org

Ethiopia’s Northern Treasures

By Lisa Loverro

Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is one of the oldest countries in the world and a land of natural contrasts. Home to some of Africa’s largest caves, highest and lowest elevations; its landscape is a visual feast for the eyes. This land is one of the oldest sites of human existence known to scientists (the country where the “Lucy” fossil was discovered) and its people and religions are as diverse as the terrain.
It seems tourism is on the upswing for this unique destination as well. According to Rose Loggi, Product Manager for Africa at Abercrombie & Kent, “Bookings for travel to Ethiopia in 2010 have increased 50 percent when compared to 2009.” A&K has launched a new ‘Signature Ethiopia Series’ for 2011 and Loggi sees Ethiopia as an ideal destination for private travel. “Our Signature Series are ideal for two to four people. These are recommended itineraries with local guides that are pre-planned and pre-priced for immediate confirmation,” states Loggi. Most travelers venture to this country for the religious and historical aspect, as it’s a much different type of sell than other East African countries such as Tanzania and Kenya.
“Ethiopia is a destination that a client generally asks specifically for, since it is quite different than most of our other offerings in East Africa (which are all safari game-viewing programs). Ethiopia is the perfect destination for clients who are interested in the fascinating religious and historic past,” declares Loggi. Although the entire country has its share of historical importance, Northern Ethiopia is filled with a variety of diverse treasures and it’s where the majority of travel itineraries are concentrated.
The country’s capital, Addis Ababa is the perfect spot from which your client’s journey will begin. It will give them a good introduction to what waits beyond the city; with museums and outdoor markets, Addis Ababa –translating to “new flower” from the Amharic language- is a busting and historic destination. The best bet here for accommodations is the Sheraton Addis (www.starwoodhotels.com), one of Africa’s most elite hotels complete with Persian carpets and Ethiopian paintings. From there, a quick flight on Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) will land them in one of many destinations in the Northern part of the country. Ethiopian Airlines also offers planned itineraries available through www.seeyouinethiopia.com

An Ancient Capital & The Blue Nile
Axum, Ethiopia’s most ancient city, served as the capital of the Axumite State, and houses the country’s oldest church, dating back to the beginning of Christianity in the 4th Century. The biblical Ark of the Covenant is said to exist here in the St. Mary of Zion compound, although visitors cannot view the relic. The area is primarily known for its many monolithic stone obelisks, some weighing 500 tons. Just outside of town the Axumite palace, thought to have belonged to the Queen of Sheba is a must-see while in the area.
Bahir Dar, a small town on the shores of Lake Tana, near the Tissisat Falls is the perfect destination to explore ancient monasteries built around the Lake. Here the Blue Nile creates “ Smoking Water” an awe-inspiring sight as it plunges into the gorge below. From the river there are a number of rafting options, ranging from Class III to Class V. Nile River Safaris (www.nileriversafaris.com) offer a variety of packages.
The colorful local market at Bahir Dar is renowned for its weavers and wood workers. The Kuriftu Resort and Spa (www.kurifturesortspa.com), located on the shores of Lake Tana is one of the best accommodations in Ethiopia outside of Addis Ababa.

Castles and Palaces
Gondar, sitting north of Lake Tana and nestled in the foothills of the Simien Mountains, was the 17th century capital of Ethiopia, and primarily known for its abundance of castles and churches built between 1632 and 1855 by Emperors reigning during that period, showcasing influences of Arabia and architecture in the Axumite tradition. Additionally, palaces abound in this city including the 18th century palace of Ras Bet, the bath of Fasiledes, the ruined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals.

The 8th Wonder of the World
Lalibela, an extensive collection of eleven churches all carved into stone, are believed to have been built by King Lalibela in the late 12th or early 13th Century. The remoteness of this place makes it best to visit last during a journey to the northern of Ethiopia. Some of these churches are easy to access, others taking a full day.

Getting There
Currently, Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) operates a direct, daily flight to and from the US (via Dulles International Airport in Washington DC with a stop in Rome). With the recently acquired Boeing 777-200 LR, they will begin daily non-stop service from Washington to Addis Ababa commencing on December 16, 2010.
The flight from Washington Dulles departs at 12:00 noon local time and arrives in Addis Ababa the next morning at 8:28, local time. Total flight time duration is 12 hours and 25 minutes, which slashes overall travel time by 2hrs and 35mins.
The return trip from Addis Ababa to Washington Dulles will continue to make a stop in Rome. U.S. Citizens need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Single entry 1 -3 month tourist visas can be issued upon arrival at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.