ETHIOPIA TOURISM ORGANIZATION
Explore ETHIOPIA ONE COUNTRY: MANY CONTRASTS Gonder Erta Ale Volcano
Walia Ibex Blue Nile Falls Gheralta Mountains
Daily to Ethiopian Tourist Destinations www.ethiopianairlines.com ETHIOPIA RISING
I take pride in the that we intend to roll out some destinations that are publication of this guide. over the next three to four already established. Explore Ethiopia is a years to ensure that our publication that will herald destination stands out. There is not a doubt that a new dawn for tourism Currently, we are working Ethiopia is rising and development in Ethiopia. on an inventory of our rising very fast. We want to tourism products before sustain this by growing our Our intention is to help going out to the market to economy further. build on this so that we can show what Ethiopia as a showcase the very best of destination has to offer. Ethiopia as a tourism and OUR GOAL, THEREFORE IS TO investment destination. PARTNERSHIPS PACKAGE THIS DESTINATION AND The Ethiopia Tourism One of our major strategies PRESENT A NEW VIBRANT BRAND Organization (ETO) was will be pegged on FOR ETHIOPIA AS A DESTINATION formed by the government partnerships with other of Ethiopia as the sole tourism stakeholders in marketing agency for Ethiopia, in the region and Tourism is one sector destination Ethiopia. The internationally. that has the potential ETO is also tasked with of taking Ethiopia to a the role of developing For instance, we have whole new level and it is new tourism products for partnered with national through this organization Ethiopia. carrier Ethiopian Airlines, and co-operation with which has over the years other organizations that BRAND ETHIOPIA built a strong brand for we intend to make this Ethiopia as a destination possible. Our goal, therefore is to and it is through this package this destination partnership that we expect and present a new vibrant to fly the Ethiopian flag brand for Ethiopia as a higher. destination. Through this partnership, Tourism is today one of we intend to come up with the major drivers of the joint marketing platforms global economy and has a through the airline’s profound impact, especially already existing marketing in the developing world. infrastructure. We see this as a fantastic and However, in Africa, we have more cost-effective form not been able to realize our marketing our destination. full potential and this is the role that the team at the Furthermore, we want to ETO is tasked at achieving. partner with other tourism marketing agencies in the Solomon TADESSE, Our strategy to grow our region and internationally. Chief Executive Officer, numbers is pegged on a This is guided on the need Ethiopia Tourism number of programmes to gain best practices from Organization ContentsFOREWORD P3 Foreword From the CEO of the Ethiopia Tourism Organization
P5 Introduction From the Publisher of Explore Ethiopia
GENERAL
P12 Ethiopia Tourism Organization New agency to market Ethiopia as a growing business and leisure destination
HISTORICAL HERITAGE
P26 Axum Home to the Biblical Ark of the Covenant?
P28 Lalibela The new Jerusalem?
P28 Harar City of Saints
LIFESTYLE
P38 Ethiopian Wineries Wine-making gains traction in Ethiopia
P44 Ethiopian Coffee Historical Heritage | P24 Experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony
P46 Ethiopian Cuisine On a culinary journey
P48 Bekoji Home of Champions
NATIONAL PARKS & WILFLIFE
P52 Semien Mountains Tracking Gelada Baboons
P53 Babille Elephant Sanctuary Tracking Elephants
P54 Bale Mountains Tracking the Ethiopian Wolves
P56 Danakil Depression National Parks & Wildlife | P51 The hottest and lowest point on earth
CULTURE
P59 Tribes of the Omo Valley
P66 Mulatu Astatke The God-father of Ethio-Jazz
DIRECTORY
P68 Members of the Ethiopia Tour Operators Association
P76 Ethiopian Government Ministries
P77 Ethiopian Embassies Abroad
Omo Valley Tribes | P59 ThisTHE GIFTED is Ethiopia LAND
Ethiopia is a land of wonder and enchantment; a This very land is the home of the fabled Queen of earliest human civilizations in Africa. country that boasts one of the richest histories on Sheba, the birthplace of coffee and is believed to be Mighty lakes and rivers dot its landscape as do the African continent. the home of the Biblical Ark of the Covenant. unique wildlife roam its lands, wild game that can- Ethiopia is a land of full of contrasts, a land of A trip to Ethiopia, is quite literary, a home-coming not be seen anywhere else on earth, but in Ethiopia. remote and wild locations and a land that is home for all peoples of the world. This is because it is in These are some of the reasons why Ethiopia is to- to cultured and friendly people. A people who the Ethiopian Rift Valley, a volcanic scar that bi- day one of the rarest countries on earth that seems are believed to have descended from some of the sects this great land, where hominids first walked to have little something for everyone. And this is world’s oldest civilizations. on two feet. why you need to visit Ethiopia. It gives me great pleasure to work in conjunc- Known to many as the enchanted land or in some Welcome to Ethiopia – The Gifted Land. tion with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of quarters as the gifted land, it is easy to see why. the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and This is because Ethiopia is a land of contrast- Denis GATHANJU, the Ethiopia Tourism Organization towards the ing landscapes, ancient civilizations and unique Publisher, Explore Ethiopia production of Explore Ethiopia. This guide will go a cultural traditions and boasts revered religious long way towards highlighting the magical beauty sites in both the Christian and Muslim faiths. A of Ethiopia. land where revered emperors heralded some of the
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA
A PUBLICATION OF THE ETHIOPIA TOURISM ORGANIZATION PUBLISHED FOR PUBLISHED BY
ETHIOPIA TOURISM ORGANIZATION SAFARI COMMUNICATIONS LTD., MESKEL SQUARE P.O. BOX 13510, WESTLANDS 00800, P.O. BOX 2183, NAIROBI, KENYA ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA E: [email protected] W: www.safari-communications.com E: [email protected] W: www.tourismethiopia.org
PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael POLIZA, Denis GATHANJU, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Shutterstock, Agencies
DISCLAIMER: The contents and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or any other organization associated with this publication. While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this COVER IMAGE: A watercolour magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein. painting effect of a Gelada Baboon All Rights Reserved. © Copyright 2015 created in our design studio.
5 www.tourismethiopia.org
7 www.tourismethiopia.org ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
VISAS world capitals in Europe, declared. North America, the Middle Only Kenyan and Djibouti East, and the Far East. Large sums of foreign passport holders are There are also major currency should also allowed to enter Ethiopia airlines that fly into Addis be declared on exit. It is without a visa. Ababa. forbidden to carry large sums of the Ethiopian Birr However, nationals It is however recommended outside the country. from the US, Canada, to fly Ethiopian Airlines most western European into Addis Ababa, especially Foreign currency should be countries, Australia and if one intends to fly to other changed only at authorized New Zealand can acquire domestic destinations banks and forex bureau. tourist visas on arrival at within Ethiopia. Credit and Debits Cards Bole International Airport are widely accepted in in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines extends Addis Ababa. Use only cash a 40 per cent discount outside Addis Ababa. If coming into Ethiopia on domestic flights if the by road, visas must be passenger flew Ethiopian TIME ZONE & acquired from an Ethiopian Airlines into Addis Ababa. CALENDAR Embassy abroad as no visas are issued at border entry Overland crossings from GMT +3. Ethiopia keeps points. the neighbouring countries the Julian Calendar into Ethiopia is possible. which has 13 months and HEALTH However, the border is 7.5 years behind the between Ethiopia and Gregorian Calendar. The A Yellow Fever card is Eritrea is closed and it is Ethiopian calendar has required. It is also worth not recommended to travel 12 months with 30 days having an anti-malaria jab to this region. each and a 13th month, when travelling to Ethiopia called Pagumen with five as malaria is prevalent in It should be noted that or six days. The Ethiopian regions below 2000m above visas are never issued at New Year falls on 11th sea level. the border crossings and September. should be obtained before travel. Care should be taken when Anyone with a heart it comes to time in Ethiopia, condition should seek especially outside the medical advice before MONEY capital city of Addis Ababa travelling to Ethiopia, this where local timekeeping is is because much of Ethiopia six hours ahead. is at a high elevation. Addis Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian Ababa is the third highest GETTING AROUND capital in the world. Birr (ETB) as its currency. It should be noted that GETTING THERE Ethiopia has foreign currency restrictions. Ethiopian roads are extremely basic even If coming into the country between major towns Ethiopian Airlines, the and cities. However, the national flag carrier of with more than US$3,000 in cash, this should be government of Ethiopia Ethiopia flies to major is investing heavily in
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 8 upgrading its road and rail cover most of the country infrastructure. experience a pleasant year-round average temperature of about Addis Ababa will soon have one 16 degrees Celsius and summer of the most modern urban light highs of about 25 degrees rails networks in Africa once Celsius. the 34 km Addis Ababa Metro network is operational. The lowlands are however hot during the day and cold at night. Travel outside Addis Ababa is Warm clothing is recommended. through mainly mountainous The main rainy season stretches terrain and the journeys are from mid-June to late-September. long. There are numerous state and private shuttle buses that FOOD & DRINK connect Addis Ababa to the hinterland. Ethiopian cuisine is unique, However, commercial vehicles fabulous, colourful, but are not allowed to travel at night extremely fiery. Most hotels will and all journeys must end by serve a variety of western dishes. 9pm. Coffee is a national obsession Travel by air is one of the in Ethiopia. The elaborate and quickest ways to travel within lengthy coffee ceremony is an Ethiopia. Ethiopian Airlines experience not to be missed. The offers reliable and regular air coffee is taken strong and sweet connections to major towns and and offers quite a kick. cities from Addis Ababa. Alcohol is widely available in LANGUAGE Ethiopia. Tej is a traditional local honey wine. Ethiopian bottled beers are excellent and much Amharic is the official language. cheaper than imported cans. However, since Ethiopia Ethiopian wine is also widely has people from diverse available. backgrounds, there are at least another 83 major languages and EVENTS & FESTIVALS more than 200 different dialects spoken. Colourful parades and services English is widely used, especially mark key religious holidays such in Addis Ababa and fluent guides as Timkat (Epiphany) that takes are available at all major tourist place every year on January 19 sites. and Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) on September 27. CLIMATE New Year celebrations on September 11 are similarly The Ethiopian highlands which vibrant.
9 www.tourismethiopia.org E R ITR E A Red Sea Y EME N Aksum Mekele SUDA N Gondar Semien Mountains National Park Lake Lalibela D J IBOUTI Tana Bahar Gulf of Aden Dar Debre Dire Markos Debre Dawa SOMALIA Libanos
Harar Addis Ababa Gambela Gambella Hawassa National Park Ethiopia Ogaden Desert Omo Rift Valley Valley Lakes Bale National Park Arba SOUTH Minch SUDA N Omo Valley National Park
Moyale S OMALIA KENYA
Capital: Addis Ababa Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB) Surface Area: 1,104,300sqkm National Regional States: Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz, Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region (SNNPR), Gambella and Harari Administrative States: Addis Ababa City Administration and Dire Dawa City Council. Official Languages: Amharic, Oromiya,Tigrinya, Somali, Sidama, Guaragigna and Hadiyigna POSTCARDS
EYES OVER ETHIOPIA
ichael Poliza is an award-winning photographer. Michael has a deep-rooted Mpassion for Africa and has travelled the length and breath of this incredibly beautiful continent with a view to capturing Africa’s magic and telling Africa’s story through the powerful media of imagery.
Michael’s captivating images taken from the skies above the Ethiopian Rift Valley have inspired this
POSTCARDS section of Explore Ethiopia.
The images capture the raw beauty of the Ethiopian countryside as seen from the skies above. From the very heart of the burning lava lake at Erta Ale in northern Ethiopia, to the touring peaks of the mages- tic Semien Mountains.
The images seen here were part of a project that Michael was working on for his book Eyes Over Africa. The journey from his native Hamburg, Germany to South Africa took Michael through the scenic Rift Val- ley in both Ethiopia and Kenya.
For more information on Michael’s work and his books, visit his website www.michaelpoliza.com
11 www.tourismethiopia.org Afica’s hidden treasure Ethiopia is rising as a tourism destination. This Eastern To help drive its tourism marketing agenda, the Govern- Africa nation has over the last year taken a deliberate ment of Ethiopia set up a new tourism marketing agency. stride aimed at harnessing its tourism products, pack- The new agency aptly called the Ethiopia Tourism Organi- aging them properly and displaying them to the local, zation was crafted by the Ethiopian Council of Ministers regional and international markets. and tasked with the role of packing the country’s tourism products and taking them out to the market. Boasting one of the fastest growing economies in the world for a record, 10 years, Ethiopia has captured the Denis Gathanju, the Publisher of Explore Ethiopia sat imagination of not only investors, but travelers keen on down for an interview with Solomon Tadesse, the Chief sampling some of its treasures, some of which are so rare Executive Officer of the Ethiopia Tourism Organization and unique, they can only be experienced in Ethiopia. (ETO). Excerpts:
Denis GATHANJU (DG): Government of Ethiopia under What informs the tim- Explain how the Ethiopia a proclamation by the Council DG ing of the creation of Tourism Organization (ETO) of Ministers of Ethiopia that the ETO by the Govern- came to be and what are its established the organization. ment of Ethiopia? functions. The mandate of the ETO is Tourism has become Solomon TADESSE (ST): two-pronged. First, the ETO is ST a major driver of the Thank you very much for this mandated to promote tourism global economy. Many opportunity. development in Ethiopia for countries that have a devel- the local, regional and interna- oped tourism industry have The Ethiopia Tourism Or- tional markets. The second role benefited largely from tourism ganization is a new tourism of the ETO is to help develop not only in regards to foreign marketing and promotions tourism products that will at- exchange earnings, but also agency that was created by the tract travelers into Ethiopia. in regards to offering employ-
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 12 ment opportunities and help- sort of become the interface With all that how ing spur other sectors of the between the industry and the DG would you describe economy. markets and also, if need be, Ethiopia as a tourism play a facilitation role between destination? The Government of Ethiopia the industry players who are is alive to this development Ethiopia is not one mainly the private sector and and has over the last few years ST thing. Ethiopia is many tourism stakeholders and the come up with policies that are things. This is the nation regulators mainly the Govern- meant to help the sector take that gave birth to the world’s ment of Ethiopia. off. most favourite beverage – cof- This way, we believe, will help fee. Ethiopia is the land where In setting up the ETO, the gov- the sector develop much faster. humans first walked on two ernment is showing its strong feet; Ethiopia is the land where intent on helping spur the With the role bestowed three of the world’s major growth and development of the DG on the ETO towards religions (Christianity, Islam tourism sector in Ethiopia and tourism marketing and and Juddaism) first took root further expand the services development how does your in Africa. sector in Ethiopia. organization plan on achiev- ing this? Ethiopia is a land that Under the Ministry of stretches from the lowest point DG Culture and Tourism, We are currently taking on earth in the Danakil Depres- was the department of ST an inventory of our sion to the roof of Africa in the marketing and promotions tourism products and Ethiopian highlands and you that was tasked with a similar working out on how these can find everything in between. role. How does the ETO expect could be further developed to to work differently to achieve enhance our profile as a favour- In short, Ethiopia is limit- the same result? able tourism destination. less; Ethiopia gives limitless happiness. For me, Ethiopia The ETO’s focus will Furthermore, we will be devel- is one country offering many ST mainly be on tourism oping partnerships with other contrasts. This is the hidden marketing and product organizations locally, region- treasure of Africa. development while the Min- ally and internationally with a istry of Culture and Tourism’s view to foster close co-opera- We have witnessed role will be focused on policy tion for mutual benefit. DG the regional tourism formulation and regulation of actors, especially in But at the end of the day, our the tourism sector. East Africa, gravitate towards focus will be to making Ethio- co-operation, and most re- BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, OUR FOCUS Through delivery pia THE MUST VISIT destina- cently, towards joint tourism of our mandate, tion. We intend to make this WILL BE TO MAKING ETHIOPIA THE MUST marketing campaigns. Do you the ETO is poised possible by maximizing on the VISIT DESTINATION. WE INTEND TO MAKE see Ethiopia adopting this to act as a catalyst unique products that we have approach? THIS POSSIBLE BY MAXIMIZING ON THE and facilitator that in Ethiopia and these include UNIQUE PRODUCTS THAT WE HAVE IN will help spur the unique wildlife, landscapes, That is a very good ques- ETHIOPIA tourism sector cultures and our history. ST tion. Yes, I think that is forward. We will the way to go as it helps
13 www.tourismethiopia.org EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 14 forge regional bonds. The ETO has formed The tourism industry DG a unique partner- DG in Ethiopia seems to Regionally, countries such as ship with Ethiopian receive a lot of confi- Kenya and Tanzania have been Airlines. Tell us more on this dence from local investors in the tourism marketing for partnership. who have pumped millions of a far much longer time than dollars in constructing hotels we have. They therefore boast Ethiopian Airlines is and resorts. We have also seen a wealth of information and ST the national carrier major international hotel experience that Ethiopia could and is wholly owned by groups seek out opportunities tap into as it seeks to grow its the Government of Ethiopia in Ethiopia, especially in Ad- tourism products. While we while the ETO is a government dis Ababa. What guides these do not have the white sandy agency mandated to promote massive investments? beaches like our counterparts, Ethiopia as a tourism desti- we have unique wildlife, cul- nation. Our partnership has Ethiopians believe in ture and a rich history that is brought us together with the ST Ethiopia. No matter hard to find anywhere else in focus to not only increasing our where they are, they the region and in the continent numbers, but also adding value know that Ethiopia is home. of Africa. This is what we want to each other. They take great pride in their to focus on going forward. nation and this is why they are Ethiopian Airlines has without leading the investments. Our message is that Ethiopia a doubt been a very success- is here not as a competitor to ful airline in Africa and has The Government of Ethiopia the other regions, but is here to over the years become a strong has further made this easier offer complimentary tourism brand for Ethiopia. For many by relaxing its taxation policy, products. However, working years, many people have been especially in the tourism and together in tourism market- flying Ethiopian Airlines from hospitality sectors. For ing as a region would go a long all corners of the world and instance, the government has way to enhancing travel into have been transiting through allowed duty-free importation the region. If we forge a united Addis Ababa to other destina- of 4x4 safari vehicles for tour front in the region, then we tions in Africa, without actu- operators and also duty-free could achieve much more. We ally ever experiencing Addis importation of hotel equip- cannot work in isolation from Ababa and Ethiopia. ment. each other. It is through this co-operation The city of Addis Ababa has The tourist of this day is much with the airline that we seek to received most of these invest- more informed and knows that remedy the situation to ensure ments mainly because Addis they want. There are those that travelers into Africa flying Ababa is the political and dip- who seek a leisurely time at on Ethiopian Airlines get to lomatic capital of Africa. the beach while there are those experience Ethiopia as a desti- However, we continue to see who seek outdoor adventure, nation. Our co-operation with increased interest from both ancient African history, cul- Ethiopian Airlines is modelled local and foreign investors tural traditions et al. on the basis of achieving this to establish high quality and this is the reason why Our role at the ETO is to not luxury camps and lodges in the the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines only identify these travelers, Ethiopian countryside. As an Tewolde Gebremariam chairs but to also find and create a organization tasked with tour- the board of the ETO to ensure niche market for Ethiopia as ism promotion and marketing, that we work together to drive we seek out ways of how we we also play a role in encourag- a common agenda of making will introduce Ethiopia to the ing such investments. Ethiopia a must visit destina- world. tion.
15 www.tourismethiopia.org EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 16 POSTCARDS
BEAUTIFUL BEASTS: Giant Nile crocodiles bask in the tropical sun on the sandy banks of Lake Chamo, one of the major Rift Valley Lakes in Ethiopia
17 www.tourismethiopia.org EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 18 POSTCARDS
BREATHTAKING BRIDGE: An overhead shot shows local residents crossing a river bridge over the Blue Nile River
19 www.tourismethiopia.org EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 20 POSTCARDS
VANTAGE VIEW: An overhead shot shows a remote village in the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia
21 www.tourismethiopia.org AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 22 ETHIOPIA’S WORLD HERITAGE SITES
t is an open secret that Ethiopia is endowed Region made the list in 2011. with some of the most unique sites on the IAfrican continent. Today, Ethiopia boasts of more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in Africa.
The list of World Heritage Sites could further increase in the near future from the current nine sites, should Ethiopia manage to have included in the listing new sites that have thus far been included in a World Heritage Sites tentative list.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are locations of utmost importance to cultur- al or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The convention was established in 1972. Ethiopia amongst some of the first countries in the world to ratify the convention on July 6, 1977. Its ratification of the convention meant that Ethiopia’s historical sites would there- fore be eligible for inclusion on the list.
At the second World Heritage Committee held in Washington, D.C, in 1978, Ethiopia witnessed the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela and the Semien National Park in northern Ethiopia inscribed on the World Heritage Sites. Seven other sites across Ethiopia have since been added to the list. TENTATIVE LIST
These include Fasil Ghebbi, the fortress residence In addition to sites inscribed on the World Herit- of Ethiopian Emperors was added to the list in age list, Ethiopia hopes to add to this list with at 1979. 1980 witnessed four sites get added to the least five other sites making the tentative list of list. These included Axum in the Tirgray Region of sites nominated to be included in the UNESCO northern Ethiopia, Lower Valley of the Awash in World Heritage Sites. the Afar Region, Lower Valley of the Omo and Tiya The nominated sites include: Bale Mountains Na- both in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and tional Park in southern Ethiopia, Holga Sof Omar, People’s Region in southern Ethiopia. Gedeo Mixed Cultural and Natural Landscape, The ancient city of Harar was added to the list Melka Kunture and Bachilt Archaeological Site in 2006 while the Konso Cultural Landscape in and Dirre Sheik Hussein Religious, Cultural and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Historical Site.
23 www.tourismethiopia.org www.tourismethiopia.com 23 Ethiopia Tourism Guide AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 24 AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR AXUM HOME TO THE ARK OF THE COVENANT?
xum also spelt as Aksum shipped. select few were allowed anywhere HOW TO GET HERE is an ancient city located close to the Ark of the Covenant, Axum is about 566km north of Addis Ababa. in the Tigray Region BIBLICAL ARK OF THE admittance to the chapel is strictly BY PLANE A Ethiopian Airlines has daily flights from of northern Ethiopia. The city COVENANT forbidden to all but the guardian Addis Ababa to Axum www.ethiopianairlines.com was the original capital of the monk who resides in the church. Aside from its famed obelisks, the BY ROAD Kingdom of Aksum and is one of city of Axum boasts another major Entrance to the chamber that is There are regular bus departures from Addis Ababa. However, it is advisable to break the trip the oldest places in Africa that has feature that is the Old and New Ca- believed to house the Ark of the in Bahir Dar or Gondar. thedrals of St. Mary of Zion. The Old Alternatively, one can hire a self-drive vehicle continuously been inhabited by Covenant is even forbidden to the from Addis Ababa. St Mary of Zion Cathedral is said to humans. Axum was added to the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church. It takes at least 13 hours by road from Addis Ababa have been built in 1665 by Emperor UNESCO World Heritage Sites in The two cathedrals and the chapel Fasilides. It is in this building that 1980 due to their historic value. are, quite naturally, the focus of WHAT TO SEE & DO most Orthodox Christians and religious pilgrimages and consid- DUNGUR (QUEEN SHEBA’S) PALACE The major Aksumite monuments in other Christians believed that the The structure at Dungur is believed to have been Queen ered the holiest sites in Ethiopia to Sheba’s Palace the town are the trademark stelae. original Ark of the Covenant is members of its Christian Orthodox ABBA PENTALEWON MONASTERY These obelisks are believed to be under lock and key. The monastery is named after Abba Pentalewon, one church. about 1,700 years old and have over of the Nine Saints and a man who is believed to have The new Cathedral of St. Mary of prayed nonstop for 40 years the years become a symbol of the Zion stands next to the old one. The KING SOLOMON AND ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM Ethiopian people’s identity. This well-laid-out museum in the Northern Stelae Field new cathedral was built to honour QUEEN OF SHEBA boasts an interesting variety of objects found in the The largest number of these stelae a promise made by Emperor Haile tombs. These range from ordinary household objects, Ethiopian legend has it that it was such as lamps and incense burners, to glassware. are to be found in the Northern Selassie to the Our Lady of Zion for from Axum that Makeda, the Queen BASKET MARKET Stelae Park. Their height range the liberation of Ethiopia from the This is one of the two popular markets in Axum. The of Sheba, journeyed north-east to basket market takes place every Saturday between varies, but the Great Stelae is said Fascist occupation. The cathedral 10.30am to noon under a large fig tree. Travellers can Jerusalem to visit King Solomon. buy Ethiopian souvenirs at good prices. to have stood 33-meters high, 3.84 is built in a neo-Byzantine style. It is said that she had a son called meters wide and had a 2.35 metres While women are not allowed Menelik from her short relation- foundation with a total weight in the old cathedral, women are ship with King Solomon. of 520 tonnes. The Great Stelae is however allowed inside the new SANDWICHED believed to have fallen and broken cathedral. Menelik is said to have grown up in BETWEEN THE TWO during construction. Ethiopia but traveled to Jerusalem Sandwiched between the two as a young man to visit his father’s CATHEDRALS IS A SMALL The Obelisk of Axum, which stands cathedrals is a small chapel known homeland. CHAPEL KNOWN AS THE 24.6 meters high, 2.32 metres wide as The Chapel of the Tablet which and has a 1.36 meters foundation was built at the same time as the Menelik is believed to have lived in CHAPEL OF THE TABLET with a total weight of 170 tonnes, new cathedral. This chapel is said Jerusalem for several years before WHICH WAS BUILT AT is the famous Obelisk that was to be where the original Ark of returning to his country with the THE SAME TIME AS THE removed by the Italian army in 1937 the Covenant is currently housed. Ark of the Covenant. To this day, NEW CATHEDRAL. THIS and was on display in the Italian Emperor Haile Selassie’s consort, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians capital city of Rome for many years Empress Menen is said to have believe that the original Ark of the CHAPEL IS SAID TO BE before it was finally returned to paid for its construction from her Covenant that Menelik brought WHERE THE ORIGINAL Ethiopia in 2005 and reinstalled private funds. with him from Jerusalem still exists ARK OF THE COVENANT July 31, 2008. The obelisk was first in Axum. Like in Biblical times when only a broken into pieces before being IS CURRENTLY HOUSED
25 www.tourismethiopia.org AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR PHOTO: MICHAEL POLIZA PHOTO: LALIBELA THE NEW JERUSALEM? alibela is a town in northern Ethiopia. The town has been placed on the global World Heritage LSites map thanks to its monolithic rock-hewn churches.
Like Axum further north, Lalibela is regarded by Ethiopi- an Orthodox Christians as one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities, second only to Axum. Over the years, Lalibela has been a center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Unlike Axum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian.
The layout and names of the major buildings in Lalibela are widely accepted, especially by the local clergy and Orthodox Christians, to be a symbolic representation of the ancient city of Jerusalem.
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 26 AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR
CREATION OF A NEW JERUSALEM
Lalibela was initially known as Roha, but its name changed during the reign of Saint Gebre Mesqel Lalibela as an Ethiopian emperor. The city was named Lalibela in his honour after he set out to build a new Jerusalem in Ethiopia fol- lowing the capture of the holy city of Jerusalem by Muslims in 1187.
Lalibela had spent some time during his youth in the Jewish holy city of Jerusalem and when he set out to build a new Jerusalem in Ethiopia, many of the new city’s features had Biblical names including the city’s river which was named River Jordan.
ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES
There are some 11 churches that have been identified in Lalibela. These are further grouped into four main categories.
The first category is known as the northern group which has a total of five churches namely:
• Biete Medhane Alem which means House preserved of all the other churches in Lalibela. of the Saviour of the World. The church is believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world. This church is the LIKE AXUM FURTHER NORTH, LALIBELA home to the Lalibela Cross. The Lalibela IS REGARDED BY ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX Cross is a large, elaborately decorated CHRISTIANS AS ONE OF ETHIOPIA’S cross that Ethiopian Orthodox Chris- HOLIEST CITIES, SECOND ONLY TO AXUM tians regards as one of the most precious religious and historical heirlooms. The cross dates back to the 12th century. It is The eastern group is the third category. It has a about 24 inches long and weighs about total of five churches that include: 7 kilograms. It is made from one piece of HOW TO GET HERE • Biete Amanuel or House of Emmanuel metal, either gold or a mixture of gold and BY PLANE which is said to have been used as a royal Ethiopian Airlines has regular flights from Addis Ababa bronze. to Lalibela. chapel www.ethiopianairlines.com • Biete Maryam or House of Miriam/House of Mary is considered to be possibly the • Biete Qeddus Mercoreus or House of St. BY ROAD oldest of the churches in Lalibela and is Mark). This church is said to have been Lalibela is about 674km north of Addis Ababa. There are regular bus departures from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. considered to be a replica of the Tombs of once used as a prison Alternatively, one can hire a self-drive vehicle from Addis Ababa. Adam and Christ. • Biete Abba Libanos or House of Abbot WHAT TO DO & SEE • Biete Golgotha Mikael or House of Golgo- Libanos tha Mikael. This church is famous because EAT OUT • Biete Gabriel-Rufael or House of the angels Ben Abeba is one of the favourite restaurants in Lalibela. This its arts. It is also said to contain the tomb Gabriel and Raphael. This church is be- Ethio-Scottish–owned restaurant boasts an elegant design concept - jumble of walkways, platforms and fire pits. It is of King Lalibela. lieved to have been royal palace. perched on the edge of a ridge offering spectacular views. LEARN THE ART OF MAKING INJERA • Biete Maskal or House of the Cross • Biete Lehem or House of Holy Bread Ethiopian cuisine is rich in taste and colour. Injera is one of the staple foods of Ethiopia. At the Lalibela Cookery School, visitors are taken through the paces of making injera on a • Biete Denagel or House of Virgins The last category is composed of the Monastery wooden-fired stove. of Ashetan Maryam and the Yimrehane Kristos COFFEE IN THE VILLAGE The other category is the western group which Travelling brings us closer to the local people and culture, one church, a church that is believed to have been way of experiencing this in Lalibela is attending a coffee is made up of only one church called Biete ceremony with the locals in the village. Giyorgis or Church of Saint George. This church constructed in the 11th century in an Axumite is said to be the most finely executed and best architectural style within a cave.
27 www.tourismethiopia.org www.tourismethiopia.com 27 Ethiopia Tourism Guide AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR FASIL
HOW TO GET HERE Gondar is about 421 km north-west of Addis Ababa. BY PLANE GHEBBIEthiopian Airlines has daily flights from Addis Ababa to Gondar and Bahir Dar. www.ethiopianairlines.com BY ROAD There are regular bus departures from Addis Ababa. However, it is advisable to break the trip in Bahir Dar or Gondar. Alternatively, one can hire a self-drive vehicle from Addis Ababa.
WHAT TO DO & SEE The Royal Enclosure IN GONDAR VISIT THE MONASTRIES There are a number of monastries around Gondar. asil Ghebbi or Royal chancellery, a library and three by a bridge to the Qeddus Rafael Many of these have ancient religious artefacts and paintings. Enclosure are the remains churches namely: Asasame Qed- Church in the weaver’s section KUSKUAM COMPLEX of a fortress city within dus Mikael, Gemjabet Mariyam of Gondar; Qwali Ber (Gate of the The Kuskuam complex is about 5 km out of Gondar F Town. It was built as a retirement residence of the Gondar in north-western and Elfin Giyorgis. Queen’s Attendants), next to the Empress Mentewab in 1730. Entrance fee is ETB 50. modern entrance to Elfin Giyorgis LION CAGES Ethiopia. The Fasil Ghebbi covers an esti- The original ‘Lion Houses’ were built inside the Royal Church inside the royal enclosure; Enclosure by Emperor Dawit (1721-1730) where mated area of about 70,000 square Abyssinian Lions were kept. Emperor Haile Selassie The city was founded by Emperor Imbilta Ber (Gate of the Musi- built modern cages until he was overthrown. meters. To its south is the market Fasilides, also known as Emperor cians); Elfign Ber (Gate of the Privy place of Gondar called Adababay, Fasil. The royal enclosure was Chamber). The Elfign Ber had a IN BAHIR DAR where imperial proclamations, used as the official home of the private passage to the private MARTYR’S MEMORIAL MONUMENT during the reign of the Ethiopian This monument was erected as a dedication Ethiopian emperors between the apartments of the Fasil Ghebbi. to the men and women who fought the Derg, emperors, were made, troops the communist Committee that ruled Ethiopia 17th and 18th centuries. between 1974 to 1987. presented, and criminals executed. The other gates included the BOAT RIDES ON LAKE TANA Its unique architecture displays Today it is used as a city park. Balderas Ber (Gate of the Com- There are numerous boat rides that can be organized to visit various island monastries and villages in the diverse facets of architectural in- mander of the Cavalry); Ras Ber Lake Tana. fluences that include the Nubian, TWELVE GATES (Gate of the Ras). This gate was BLUE NILE FALLS The Blue Nile Falls are located a few kilometers outside Arabian and Baroque styles. The also known as Qwarenyoch Ber to of Bahir Dar. The falls are also known as Tis Issat by the Fasil Ghebbi is enclosed within local people. Tis Issat means smoking waters. fortress was inscribed as a UN- mean Gate of the Qwara people. a curtain wall that is pierced by ESCCO World Heritage Site in1979. Next to it is the Ergeb Ber (Gate of twelve gates arranged in a coun- Pigeons). The fortress derives its first name ter-clockwise manner as follows: ITS UNIQUE Fasil from the Ethiopian emperor Fit Ber opening onto Adababay; This gate was also known as ARCHITECTURE who built it while its second name Wember Ber or Gate of the Judges; Kechin Ashawa Ber to mean Gate DISPLAYS DIVERSE Ghebbi is an Amharic word that Tazkaro Ber or Gate of Funeral of the Gifts. Next to this gate is FACETS OF means compound or enclosure. Commemoration; Azaj Tequre Ber the Inqoye Ber or Gate of Princess (Gate of Azaj Tequre), which once Inqoye, who was the mother of ARCHITECTURAL The entire complex comprises a was connected by a bridge to the Empress Mentewab; and finally host of other unique buildings that INFLUENCES THAT Adababy Tekle Haymanot Church. Gimjabet Mariyam Ber or Gate of include Iyasu’s Palace, Dawit’s INCLUDE THE NUBIAN, the Treasury of Mary, which leads Hall, a banqueting hall, stables, Adenager Ber (Gate of the Spin- into the churchyard of Gimjabet ARABIAN AND Empress Mentewab’s castle, a ners), which was also once linked Mariyam church. BAROQUE STYLES
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 28 AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR
29 www.tourismethiopia.org www.tourismethiopia.com 29 Ethiopia Tourism Guide AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 30 www.tourismethiopia.com 30 Ethiopia Tourism Guide AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK IS KNOWN AS THE HOME TO A NUMBER OF ENDANGERED SPECIES THAT INCLUDE THE ETHIOPIAN WOLF AND SIMIEN THE WALIA IBEX. MOUNTAINS home of endangered species
imien Mountains National ibex. Simien Mountains National Park. Park was established Also known as the bleeding-heart HOW TO GET HERE The Ethiopian wolf is native to baboon, because of its bright pink BY PLANE Sin 1969. The park is one the Ethiopian Highlands and is Ethiopian Airlines has regular flights from Addis Ababa colouration on its chest, the gelada to the nearby towns of Gondar and Bahir Dar. of numerous national parks in very similar to the coyote in terms www.ethiopianairlines.com baboon is a species of what is Ethiopia. of build and size. However, the Air Charters into the Simien Mountains can also be called the Old World monkey and arranged from Addis Ababa. Ethiopian wolf is easily identifi- The park is located in the northern is only in the Ethiopian high- BY ROAD able by its long and narrow skull (Simien) reaches of the Gondar lands, but a majority of the gelada Access to the Simien Mountains by road is possible and sticking red and white fur. from the nearby towns of Gondar and even Bahir Dar. Zone within the Amhara Region. baboon population is to be seen in Self-drive is possible, but it is highly recommended to Today, the Ethiopian wolf is the use the services of a tour company. The park’s territory covers the the park. world’s rarest canid and is Africa’s entire Simien Mountains that also WHAT TO DO & SEE most endangered carnivore. The Old World monkeys is a group of include the Ras Dashan, the high- International Union for Conserva- primates that are native to Africa TRACK GELADA BABOONS est point in Ethiopia. Standing at The gelada baboons are found in great numbers in the tion of Nature (IUCN) has listed and Asia mainly inhabiting a Simien Mountains National Park. a height of 4,550 meters, the Ras the Ethiopian wolf an endangered range of environments that range PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARIS Dashan is also the 10 highest peak The scenic nature of the Simien Mountains National Park species based on its dwindling from tropical rain forests, to open makes is a favourite nature photography site. in Africa. numbers. There are currently less savanna, shrublands and moun- Simien Mountains National Park than 400 Ethiopian wolves in the tainous terrain was one of the first sites in Ethio- wild today. pia to be added to the World Herit- The walia ibex is a wild goat found age Site list by UNESCO in 1978, nowhere else in the world other however, the park has witnessed than Ethiopia. The walia ibex is re- an unprecedented decline of some garded an endangered species and of its characteristic native species is considered sub-species of the that in 1996, the park was added Alpine ibex. Currently, there are to the list of World Heritage Sites less than 500 individuals living in in Danger. the Simien Mountains. The walia ENDANGERED SPECIES ibex is also known as the Abyssin- ian ibex. Simien Mountains National Park is known as the home to a number GELADA BABOON of endangered species that include the Ethiopian wolf and the walia The gelada baboon is by far one of the most famous occupant of the
31 www.tourismethiopia.org SOF OMAR CAVES
Sof Omar Cave is the longest Legend has it that Sof Omar river passage continues around cave in Ethiopia measuring was the name of a Muslim holy a curve for about 250 metres about 15 km in length. It is man who lived in the area while before flowing around a massive also said to be the longest cave Ayiew was his daughter. Maco boulder into the sunlight at the system in Africa. The cave is and Holuca are derived from Holuca Resurgence. The Web situated in the eastern part of the local dialects and they mean continues running through a Robe within the Oromia Region ‘name’ and ‘cave’, respectively. canyon. in southern Ethiopia. The Sof Omar Cave system has The cave is formed along a net- The Weyib Rover flows through for a long time been an impor- work of joints: one set runs ap- the Sof Omar Cave. The river tant religious centre and is con- proximately north to south and sinks underground at the Ayiew sidered a sacred location in both the other east to west. Sof Omar Maco entrance and resurfaces to Islam and in the local Oromo has 42 entrances, but generally about one kilometre down- traditional beliefs. only four are useful for gaining stream at Holuca. entrance into the caves. Visitors to the cave system will be mesmerized by • Two upstream Village the intricate pillar Entrances (one to the east system found within and one to the west of the the caves. These pil- village) lars are best viewed • The Tourist Entrance in the ‘Chamber of downstream from the Columns’. Holuca Resurgence at a The Chamber of point where the abandoned Columns is a unique meander forming the dry feature in the world valley rejoins the Web river of caves. It looks like • A right bank entrance a wide passage leav- downstream of Holuca ing the Web before accessing the Deep South sweeping back to part of the Clapham’s Climb the river about 100 Series. metres downstream. The passage circum- Entering the cave via either of navigates a cluster the Village Entrances the visitor of thick columns passes a shrine used by the lo- densely packed in the cals. The Ayiew Maco Series is a centre of chamber. set of interconnecting passages of varying in width between one The river passage metre and ten metres. Several continues from the can be passed through to the Chamber of Columns pebble beach on the left bank meandering for about of the river. The passage at the 200 metres to the Big pebble beach is about 40 metres Rapids. This striking wide—the widest passage in the feature is formed cave. At the downstream end of from a jumble of the beach the river disappears huge boulders, well between two columns. worn by the actions of the river. The
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 32 AXUM LALIBELA FASIL GHEBBI SIMIEN MOUNTAINS HARAR
HARAR
HOW TO GET HERE BY PLANE CITY OF THE Ethiopian Airlines has regular flights from Addis Ababa to the nearby town of Dire Dawa. www.ethiopianairlines.com BY ROAD Harar is about 513 km east of Addis Ababa. There are regular bus departures from Addis Ababa to Harar. Alternatively, one can hire a self-drive vehicle from Addis Ababa.
WHAT TO DO & SEE
VISIT THE MUSEUMS Harar Museum & Cultural Center: This is a public-run museum with a variety of art & antiquities from Harar and the surrounding regions. Abdela Sherif Museum: A privately-run museum with a collection of more than 300 historical documents and 600 SAINTSarar is a walled city together with mud and reinforced considered as Islam’s fourth holi- musical recordings. The museum’s building was once the residence to Ras Tafari, who later became the Emperor of in eastern Ethiopia. with stout juniper planks. est city after Mecca, Medina and Ethiopia. Harar was included in Jerusalem, where the Dome of the FEED THE HYENAS H Feeding the hyenas is one of the hallmarks of the night in CENTER OF ISLAMIC the World Heritage List in 2006 Rock sits. The city of Harar boasts Harar. CULTURE AND RELIGION by UNESCO in recognition of its about 100 mosques, three of which ELEPHANT TRACKING are said to date back to the 10th Embark on an exciting adventure to tracking a unique cultural heritage. Known as Gey or The City by its elephant species in the Babille Elephant Sanctuary century and the 16th century Grand citizens, the city of Harar was The city’s encircling wall, locally Mosque with is beautiful twin tow- established in the 7th century known as the Jogal was erected in ers and slender minaret. by Arabian immigrants. The city IN ARABIC, THE CITY IS the 16th century by one of the city’s consequently became the capital Originally the 16th-century walls of KNOWN AS best remembered local rulers, Nur MADINAT AL- of the Adal Sultanate between 1554 Harar had five gates which symbol- ibn-Mujahid, who is said to have AWILYA WHICH MEANS and 1557. During this period, Harar ized the Five Pillars of Islam. The also dug up a defensive trench THE CITY OF THE emerged as the center of Islamic gates were known to the Hararis, around the city. culture and religion in the Horn of the citizens of Harar as bari. The SAINTS AND IS TODAY This 3.34 kilometer-long wall, Africa region. gates were situated respectively to CONSIDERED AS ISLAM’S which ensured the city’s safety the north, east, south-east, south, In Arabic, the city is known as FOURTH HOLIEST CITY during its troubled days, is mainly and west of the city. Each gate had Madinat al-Awilya which means made out of locally quarried, its own distinctive name. AFTER MECCA, MEDINA the City of the Saints and is today untrimmed Hashi stone that is held AND JERUSALEM
33 www.tourismethiopia.org EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 34 35 www.tourismethiopia.org ETHIOPIAN WINERIES WINE-MAKING GAINS TRACTION
thiopia is known for its rich country with a combined production Awash Winery, is by far, the oldest cultural heritage steeped of almost 12 million bottles of wine winery in Ethiopia. The winery has Ein century’s old history per year. been in existence for about 70 years now. Awash Winery boasts more and mythical legends. But very few However, it has to be noted that com- than 117 hectares of a wine estate know of a long-held wine-making mercial wine production in Ethiopia that sits on a mountain plateau ris- tradition in Ethiopia. This wine- started during the Italian occupation ing to 1,200 meters above sea level. making tradition has over the of some parts of Ethiopia between last few years been gaining much 1936 and 1941 when Italian troops Currently, Awash Winery boasts traction and is now a gradually who had settled near Addis Ababa an annual production of about 10 expanding industry that is meant established the very first vineyards million bottles, most of which is ex- in Ethiopia. clusively consumed by the Ethiopian to place Ethiopia firmly onto the market. According to Awash, the lo- wine-making countries list. The vineyards were nationalized cal demand for quality wine is at an after the Italian occupation and have Traditionally, Ethiopia has been all-time high and hence wine exports since been privatized after they were making a local wine called tedj, a are not possible, at least for now. sold to Awash Winery. According to type of honey-wine flavoured with The company is seeking to expand wine experts, large-scale wine pro- gersho leaves, that are similar to its vineyards by adding another 180 duction in Ethiopia is possible based hops. However, this ancient wine- hectares. on the country’s favourable weather making tradition is gradually being patterns and diverse landscapes that taken over by a much modern form TWO HARVESTS include at least six climatic zones of wine-making. Ethiopia is now where grapes can be grown. The Awash vineyards are located in growing its own grapes and produc- Awash Merti Jersu region some 115 ing its own signature wine. Cur- AWASH WINERY km southeast of the Ethiopian capi- rently, there are two wineries in the tal Addis Ababa.
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 36 37 www.tourismethiopia.org Due to the close proximity to the that the grapes risk getting destroyed CASTEL WINERY Equator, the vines from this region by the baking African sun. However, have a much shorter vegetative cycle this is expected to be overcome with Castel Winery is literally the new than those found in Europe or South the introduction of refrigerated kid on the block in the Ethiopian America. That means that the winer- trucks. wine-making industry. The winery is ies in this region record two harvests located in the sleepy town of Ziway in a year. Normally the first harvest AWASH WINERY’S WINE some 160km south of Addis Ababa. occurs between November and RANGE Castel’s vineyards were established December with the second harvest Currently, Awash Winery has a range in 2007 as a partnership between coming between June and July. of four wines. These include a white the Ethiopian Government and the and a red wine. The Kemila Me- Castel Group, which is today one of DUE TO THE CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE dium is a dry white wine from 2013. the largest wine and beer producers EQUATOR, THE VINES FROM THIS REGION HAVE This is a slightly sweet white wine, in the world. The vineyard is spread across some 120 hectares with the A MUCH SHORTER VEGETATIVE CYCLE THAN mainly from Chenin blanc (80%) and Grenache Blanc. The wine has grapes having been planted between THOSE FOUND IN EUROPE OR SOUTH AMERICA a golden colour, oxidative nose with 2007 and 2009. The winery started notes of beeswax. bottling its vintage wine this year. However, wine production in Axumit Sweet Red Wine 2013 is a Castel’s vineyards are located about Ethiopia is faced by a number of blend of red Grenache (60%), San- 1,600 meters above sea level with an challenges, key amongst them being giovese, Petite Syrah, Gamay, Neb- annual rainfall of about 650 mm and the poor infrastructure, especially biolo, Dodoma and Tinta Amarela. average temperatures of 25 degrees the road network which presents a Axumit is by far the most popular year round. The region has sandy considerable challenge of moving the Ethiopian wine with a nose of red soils, which according to Castel harvested grapes from the vineyards fruit and a great acidity. The other Winery are good conditions for the to the winery. two wines in the Awash Winery development of quality wines and In some cases, it takes more than to range are the Awash White wine could in a few years’ time rival South seven hours to deliver the harvested 2014 and the Gouder Red Wine 2013. Africa, currently the continent’s larg- grapes to the winery, which means est wine producer.
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 38 Unlike the Awash Winery that has two annual harvests, Castel Winery has instead opted for one harvest per year and has a total annual pro- duction of about 1.2 million bottles of Ethiopian Rift Valley Wine. Plans are to increase produc- tion to 3 million bottles per year by 2016.
The Castel vineyards boast exclusively planted with international grape varieties that include 55 hectares of Syrah, 38 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, 14 hectares of Merlot and 12 hectares of Chardonnay. In the collection is an additional 42 hectares of Sangiovese that was planted in the 1980’s by the Ethiopian government.
Most of the 750,000 vines planted in these vine- yards were imported from Bordeaux in France. Merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon grapes were chosen for the reds that make up the big- gest of Castel Winery’s Rift Valley Wines produc- tion while chardonnay grapes were chosen for the white wines.
CASTEL WINERY’S WINE RANGE
Castel Winery boasts a range of two wines that include Acacia Medium sweet white 2013, which is a 100% Chardonnay with a taste of banana and white flowers and has a medium sweetness in mouth.
Also in this range is the Acacia Medium sweet red 2013, a blend with equal proportions of Ca- bernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. It has a nose of black fruit and a sweetness in mouth, which is very popular and appreciated by Ethio- pian wine connoisseurs. Acacia Dry red 2013 has the same blend but in a dry version, with intense black fruit flavours and good freshness.
The Accacia wine range is aged in stainless steel tanks.
The second wine range in the Castel Winery comprises the Rift Valley Wines which are a premium range of wines that are partly aged in French oak barrels.
The Rift Valley Chardonnay 2013 has a nose and mouth with peach and citrus aromas and is very fresh. The addition of woodchips gives some roundness in the mouth. The Rift Valley Merlot 2013 is a crunchy wine full of red fruit with wood softened tannins.
In the same lineup is the Rift Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 which is a more powerful beauti- fully structured wine that is also very well made. The Rift Valley Syrah 2013 completes the range. It comes with hints of spice, black fruit and violets.
39 www.tourismethiopia.org Explore more than 45 Destinations in Africa Over 80 Destinations globally www.ethiopianairlines.comEXPLORE ETHIOPIA 40 Explore more than 45 Destinations in Africa Over 80 Destinations globally www.ethiopianairlines.com 41 www.tourismethiopia.org WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP? COFFEEEthiopian Ethiopian coffee is regarded to be one of the best coffee in the world due to his strong, rich taste and aroma. Ethiopia is also regarded as the natural home of coffee as it was first discovered here in the 16th century. The Coffee Ceremony is an integral part of Ethiopian culture.
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 42 thiopia’s most favourite handful of green coffee beans and beverage is by far the carefully cleans them in a heated, EEthiopian coffee. Ethiopia long-handled pan. She stirs the is believed to be the birthplace coffee beans over the hot charcoal of coffee and because of this, or fire as she shakes the husks and debris out of the coffee beans to they make their coffee somewhat cleanse them before going on to roast differently. them in the pan. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is much more than just sipping a good COFFEE AROMA cup of home-brewed coffee. The The beans are roasted over the hot coffee ceremony is an important charcoal until they turn medium cultural ritual that has been passed brown. The pungent smell of the cof- from generation to generation in the fee beans roasting over the fire min- country believed to be the birthplace gles with the heady scent of incense of coffee. that is always burned during the This preparation is known as the ceremony. The aroma of the roasted Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, which is coffee is powerful and is considered an elaborate process that also forms to be an important aspect of the cof- an integral part of Ethiopian’s social fee ceremony. and cultural life. An invitation to The coffee beans are stirred until attend a coffee ceremony, especially they turned and are shining under for non-Ethiopians is considered a the aromatic oil that is coaxed out of deep mark of friendship and/or re- them. The coffee is then ground by A total of three rounds of coffee spect. Attending or participating in a hand using a pestle known as zeneze- are served, known successively as traditional Ethiopian coffee making na and a mortar called mukecha. The abol, tona and baraka. According to ceremony is also an excellent way of ground coffee is then poured into the Ethiopian folklore, the three names sampling the very best of Ethiopian jebena which contains boiling water were the names of the three goats hospitality. and stirred slowly. At this point, the that originally discovered the origi- woman preparing the coffee removes UNHURRIED PREPARATION nal caffeine buzz thousands of years the coffee beans from the heat and ago. The three cups of coffee taken The coffee making ceremony is al- waves the pan to create an aromatic symbolize some sort of spiritual most obligatory in the presence of a breeze around the house for the elevation and transformation for the visitor, no matter the time of day. The guests to appreciate the freshly coffee taker. process is normally unhurried and brewing coffee. can take a couple of hours depending The freshly brewed coffee known on the number of people attending AN INVITATION TO ATTEND A COFFEE as bunna is then poured from the the occasion. The coffee ceremony is CEREMONY, ESPECIALLY FOR NON- jebena into a decanter and allowed mainly a ritualized form of brewing to cool down before it is poured ETHIOPIANS IS CONSIDERED A DEEP MARK coffee and is almost an intimate form back into the jebena and brought OF FRIENDSHIP AND/OR RESPECT. of taking and appreciating Ethiopian to a boil. The process is repeated all coffee. over again, at least three times. The The coffee is normally taken with The coffee ceremony is usually coffee is then filtered as it is poured plenty of sugar, but without milk conducted by one young woman, into neat rows of delicate china cups and is generally complemented by a who in most cases is dressed up in known as cini. traditional snack such as peanuts or the traditional Ethiopian costume of cooked barley. a white hand-woven dress with col- THREE ROUNDS OF COFFEE In most parts of Ethiopia, especially oured woven borders. The elaborate When invited to attend an Ethiopian in the countryside, the coffee cer- coffee brewing process commences coffee ceremony, it is somewhat rude emony takes place three times a day with the ceremonial apparatus being to refuse to drink the coffee. The cof- - in the morning, at noon and in the arranged upon a bed of long scented fee service, like its preparation, is rife evening. It is the main social event local grass. with deep symbolism and ceremony. within the village around which the First, the woman fills a round-bot- Service often starts with the eldest village folks take time to discuss so- tomed, black clay coffeepot known to the youngest. However, in some cial affairs, community politics and as a jebena with water and places instances the guest of honour is general life. it over hot coals. She then takes a served first.
43 www.tourismethiopia.org Ethiopian
ne critical part of fermented in water for several days Cuisinebefore it is baked into large, floppy experiencing a destination Ois through its culinary pancakes that have the texture of offering. Ethiopia, like many crepes and the taste of sourdough African countries, offers a wide bread. Teff flour, from which injera is made, is incredibly high in fiber, iron range of foods that come in all sorts and calcium. It also has all the amino of colours, smells and tastes. acids required to be a complete Celebrated Ethiopian-born chef protein. Marcus Samuelsson is amongst some Injera is served on a big, flat mat of the people who have managed to alongside other dishes such as veg- bring the colours, smells and tastes etables and meat placed on top. To of Ethiopian food to major capitals in eat this Ethiopian food, one simply Europe and North America. tears off a piece of injera and grabs It is no secret that Ethiopian food some food with it before rolling it up is now in the international culinary and eating it up. market and it is drawing a lot of Injera has a somewhat sour taste in culinary lovers keen on experiencing the mouth that is a direct opposite of a new kind of food. Today, Ethiopian some of the fiery foods served along- restaurants are increasing in number side it. Injera therefore has a calming all across the world. effect in the mouth and is also very While Ethiopian food comes in filling, just like bread. different varieties, one will quickly Like wine, injera comes in various notice that Ethiopian cuisine does grades that range from low to high not include pork. This is mainly due quality. Low-quality injera spots a recommended to have it served sepa- to religious traditions in Ethiopia dark colour, is very coarse and thick. rately. Kitfo is also a very filling dish. that do not advocate for eating of This is so because it is not made from pork. Ethiopia has three major reli- Ethiopians serve kitfo after just tef, but from local millet or sorghum. gions: Judaism, Islam and Orthodox warming it a little. It is however not Good quality injera is pale, smooth Christianity. cooked. However, one can have it and has a regular thickness and is INJERA made from tef. The type of tef that produces the best IT IS NO SECRET THAT Injera, is by far the most famous injera is grown only in the highlands. Ethiopian food it is also one of the ETHIOPIAN FOOD IS NOW IN Tef grown in the lowlands tends not most important foodstuff in Ethiopi- to make good quality injera. an cuisine because it serves not only THE INTERNATIONAL CULINARY as a source of protein and vitamins KITFO MARKET AND IT IS DRAWING A but the Ethiopians also use it as a serving platform for other dishes. Kitfo is yet another typical Ethiopian LOT OF CULINARY LOVERS KEEN dish. It is made from the leanest Injera is a flatbread made from teff meat which is then minced and ON EXPERIENCING A NEW KIND which is a form of a grass that looks warmed in a pan on a little butter. like wheat. This teff is ground and OF FOOD Berbere can also be added, but it is
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 44 BERBERE
This is a very spicy accompaniment for Ethiopian food. Berbere is a dark red blend of sun-dried chilies, ginger, garlic, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, cumin, coriander and other spices.
WAT
Wat or wot is a stew that is very spicy. It is made from red onions that are cooked in berbere which can also be mixed with either kibbeh or butter. Ginger, garlic and other spices are also added.
Wat is also an important accompani- ment for Ethiopian food. It can be had as a vegetable dish or blended with meat to turn it into a meat stew dish.
Wat is a wonderful accompaniment of injera. In the highlands, they use lamb meat called bege (lamb) to make wat, while in major towns they use beef called Bure and goat meat called figel is mainly used in the arid and semi- arid lowlands.
INJERA, IS BY FAR THE MOST FAMOUS ETHIOPIAN FOOD IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FOODSTUFF IN ETHIOPIAN CUISINE mildly cooked and served to eat. Kitfo is mainly served with minced spinach called gomen. Most foreigners, however, love the chicken wat.
The dish is a tradition of the Gurage people DOROWOT from southern Ethiopia who normally have it with kotcho, which is a form of a bread. In the Dorowot is a chicken-based stew that wears an major towns and cities of Ethiopia such as Addis intense shade of the red colour due to the ber- Ababa, there are specialty kitfo restaurants. bere spices. The stew can be made from beef or chicken and is served with a whole boiled egg. TERE SEGA TEJ This dish is considered something of a luxury dish in Ethiopia. Tere sega is simply raw meat While a coffee ceremony is the traditional way that is mainly served in traditional wedding cer- to close out a meal in Ethiopia, many prefer to emonies for the well-to-do people and on special wash down a good meal with something better. occasions. Tej is one such drink. It is a locally made honey- wine that comes with a thick sweetness with an The dish is served alongside a chilli sause as ac- orange lightness to it. companiments and is best washed down in some red wine.
45 www.tourismethiopia.org BEKOJI HOME OF
thiopia is home to some of Kenyan Rift Valley. Ethiopia, on the from this track that Sentayehu has the greatest long-distance other hand has its own center that moulded young Ethiopian athletes Eathletes in the world. has over the years developed some from the tender age of 12 years to be The country has over the years of the most famous names in global world beaters on the international continuedChampions to churn out world- athletics. athletics circuit. record breakers in both the middle The little-known town of Bekoji Every morning, teenage boys and and long distance races. which lies some 217km south of girls join upcoming and established Addis Ababa, is the home of some athletes in a daily two-hour jogging The world has for long been enter- of Ethiopia’s greatest middle and ritual; each one of them focused tained by the pulsating speed and long-distance athletes. These include to tune their bodies for endurance stamina of Ethiopian athletes, be it the famous Beleke brothers Kenenisa running - focused to become the next at the Olympic Games or global city and Tariku; the Dibaba trio Tirunesh, Olympic gold medalist, to be the next marathon circuits. Ejegayehu and Genzebe. Other ath- world record breaker and conse- Moreover, the rivalry between Kenya letes to hail from this region include quently fly the Ethiopian flag higher and Ethiopia in the middle and long Derartu Tulu, Tiki Gelana amongst with pride and satisfaction. distances races has captured the many others. imagination and attention of a global TOWN OF RUNNERS THE COACH audience. While Bekoji’s sons and daughters These star atheletes have not only have brought fame to the town, not HIGH-ALTITUDE TRAINING risen from this nondescript town in so many people knew much of this But while these two African athlet- the middle of Ethiopia, but have been place, until recently when “Town ics powerhouses are neighbours, discovered and groomed into the of Runners”, a documentary that they share something in common stars they are today under the watch- seeks to tell the story of Bekoji. Not – they seem to have an incubation ful eye of one Sentayehu Eshetu, a center where star athletes train hard humble, quiet man. Many know him EVERY MORNING, and plot to shutter the next world simply as The Coach. record. TEENAGE BOYS AND I do not think there is any athletics GIRLS JOIN UPCOMING Kenya has for long had its high- coach in the world today who has altitude training center discovered and moulded as many AND ESTABLISHED at Iten in the Olympic champions and world re- ATHLETES IN A DAILY cord breakers as Sentayehu. TWO-HOUR JOGGING Bekoji sits at an altitude of 10,500 RITUAL feet above the sea level with an average temperature of 18 degrees far from Bekoji is the sleepy town Celsius. Here, the air is clean but of Asella, from where the father of pure, perfect conditions for a Ethiopian athletics Haile Gabreselas- long-distance runner to train in to sie hails from. enhance endurance. What is certain is that Bekoji will MORNING JOGGING RITUAL continue to churn out future Ethio- pian athletes and could become a At the nearby Bekoji grounds, is the high altitude performance training very center from whose dusty track center similar to the one developed has risen some of the biggest names at Iten that accommodates athletes in Ethiopia’s athletics history. It is from across the world.
47 www.tourismethiopia.org POSTCARDS
LAVA LAKE: This aeriel shot reveals the very heart of the lowest and hottest point on earth - Erta Ale in the Afar Region of northern Ethiopia
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 48 49 www.tourismethiopia.org SIMIEN MOUNTAINS BABILLE SANCTUARY BALE MOUNTAINS HARAR HYENAS DANAKIL DEPRESSION TRACKING GELADAS in the mountains Mention an East African wilderness skywards from the deep ravines which adventure safari and the traditional are some sort of a rich tapestry of dif- safari destinations of Kenya and Tan- ferent hues and tints – a watercolour zania quickly come to mind. But their painting of some sorts. northern neighbour, Ethiopia is quickly earning its stars when it comes to an DOMINANT MALES adventure safari. Within this mountain range live more While Ethiopia’s adventure safari prod- than 50,000 gelada baboons. Though uct is still in its development stages, they are known as baboons, the geladas it does not boast of luxury eco-camps are a species of monkey. The geladas and eco-lodges like its two southern are very social and live in large families neighbours and neither does it boast and/or communities that sometimes the marauding Big Five like Kenya and number up to 100 individuals. Tanzania does. Like in most of the animal kingdom, What Ethiopia does offer though, is the larger males guard over their fe- that raw safari experience where na- males and young ones. The males have ture is king and unique wildlife species striking red chest-patches, from which that are only unique to Ethiopia. they get the bleeding heart baboon nickname. They also sport long, shaggy BLEEDING HEART BABOONS manes
The gelada baboon is without a doubt the signature wild game of Ethiopia. The gelada is unique to Ethiopia and cannot KNOW BEFORE YOU GO be found anywhere else on the African continent. There are several options that visitors can take for their trek depending on how Trekking expeditions for the much time they have and their budget. gelada baboon are done in the Day-long or multi-day trips to the park Simien Mountains National Park are arranged from the park’s office in the in northern Ethiopia. These treks nearby Debark Village. are unlike any other as they take visitors to the peaks of the Simien Accommodation within the park is pos- sible as there are at least two lodges and Mountains, the highest mountains a third one under construction. in Ethiopia, and in that offer most visitors a spectacular view of the It is mandatory for visiting groups to rugged hills and valleys below. be accompanied by armed park rangers inside the park. The sight is simply mind-sketching as it reveals the sharp pinnacles of the Simien Mountains as they thrust
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 50 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS BABILLE SANCTUARY BALE MOUNTAINS HARAR HYENAS DANAKIL DEPRESSION TRACKING
Jumbos are part of the big five and can be found in Ethiopia, where their population has been Elephants on the increase in the recent past. In the far reaches of eastern Ethiopia is an elephant conservation area known as the Babille Elephant Sanctuary.
SUCCESSFUL ELEPHANT CONSERVANCY
The Babille Elephant Sanctuary graz- is, by far, Ethiopia’s, and perhaps ing Africa’s, most successful elephant gentle conservancy that has helped jumbos, increase the elephant popula- hearing tion tremendously. Currently, it every branch is believed that up to 500 African break as the elephants live in the conservancy. massive land The conservancy was created to animals eat to help protect the endemic subspe- their feel. It is an cies of the elephant, Loxodonta experience not to africana orleansi, which are a be missed. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO rare subspecies of the African el- The Babille Elephant Sanctuary is lo ephant. They are rare due to their BIRD- cated near the town of Babille which lies small numbers and are known to WATCHER’S - about 32 kilometres south of the ancient be shy and rarely come into the PARADISE city of Harar in the Harari Regional open. Aside from the jumbos, the State. Babille Elephant Sanctuary GENTLE GIANTS It is mandatory to have a guide while also has other wild game trekking inside the conservancy. The lo Within the conservancy, track- that include a handsome cal guides can be hired from the conserv ing the gentle giants is through population of gazelles and - ancy’s office. the aid of a local guide. The trek Menelik’s bushback, which - takes nature and animal lovers is an antelope species. through dusty pathways and into the elephant’s territory that is full There are also black-maned of thick thorny shrubs, cacti and lions and cheetahs. Due to dry grass. its location, the conserv- ancy is also a bird-watch- This is by far one of the best raw er’s paradise as it plays safari experiences that Ethiopia home to more than 200 offers – getting up-close to the bird species.
51 www.tourismethiopia.org SIMIEN MOUNTAINS BABILLE SANCTUARY BALE MOUNTAINS HARAR HYENAS DANAKIL DEPRESSION TRACKING ETHIOPIAN
wolvesBALE MOUNTAINS at
The Ethiopian wolf is another unique feeds on bones and bone marrows. wildlife that can only be found in Ethiopia. HARENNA FOREST
The Ethiopian wolf is also Africa’s While a day trip is possible, it is highly most endangered carnivore, with their recommended that visitors spend at population currently numbering under least an extra day so as to visit the 500 individuals. The Bale Harenna Forest which is within the Bale Mountains that lie south-east Mountains National Park. of Addis Ababa is where these Herenna Forest is a low-altitude forest unique animals can be spotted. that is also Ethiopia’s largest cloud for- The vast wide open spaces est. It boasts towering trees that form of the Sanetti Plateau deep a dense forest canopy. It is not possible inside the Bale Mountains to see the Ethiopian wolf within this National Park can be covered forest, but the Bale monkey, lions and on foot, or safari vehicle or the spotted leopards can be seen within better still on horse-back in the forest. search of the magnificent Ethiopian wolf, which stands out due to its dis- tinctive russet-red coat. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - UNIQUE All trekking and horse riding within Bale WILDLIFE Mountains National Park must be ar ranged in advance at the Bale Mountains And while at it, it is National Park’s office located in Dinsho common to see some Town or through your tour operator. other unique wildlife that inhabit the Bale It is also mandatory to take guides with Mountains National you into the park, again the guides can Park. be sourced from the park’s office at Dinsho Town. These include the mountain nyala, the It is also possible to hire the horses and spotted hyenas, as well horse handlers from Dinsho. as remarkable Lam- mergeyer, a bearded vulture that primarily
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 52 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS BABILLE SANCTUARY BALE MOUNTAINS HARAR HYENAS DANAKIL DEPRESSION TRACKING ETHIOPIAN HARAR
When day turns into night over HYENA MEN the ancient city of Harar, the laby- As day gives wayHyenas to night, two rinth alleyways of the walled Old Town fall into a deathly silence. hyena men begin their hyena- feeding ritual at sites just outside Soon, shadowy forms of hyenas the city walls. confidently roaming down the narrow streets, for many locals is The men sitting on the ground, an all too common sight. they then take out a piece of raw meat out of the bucket that they Thrill seekers will find an encoun- bring with them before threading ter with these feared predators it onto a stick and lure the hyenas a heart-stopping moment. Harar out of the darkness. is, perhaps the only place in the world, where locals and tourists Soon, a few pairs of flashing eyes get to really feed these gallant appear out of the darkness and predators. in no time, a couple of hyenas are skulking and prowling nearby. HYENA-FEEDING TRADITION TOURISTS FEEDING HYENAS The hyena-feeding tradition in Harar first begun in the 1950s This is not a performance for when a local family started feed- the feint-hearted. Some daring ing the marauding predators with tourists have fed the hyenas the principle believe that feeding from these sticks while the local them would spell out good for- men heighten the experience for tunes for the family. the watching audience by feeding the hyenas pieces of meat straight Feeding the hyenas stemmed from their mouths. from an age-old ritual by the local Harari population that would Caution should, however be exc- pour out porridge at sunset with ersied while feeding the hyenas the hope of because hyenas have the strong- est jaws amongst African preda- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO tors. An accidental bite from these beasts The hyena men of Harar set up every could be deadly. night from about 7 pm at two sites.
The first site is just outside the eastern city wall at the shrine of Sheikh Aw Anser and while the second site is at the Fallana Gate.
keeping away the hyenas from feeding on their livestock.
53 www.tourismethiopia.org SIMIEN MOUNTAINS BABILLE SANCTUARY BALE MOUNTAINS HARAR HYENAS DANAKIL DEPRESSION
DANAKIL the hottest & lowest point on earth
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 54 www.tourismethiopia.com 54 Ethiopia Tourism Guide SIMIEN MOUNTAINS BABILLE SANCTUARY BALE MOUNTAINS HARAR HYENAS DANAKIL DEPRESSION
The Danakil Depression is the north- Lucy dating back to 3.2 million years ernmost part of the Afar Depres- were excavated. sion that is also known as the Afar Within the Danakil Depression are Triangle. two active volcanoes. Mount Ayalu The Afar Triangle is a geological de- is the westernmost and older of the pression that sits on what is known two volcanoes. It sits at the southern as the Afar Triple Junction which is end of the Danakil Depression. The part of the Great Rift Valley. The Afar other active volcano, is known as Triple Junction is at the crossroads of Erta Ale. It is amongst several crater three nations that include Eritrea to lakes bubbling molten rock from the earth’s core.
Within the Danakil Depression is WITHIN THE DANAKIL Dallol, which is today the hottest place on earth that is inhabited by DEPRESSION IS DALLOL, WHICH human beings. Average temperatures are as high as 35 degrees Celsius. IS TODAY THE HOTTEST PLACE The temperatures in Dallol drop to ON EARTH THAT IS INHABITED a low of 25 degrees Celsius during the rainy season between September BY HUMAN BEINGS and March. These are the best times for people to visit. However, the tem- peratures in Dallol climb to as high of up to 50 degrees Celsius during the dry season that runs from March to the north, Djibouti to the west and, September. to the south, the entire Afar Region in northern Ethiopia. And lying at an altitude of 300 feet below sea level that further extends The Afar Region is often referred to to 512 feet below sea level, the Dan- as the cradle of hominids as it is in akil Depression is the lowest places this region that the skeleton parts of on the planet.
55 www.tourismethiopia.org www.tourismethiopia.com 55 Ethiopia Tourism Guide Ethiopia is a land full of ancient history and great tales of ancient kingdoms and religious sites that still stand today. A land where early man first walked on two legs; a land of diverse cultural traditions.
Ethiopia also boasts some of the most unique flora and fauna, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Come explore our vast country and experi- ence Ethiopia like you have never experi- tourism enced it before. ETHIOPIA TOURISM ORGANIZATION
Ethiopia awaits you. [email protected] www.tourismethiopia.org 57 www.tourismethiopia.org ValleyTribes he Ancient African Tribes in the world. tribe as well as to prove their brav- that inhabit the Lower ery in battle for having slayed the Many of these tribespeople are enemy or a dangerous wild animal TOmo Valley in south- agro-pastoralists which means they that threatened their cattle. western Ethiopia, south-eastern grow food crops and keep cattle as South Sudan and the Lake well. IMPRESS VISITORS Turkana basin in northern Kenya These communities choose to live are, by far, some of the most And just recently, this tapestry of by the banks of the Omo River and unique tribal people in the world colours is also used to impress visi- the Lake Turkana basin during the tors coming to the Omo Valley to today. harsh dry seasons before moving The Omo Valley sits within the into the lush grasslands during the Great Rift Valley that cuts across rainy season. from northern Ethiopia through WHAT IS STRIKING ABOUT THE COLOURFUL BODY ART to Kenya, Ethiopia’s southern TRIBESPEOPLE OF THE OMO VALLEY IS neighbour. What is striking about the tribe- THE MYRIAD OF COLOURS THEY WEAR ON speople of the Omo Valley is the THEIR BODIES IN FORM OF COLOURFUL CULTURAL HERITAGE AND myriad of colours they wear on DIVERSITY their bodies in form of colourful BEADWORKS, ANIMAL FEATHERS AND These are a people that have beadworks, animal feathers and EVEN BODY ART become famous for their cultural even body art. heritage and diversity. These colourful decorations are tribal customs that are not only These indigenous tribal group- experience the people and cultures meant to mark or cerebrate a tribal ings, with a total population of of the Omo Valley tribespeople. about 500,000 people, have had ritual or tradition, but are also their traditional cultures remain meant to designate position within Explore Ethiopia highlights some almost intact, even as globaliza- the tribal community. of these tribal communities that reside within the expansive Omo tion continues to spread across all The decorations are also used to at- Valley in southern Ethiopia. four corners of the world including tract members of the opposite sex, some of the most remote locations to associate with family or their
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 58 HAMAR
The Hamar people are some of the most well-known tribes from the Omo Valley.
They live along the eastern terri- tory of the Omo River in villages called Turmi and Dimeka.
BULL-JUMPING
One of their most important and famous cultural traditions is the leaping ceremony that is a rite of passage for young Hamar boys into adulthood. The young lad is required to jump over bulls as the entire village cheers him on.
The Hamar people are tradition- ally cattle herders and they also practice some form of agricul- ture.
They wear very colourful brace- lets arms as well as colourful beads on their heads and around the hips for women. Married women wear circular wedge necklaces to show their status.
BODY ART
Body art is also important for the Hamar tribe. They cut their bodies and rub ash and charcoal into the fresh wound that creates decorative permanent prints in their bodies when it heals.
Hamer men paint their bod- ies with white chalk during traditional ceremonies and they also wear hair ornaments as an indication of their bravery.
The ornaments on their heads represent a kill of an enemy or dangerous animal.
59 www.tourismethiopia.org KONSO
The Konso people live in an isolated region within the Omo River Valley. Since the Konso people live within a hardship area, their vil- lages are fortified by a stone wall used as a defensive barrier.
The Konso people live within groups of com- munities whereby each community has a main hut.
ALLEYWAYS
Entry into Konso communities has to be through a main gate and into a maze of al- leyways. The alleyways are incorporated into the overall design of the communal village set up as a security measure that makes it dif- ficult for enemy warriors to gain access into the village.
The Konso people are mixed agriculturists. They are known to grow crops even though the lands in which they live in are dry and infertile.
They use animal dung from their cattle to fer- tilize the grounds on which they mainly grow sorghum. They use the sorghum as a flour for their meals and to also brew local beer. They also grow grains such as beans and maize.
GENERATION POLES
According to Konso tradition, they have erect stone walls and poles around their commu- nal villages in a traditional ceremony that is marked every 18 years.
This is the ceremony that also marks the start of a new generation within their tribal community. By counting the number of generation poles in any Konso village, one is able to determine the age of the said village. The erection of stones and poles is part of the Konso tradition.
The Konso mark their graves by placing carved wooden statues on top of the grave. They call these wooden markers Waga.
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 60 THE AFAR
The Afar people who are also known this area. The Afar are traditionally as the Danakil, are an ethnic group nomadic pastoralists, although some found in the Horn of Africa region, but coastal Afar are fishermen. primarily live within the Afar Region Traditionally, the Afar were divided into in northern Ethiopia. They are known two classes, the Asayahamara (the red as the Adal in Amharic. Adal was the ones) or nobles, and the Adoyahmara name of an ancient Muslim empire that (the white ones) or the commoners. almost defeated the old Abyssinian The colour designations are thought to Empire at one time. However, the Afar have come from the reddish soil deserts call themselves The Afar people with the inland from where the Asayahamara title Afar meaning The Best or The First came from and the white saline coastal in the Afar Language. areas where the where the Adoyahmara The Afar are also found across the bor- habited. der in northern Djibouti and in Eritrea. However, larger populations of the Afar CUSTOMS are found in Ethiopia. Afar women run the home and set- The Afar people speak the Afar language tlement and set up the houses, which which is an eastern Cushitic version they carry on camels when they move. of the Afro-Asiatic family. The Afar Women milk the goats and make butter language is closely related to Saho in or ghee. They are also the musicians in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and more distantly the tribe. related to the Somali and Oromo groups Marriage in this community has a pref- of languages. erence of first cousin, as is also common ARABIAN ROOTS amongst Semitic peoples. The women are usually bare-breasted, The Afar are neighbours with other which is an unusual tradition for pro- communities that include the Esa fessed Muslim peoples. The Afar also Somali, Ittu, and Enia Galla to the south; practice infibrilation, a form of female the Wallo, Yaju, and Raya Galla to the genital mutilation (FGM) that is mainly west; and the Saho to the northwest. practiced by other Cushitic and some The Afar are believed to have Arabian Bantu communities across the region. roots and the name “Danakil” which Infibrilation is a tradition that involves first appeared in the writings of 13th the sewing together of the female vulva. Century Arab geographers is derived The Afar boys undergo male circumci- from the Ankala tribe from the Buri sion upon coming of age. Peninsula. The major economic activity in the The land inhabited by the Afar is ex- region aside from nomadism is salt tremely arid and barren, consisting of mining in the Danakil Depression. The stone and sand desert interspersed with Afar trade the salt with the Yemenis salt lakes and lava streams. The Danakil across the Red Sea Strait or with other Depression, said to be the hottest and Ethiopian communities for grain. lowest point on earth is found within
61 www.tourismethiopia.org EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 62 FEEL THE BEAT AT THE GODFATHER OF JAZZAMBA ETHIO-JAZZ
s the tropical sun sets in including traditional Ethiopian mu- ulatu Astatke is a break perfectly well. the horizon and day gives sic, but the tilt is towards all forms of musician par excellence. The track fades into the second Jazz including Ethio-Jazz. The name Away to night, it makes the MApart from performing titled Gamo. The track is little bit Jazzamaba means Jazz fortress – and dawn of yet another fun evening at sell-out venues. Mulatu has no more upbeat and incorporates a jazz music, and more so Ethio-jazz, full of entertainment and merry doubt been able to achieve what stellar performance from Tesfaye, an could call Jazzamba a safe sanctuary. in the bustling Piassa District in most musicians can only dream of upcoming artist with an Ethiopian Addis Ababa. The jazz scene in Addis Ababa is vi- – inventing what has now become background. brant and is continuously evolving as and iconic music genre popularly The Taitu Hotel just down the road Surma is a favourite. Its performance it is punctuated by numerous acts by from the main Piassa thoroughfare known as Ethio-Jazz. includes Fatoumata Diawara, a many local and international artists comes to life as patrons gather singer from the West-African nation who perform on a regular basis. Ethio-Jazz was born in the 1970s around the tables of the restaurant when Mulatu created a fusion of of Mali, whose beautiful voice seam- getting ready not only for dinner but Aside from the Jazzamba, there are western jazz music with the tra- lessly rides the Afro-funk beats that also for an eventful night life. numerous other spots scattered all ditional sounds and instruments give the song, especially, a fresh but across Addis where equally enter- unique Eastern Africa-West African The Jazzamba Lounge situated at of Ethiopia. For those who have taining jazz performances can be sync that is so pleasing to the ear. the Taitu Hotel is the venue for the watched him perform or listened to sampled. However, Jazzamba re- evening entertainment. It comes to his music, they appreciate not only mains one of the premier locations to THE BIRTH OF ETHIO JAZZ life as live music plays every night the originality of the music, but also enjoy an entertaining evening in the of the week at the lounge. For many, the rich, deep beats that come with Mulatu became the first African stu- old town centre of Addis Ababa. This Jazzamba Lounge is the premiere Ethio-Jazz. dent to join the prestigious Berklee is where the music scene in Addis music venue in Addis as it offers a College in Boston, Massachusetts took root and flourished between the Though he is now in his 70s, Mulatu wide range of musical performances in 1963. Returning to his native 1950s and the 1970s. has not been sitting on his laurels. He both from local and international recently released a new album titled: Ethiopia in 1969, Mulatu had already music artists. Sketches of Ethiopia. The album is gained a wealth of experience and released under the international knowledge in music. MUSIC GENRES label Jazz Village. He found a vibrant night-life scene in Here, various music Addis Ababa and decided to experi- Alexis Maryon Alexis genres are played. © SKETCHES OF ETHIOPIA ment by blending local music, which These include popular In Sketches of Ethiopia, Mulatu leads had a heavy, mystical middle-eastern Ethiopian traditional a 12-piece team of London-based sounding of the Ethiopian penta- music even though jazz musicians through the sounds tonic scale, with western music. This most of the music of his signature Ethio-jazz music, a was the birth of Ethio Jazz. gravitates towards blend of sounds, spaces and moods. With the spread of his across the jazz that also includes A number of Ethiopian traditional world, Mulatu has gone on to receive the now popular instruments such as the masinko, a number of accolades and awards Ethio-jazz which is a krar, and washint jam and blend from various institutions. Today, blend of contemporary splendidly well with the traditional younger audiences and musicians jazz synched with western jazz instruments such as the have taken to him too. His his music traditional Ethiopian piano, bass and the saxophone. can be found as samples on tracks percussion beats. Azmari is the first track in this new from various hip-hop artists such as Jazzamba is quite album. It quite literally kicks off with K’naan and Nas. literally the hallowed MULATU an intense energy that is echoed in ground of Ethiopian jazz melodies coming from various music. It features dif- ASTATKE musical instruments in the assembly. ferent genres of music The melodies play, crescendo and
63 www.tourismethiopia.org ETHIOPIAN TOUR OPERATORS
13 SUNS TOURS ABEBA TOURS ETHIOPIA Fax: 011-6180844 ALLIGAN TRAVEL PLC Address: 25450 Address: 17447 Email: [email protected] Address: 8249 Tel.: 011-1233460,011-1239926, Tel.: 011-5159530/31 Website: www.adonaytour.com Tel.: 011-5547548 Mobile: 0911-689828, 0911- 616383 Mobile: 0911-609673,0911-232482, www.etiopia-turism-adonay.com Mobile: 0911-950402 Fax: 011-1239926 Fax: 011515-95-30 www.aethiopienreisen-adonay.com Fax: 011-5547549 Email: [email protected] Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.alligantravel.com Website: www.13suns.com Website: ADVANCE TOUR AND TRAVEL www.abebatoursethiopia.com AGENCY (GWP TRADING PLC) Address: 30065 ALPHA TOUR AND TRAVEL 5M TOUR OPERATION Tel.: 011- 6 635219 AGENCY Tel.: 011-6625784, ABYSSINIAN TOURS & TRAVEL Mobile: 0911-229500 Address: 21481 Mobile: 0911517620 Address: 100359 Fax: 011-4423902 Tel.: 0115-543999,0116-514041 Fax: 0116-62-57-84 Tel.: 011-5519293 Email: Mobile: 0911-210537 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-203013 [email protected] Fax: 0115543999 Website: www.5mtour.com Fax: 011-5519217 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: Website: www.advancetour.com [email protected] A [email protected] Website: Website: www.abyssiniantours.com www.alphatours.netfirms.com AE ALEMET-ETHIOPIA IMPORT & AB-ASTMAY ORIGINS ETHIOPIA TOUR TOURS ADIKA TOUR & TRAVEL P.L.C. AL-SENEDI TRAVEL AND TOUR PLC Address: 1819/1110 Address: 60220 Address: 23251/1000 Tel.: 011-6622595 Address: 9645 0116-620438/41, Tel.: 011-6189883-85 Tel.: 0112-770081/82 Tel.: Mobile: 0911-245652, 0911-202046 Mobile: 0911-346039,0911-516028 Mobile: 0911-517620 0911-408292 Mobile: 0911-206180, 0911-222834 0116-620437 Fax: 011-6188475 Fax: 0112770079 Fax: Email: Fax: 0116622597 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] tour@adikatourand travel.com Website: www.senictour.com Website: [email protected] ABBA TOUR AND TRAVEL P.L.C. www.adikatourand travel.com Website: Address: 10417 www.alemetethiopiatour.com AMRAN ETHIOPIA TOUR AND Tel: 011-5526600,011-5526555, ADONAY ETHIOPIA TOURS & TRAVEL 011-5526999 AFRO GLOBALE TOUR & TRAVEL Address: 26177 Mobile: 0911-213777, 0911-206600 TRAVEL PLC Tel.: 0118-590175, 0118-590176 Fax: 011-5527799 Address: 3714/2812 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel.: 011-6632625 Address: 26443 Tel.: 011-6633444 [email protected] Website: www.abbatravel.net Mobile: 0911-613012, 0911-514000, www.amranethiopia.com 0911-514040 Mobile: 0911-203290, 0911-522231 Website: Fax: 0116627592 Email: [email protected] ASHENGE TOUR AND TRAVEL Website: www.afroglobaltour.com Address: 17834 Mobile: 0911-187002,0913-499424 AKMBALO TOUR Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-687534 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.ashengetours.com Website: www.akmbalotours.com ATEETEE TRAVEL AND TOUR PLC Address: 13385 AL-EMAAR TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC Tel.: 0116-629557 Address: 183560 Mobile: 0911-366465 Tel.: 0115-158204 Fax: 0116629576 Mobile: 0911- 314034,0921-624211 Email: Fax: 0115158148 [email protected] Email: obdu342009@alemaartour. Website: com www.ateeteeethiopiatour.com Website: www.alemaartour.com AVA TOURS OPERATORS PLC AFRICAN ADVENTUR TOURS Address: 19405 Address: 59314 Tel.: 0116-616343 Tel.: 0114-424343,0114-424294 Mobile: 0922- 785817,0911-668600 Mobile: 0911-982718 Fax: 0116-61-64-08 Fax: 0114424247 Email: [email protected] Email: Website: www.travels-ethiopia.com [email protected] Website: AVOLA TOUR AND TRAVEL www.africanadventures .net Tel.: 011-1560062 Mobile: 0911-209914/15,0911-505811 AKIA TRAVEL AGANCY Fax: 011-111-79-04 Address: 832 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116-631541 Website: www.avolatours.com Mobile: 0911-513892 Fax: 0116631542 AWQASH TOUR AND TRAVEL Email: [email protected] Website: AGENCY www.akiaethiopiatour.com Address: 23455
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 64 Tel.: 0111-577302/03 BESHALE TOUR & TRAVEL Tel.: 011-8606262 [email protected] Mobile: 0911-209412, 0911-646659 Tel.: 0116-478145 Mobile: 0911-200471 Fax: 0111-57-73-05 Mobile: 0911-201124,0911-435556 Fax: 011-5508313 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0116-478189 Email: [email protected] DINKNESH ETHIOPIA TOUR Website: www.awqashtravel.com Email: Website: www.checkinethiopia.com Buska Lodge [email protected] Address: 26563 Website: Tel.: 011-1567837-39 AYNAGE TOUR OPERATION www.beshaletourandtravel.com CHORRA TOURS Mobile: 091-1204227,091-1614797 Tel.: 0111-578751 Tel.: 0118-608903 Fax: 011-1567840,011-1567841 Mobile: 0911-505961 Mobile: 0912-912305 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0111578751 BEST TRAVEL AND TOURS PLC Fax: 0116464043 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Address: 19804 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ethiopiatravel.com Website: www.touraynage.com Tel.: 011-5513766,011-5505568 [email protected] www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com 011-6635111,011-6635112/3 Website: www.chorra-tours.com Fax: 0115505567, 0116635114 B Email: [email protected] DISCOVER ABYSSINIA TOURS [email protected] CLASSIC ETHIOPIA TOURS Address: 6454/1253 Website: Address: 674/1250 Tel.: 011-6637820 BATI TOUR AND TRAVEL (MENKEM www.bestethiopiantours.com Tel.: 0115-549282/4 Mobile: 0911-236659,0911-690356 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PLC) Mobile: 0911-230838 Fax: 011-6 637821 Address: 1185 Fax: 0115-549283 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116-611273 BITANYA TOUR & TRAVEL PLC. Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-516182 Address: 2099 [email protected] Website: www.dabyssinia.com Fax: 0116189140 Tel.: 0114-169002 Website: Mobile: 0911-526543 www.classicethiopiatours.com Email: [email protected] DUKA TRAVEL, TOURS AND [email protected] Fax: 0114169005 Website: www.zionethiopia.com Email: [email protected] LODGES S.C. Website: D Address: 23815 www.bitanyatourtravel.com Tel.: 0116-621690-2 BEGA TOUR OPERATION Mobile: 0912 602671 Address: 55391 D.M.T TOUR TRAVEL & CAR REAT Fax: 011 5 517266 Tel.: 0112-759079 BON TOUR OPERATION PLC Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-207808 Address: 32178 Address: 120571 [email protected] Fax: 0112759080 Tel.: 0118-602662 Mobile: 0911-234873,0911-207764 Website: Email: Email: [email protected] Fax: 0114673592 www.dukatravelandtour.com [email protected] Website: www.bonethiopia.com Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.dmtethiopiatour.com Website: BRC BUDGET CAR AND RENT & E www.begatoursethiopia.com TOUR DANAY TOUR AND TRAVEL Address: 25747 AGENCY PLC ELMES TOUR & TRAVEL PLC BEKELE MOLLA TOUR & TRAVEL Tel.: 0116-611924/22 Address: 121776 Tel.: 011-6610140/41 Address: 1349 Mobile: 0911-513708,0910-288632 Tel.: 0116-629717 Mobile: 0911-522727 Tel.: 011-5514601,011-5505119 Fax: 0116-611923 Mobile: 0911-158015,0911-204371 Fax: 0116610142 011-5518223 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0114421878 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-202533 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.elmestour.com Fax: 011-5521735,011-6627163 [email protected] Website: www.danaytour.com Email: [email protected] Website: Website: www.brcbudget.com ELMI TOUR OPERATION www.bekelemollahotels.com www.brcbudgetethiopia.com DAWE EMEDE TRAVEL AND TOUR Address: 1628 Tel.: 011-5547191 AGENCEY Mobile: 0911-512439 BELL ABYSSINIA TOURS PLC BUZE TOUR OPERATOR AND Address: 2994 Fax: 011-5547192 Address: 100496 Tel.: 011-1557545/47 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-22-38-59,0911-41-08-54 TRAVEL Mobile: 091-1204625,091-1232095 [email protected] 0911-55-02-31,0912-958436 Address: 1098/1250 Fax: 011-1561167 Website: Fax: 0116-45-36-92 Tel.: 011-4672398 Email: [email protected] www.elmitourethiopia.com Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-514576 [email protected] Website: www.bellaabyssinia.com Fax: 011-4672397 Website: www.daweemede.com Email: [email protected] EFOY TOUR & TRAVEL PLC [email protected] Mobile: 0911-519026 BELEMA TOUR OPERATOR (BTO) Website: www.buzetravel.com DADO TOUR & TRAVEL AGENCEY Fax: 0118-608584 Tel.: 0116-187871 PLC Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-204828,0911-555363 C Address: 3296 [email protected] Fax: 0116187885 Tel.: 0114-674262 Website: Email: [email protected] CARAVAN TRAVEL & TOUR Fax: 0114674267 www.efoyethiopiatour.com Website: www.belematour.com Email: [email protected] AGENCY [email protected] Address: 1348 EMAMUZ INTERNATIONAL BEN TRAVEL TOUR & CARGO PLC Website: Tel.: 011- 276 6740,011-276 6745-7 www.dadotrourethiopia.com TRAVEL AND TOUR P.L.C. Address: 3267/1250 011-1112975 Address: 24518 Tel.: 011-6636725/26,011-6635339 Mobile: 0911-204044,0911-652426 Tel.: 0115-509476 Mobile: 091-1207634,0911-111114 Fax: 011- 155 36 56 DESIRE TOURS TRAVEL & TRADE Mobile: 0911-207059,0911-513316 Fax: 0116635339 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0115519476 Email: [email protected] PLC Website: www.caravantravels.info Address: 8975 Email: [email protected] Website: [email protected] www.bentravelandtourethiopia. Mobile: 0911-208449, 0911-690810 com CHECK IN TOUR & TRAVEL PLC Fax: 0116-638494,0116610112 Website: Address: 120025 Email: [email protected] www.emamuztoursethiopia.com
65 www.tourismethiopia.org Tel.: 0115-157990,0115-544635/6 Mobile: 091 1-228887,0911- 630424 G Email: [email protected] Website: GEBREAL TOUR PLC www.ethiopianquadrants.com Address: 40467 Tel.: 011-6515288,011-6634645 Mobile: 0911-242641,0911-500551 ETHIOPIAN RIFT VALLEY SAFARIS Fax: 011-6182766 Address: 3658 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0111-552128/78,0111-551127 [email protected] 0111-552140 Website: www.gebtours.com Mobile: 0913-352599 Fax: 011-1550298 Email: [email protected] GHION TRAVEL & TOURS P.L.C. Website: Address: 25504/1000 www.ethiopianriftvalleysafaris.com Tel.: 011-5505566,011-5505657 Mobile: 091-1201225 Fax: 011-5505656,011-2794770 EVER GREEN TOUR OPERATION Email: [email protected] PLC [email protected] Address: 2644 Website: www.ghiontour.com Tel.: 0118-604690 Mobile: 0911-524428 GIZE TOUR AND TRAVAEL PLC Email: [email protected] Address: 12945 [email protected] Tel.: 0115528080,0115535053 Website: www.evergreentouret.com Mobile: 0911-201001,0911-227271 Fax: 0115528585 EXPERIENCE ETHIOPIA TRAVEL Email: [email protected] Website: www.gizetravel.com AGENCY Address: 9354 Tel.: 0115-152336,0115-519291 GLOBAL NOMAD TRAVEL 0115-530809 ETHIOPIA Mobile: 0911-214978 Address: 3160/1250 Fax: 011-5519982 Tel.: 0114160625 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911716775 [email protected] Fax: 0114160626 EMPIRE TOUR PLC TRAVEL AGENCY PLC Website: www.ethionet.net.et Email: [email protected] Address: 6797 Address: 28913 www.experienceethiopia.com Tel.: 0116-638526 Tel.: 0116-463257,0116-299863 [email protected] Mobile: 0911-213093 Fax: 011-5504421 Website: www.globalnomad.net Fax: 0118-604050,0116638527 Email: [email protected] F Email: GRAND HOLIDAY ETHIOPIA [email protected] Address: 23908/1000 [email protected] ETHIO GUZO TOUR AND TRAVEL F.K EXPLORER ETHIOPIA TRAVEL & Tel.: 011-6464972 Website: PLC TOURS PLC Mobile: 0911-428006 www.empiretourethio.com Address: 846/1250 Address: 23556/1000 Fax: 0116183163,0115183166 Tel.: 0116-534822 Tel.: 0116-299935,0116-513778/64 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-478058 Mobile: 0911-214425 Website: ERGIB BER TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC Email: [email protected] Address: 2206/1250 Fax: 0116-450889/90,011-6299936 www.grandholidaysethiopia.com [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0118402261 Website: www.ethioguz.com Mobile: 0911241769 Website: GRANT EXPRESS TRAVEL AND Fax: 0118402262 www.explorerethiopia.com Email: [email protected] ETHIO LAND TOUR OPERATORS TOUR SERVICES PLC (GETTS) Website: www.ergib-ber.com.et Address: 42662 Address: 2249/1250 FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL & TOUR Tel.: 011-5534379,011-5534678 Tel.: 0116-510827/28 Address: 2856 Mobile: 0911-233289 ESSAYAS ASMELASH (HI-AS) TOUR Mobile: 0911-229816 Tel.: 011- 6613121,011-6613616 Fax: 011553-43-95 Fax: 0116512377 Mobile: 091-1207464 Email: [email protected] AND TRAVEL Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-6615500,011-6613616 Website: www.getts.com.et Address: 11852 Website: www.ethio-land.com Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911204719,0911219564 [email protected] Fax: 0115547980 Website: www.fstatours.com GREEN LAND TOURS & TRAVEL Email: [email protected] ETHIO NATIONAL TOUR & TRAVEL Address: 19018 Website: www.hi-as.tour.com OPERATOR Tel.: 0116-299252/53,0116-295582 Address: 26240 FOUR WINDS TRAVEL & TOUR Mobile: 0911-203614,0911-236575 ETHIO DER TOUR & TRAVEL PLC Tel.: 0115-526622,0115-518400 AGENCY Fax: 0116299259,0116632595 Mobile: 0911-207095 Address: 28281 0116622691 Address: 102126 Fax: 011-5526623 Tel.: 011 1 5711 57,011-6550760 Tel.: 011 1 575052/54 Email: Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911 236377,0911 509220 [email protected] Mobile: 091-1218180 [email protected] Fax: 011-1552643 Fax: 0111571286 [email protected] Website: Email: [email protected] [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.ethiopiatourandtravel.com Website: www.ethioder.com [email protected] Website: [email protected] www.greenlandethiopia.com ETHIOPIAN QUADRANTS PLC Website: www.fourwindstour.com www.greenlandhotelsgroup.com ETHIO-FIN TOUR OPERATOR & Address: 1021/1250 www.greenlandinafrica.com
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 66 H
HABESHA TOURS & TRAVEL Address: 2493 Tel.: 011-4671416,011-4670668 Mobile: 0911-230852 Fax: 011-4670667 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.habeshatour.com www.habeshatours.com
HADAR TOURS PLC Address: 32266 Tel.: 011-1247999,011-1248267 Mobile: 0911-210228,0911-405206 Fax: 011-5540499 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ourorigin-hadar.com
HAPPY NATION TOURS Address: 41890 Tel.: 011-5155236 Mobile: 091-1212538 Fax: 0115-547937, 011-5155236 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.happynationtour.com
HAWK ETHIOPIA PLC Mobile: 0911-215119,0911-641118 Address: 25035 Website: Mekelle, Ethiopia Fax: 011-5158668,011-5519601 Tel.: 0114- 673395 www.kawusertourethiopia.com Tel.: 034-8400687,034-8400210 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911 -204591 Mobile: 0912- 890236,0914-300536 [email protected] Fax: 0114673372 Fax: 0344-408472 Website: www.horizontourset.com Email: [email protected] KAMAK TOUR OPERATION & CAR Email: [email protected] www.horizonethiopiatours.habesha.net Website: www.interaman.com RENT PVT.LTD.CO. [email protected] Tel.: 0116-611567 [email protected] Mobile: 0911-211560,0922-655600 Website: I J Fax: 0116611375 www.hawkethiopiatour.com.et Email: [email protected] [email protected] ILAMO-THE EXPRESS TRAVEL JACARANDA TOURS Website: www.kamaktour.com HESS TRAVEL ETHIOPIA GROUP Address: 170082 Address: 17596 Address: 1688 Tel.: 0116-628625,0116-623996 Tel.: 0116-182200,0116-182223-25 Tel.: 011-5526670/80 Mobile: 0911-255435 KIBRAN TOUR & TRAVEL Mobile: 0911-203765,0911-242863 Mobile: 0911-630779 Fax: 011-662-79-54 Address: 15475 Fax: 011-6613106,011-1550619 Fax: 0115-504021,011-5510655 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116-626214/15/17,0116-634427 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.jacarandatours.net Mobile: 0911-225741,0911-469087 [email protected] Fax: 011-6626216 Website: Email: [email protected] www.hesstravelethiopia.com IMAGE ETHIOPIA TOURS JANBO TOUR,TRAVEL &CAR RENT Website: www.kibrantours.com Address: 2137/1250 Mobile: 0911-514850,0911-303982 www.kibranadventures.com Tel.: 0115-549265-67 Fax: 0115523064 HILALA TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC Mobile: 0911-699473 Email: [email protected] Address: 26086 Fax: 011-554-92-68 Website: www.Janbotour.com KURAT ETHIOPIA TOURS & Tel.: 0113-710028/29 Email: [email protected] TRAVEL AGENT Fax: 0113710032 Website: www.imageethiopia.com Address: 45092 Email: [email protected] K Tel.: 0115-151850 Website: www.hilalatour.com Mobile: 0911-205184 INSIGHT ETHIOPIA TOURS 0115151847 424/1250 KADANUUMUU TOUR Fax: HORA TOUR & CAR RENT Address: Address: 26609 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116-611151,0116-623996 Website: www.kuratethiopia.com Address: 24121 Mobile: 0911-208598 Tel.: 0115-522423 Mobile: 0911-212792,0911-814753 Fax: 0116611153 Mobile: 0911-241424 Email: [email protected] Email: Fax: 0115522829 KOKET TOUR Website: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0113-729777 www.horaethiopiatour.com [email protected] Website: www.kadantourtravel.com Mobile: 0911-227935,0911-897560 [email protected] Fax: 0113-72-99-22 HORIZON ETHIOPIA TOUR & Website: KAWUSER TOUR AND TRAVEL Email: [email protected] www.insightethiopiatours.com TAVEL P.L.C Tel.: 0115-527684/97 Website: Address: 17057 Fax: 0115527873 www.koketethiopiatour.com Tel.: 011-5521605 INTER-AMAN PLC Email: [email protected]
67 www.tourismethiopia.org Website: www.travellalibela.com Email: Address: 25280 L [email protected] Mobile: 0911-201927,0911- 479977 Website: 0911- 201168 LAMBADINA TOUR LAKE TANA TOUR PLC [email protected] Fax: 011-6467036 Address: 43210 Email: [email protected] Address: 25130/1000 Tel.: 0116-624536,0116-635533 Tel.: 0115-150012 [email protected] 0116-543017 Website: www.metourethiopia.com Mobile: 0911-512323,0911-515876 Mobile: 0911-506070 M Fax: 011-515-00-56 Fax: 0116-62-32-80 Email: Email: [email protected] MARANATA TOUR & TRAVEL MEDIR TOUR OPERATOR [email protected] Website: www.lambatour.com Address: 2545 Website: www.laketanatour.com AGENCY 25548 Tel.: 0116-632888,0116-632889/90 Address: Mobile: 0911-679279 LATERRED ETHIOPIE TOUR Tel.: 011-1563954 LAL TOUR OPERATION LAL HOTEL Mobile: 091-1204832 Fax: 011-6632880 Address: 62964 OPERATOR Fax: 011-1563963 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116-626586,0116-623731 Address: 21229 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Mobile: 0911-212755 Mobile: 0912-426742,0912-386381 [email protected] Fax: 0116-623731 Fax: 0118-603879 Website: www.medirtour.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] MAZ ETHIOPIA TOUR OPERATION Website: Website: Yabelo Lodge MELKAM TOURS & GUEST HOUSE www.lalhotelsandltours.com www.la_terre_d_ethiopie.com Address: 56/1110 Tel.: 0114-650271,0114-164550 SERVICE Mobile: 0911-113063 Address: 3074/1250 LALIBELA TRAVEL & TOUR P.L.C. Fax: 0114650271 Tel.: 011-6181437 Address: 2590 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0913-300392 Tel.: 0115-53 3799,0115-51 4403 LEOLA TOUR & TRAVEL [email protected] Fax: 011-6181438 Mobile: 0911-201449 Address: 13332 Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-5510097 Website: www.melkamtours.com.et Tel.: 0116-478929 ME TOUR & TRAVEL PLC Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-221402 [email protected] (Azeb & Abate Family Trading) Fax: 0116-474840 MESERET GOSHU TOUR SERVICE Mobile: 0911-647705,0911-417233 Fax: 0118-300245 Email: [email protected] Website: www.meserettouryehahotel .com
MEMORIES TOUR OPERATORS P.L.C. Address: 55781 Tel.: 011-5525729,011-6555078 Mobile: 091-1203977 Fax: 011-5525729 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.memoriestour.com
MEROB LAND TOUR& TRAVEL Address: 25142 Tel.: 0116634749 Mobile: 0911245976 Email: [email protected] Website: www.merobland.com
M.J. TOUR OPERATION &TRAVEL AGENT Tel.: 011 5 549377 Mobile: 0911 237001,0911 207798 Fax: 011 5 549346 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mjtouroperation.com.et
MARAKE TRAVEL & TOUR Address: 1059 Tel.: 0116-638763 Mobile: 0911-221553 Fax: 011 6 616282 Email: [email protected] Websites: www.maraketour.com
MONPAYS TOURS Address: 27687 Tel.: 011-655-41-95
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 68 Mobile: 0911-406238 Tel.: 0116-526650 Website: Tel.: 0113-713916 Fax: 011655-41-95 Mobile: 0911-692494, 0911-513264 www.rainbowtravelplc.com Mobile: 0911-207310 Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-662-13-83 www.midroc-ethiotechgroup.com Fax: 0113726293 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.ethiopievoyage.net Website: www.tourtoethiopia.com RAMIDUS ETHIOPIA TOUR AND TRAVEL SECRET TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC MULLEGE TOUR OPERATION AND OMO TOURS AND CAR RENT ( Address: 25003 Address: 10583 TRAVEL AGENCY (PLC) PARADISE LODGE) Tel.: 0116-632190/5 0911-247901 Mobile: 0911-223515,0911-981800 Tel.: 0114-425938 Tel.: 0115-525511 Mobile: 0911-225635,0911-691845 Fax: 0118605050 Mobile: 0911-208361,0913-325846 Mobile: 0911-204592 Fax: 011 6 632195,011 6 632190 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0114425947 Fax: 011552-5512 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ethiosecrettour.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: info@[email protected] www.ramidusethiopiatour..com SELAM INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL Website: www.omotours.com AND TOURS N RED JACKAL TOURS Address: 30208 ONE STOP TOURISM (ETHIOPIA) Address: 28529 Tel.: 0116-298203 NATIONAL TOUR OPERATIONS GASHEM TOUR Tel.: 0111-560559,0111-559915 Mobile: 0911-243197,0911-232946 ENTERPRISE (NTO) Address: 13178 Mobile: 0911-215789 0911-616165 Address: 5709 Tel.: 0115-157557,0115-509033 Fax: 011-1553467 Fax: 0116-298233 Tel.: 011-5514838,011-5512514 Mobile: 0911-201239 Email: [email protected] Email: 011-5512923 Fax: 011-5514722 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: 011-5517688 Email: [email protected] Website: www.redjackal.net [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Email: Website: www.selamtours.com Website: www.nto.com.et Website: www.onestoptour.com.et RIGHT SPOT TRAVEL AND TOUR PLC NETWORK TRAVEL & TOUR 20998 SEARCH TOUR & TRAVEL P Address: Address: 17182 AGENCY PLC Tel.: 0114-674134 0911-514501 Tel.: 0116-630505 Address: 28330 Mobile: Mobile: 0911-234768 011-1562803/04 PANORAMIC ETHIOPIA TOUR Fax: 0114-674135 Tel.: [email protected] Fax: 0116630508 Mobile: 0911-219794/13,0913-292004 OPERATION PLC Email: Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-1552111 Address: 10621 Website: www.rightspottour.com [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116-613515,0116-620700 Website: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-516555 ROCK HEWN TOUR www.searchtourandtravel.com Website: Fax: 0116613512 Address: 27950 www.networktraveltour.com Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0115-157374 [email protected] Mobile: 0911-233715 SHARYEM TOURS Website: Fax: 011-5541535 Address: 24431 NEWLOOK TOUR & TRAVEL www.panoramicethiopiatours.com Mobile: 0911-402905 13203 Email: [email protected] Address: [email protected] Fax: 011-11560788 Tel.: 0114-423230 Email: Mobile: 0911-203496 PARADISE ETHIOPIA TRAVEL Website: www.rockhewntours.com [email protected] Fax: 0114421416 Address: 34520 Website: www.sharyemtours.com Email: Tel.: 0115-513494,0115-528822 ROCKY VALLEY SAFARIS [email protected] 0115-504553 Address: 22867 Website: Mobile: 0911-236092 Tel.: 0115-152462 SHIELD AND SPEAR www.nowlooktravelagency.com Fax: 011-5504556 Mobile: 0911-237685,0911-233736 INTERNATIONAL SAFARI Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-5516408 Address: 59867 Website: NILOTIC ETHIOPIA TOUR Email: [email protected] Tel.: 011-8500607 www.paradiseEthiopia.com Mobile: 0911-209105 Address: 792/1250 www.ethiopianweb.com/pet 0911- 413610,0911- 216663 Fax: 011553-50-60 Mobile: ROOTS TOUR AND TRAVEL Email: [email protected] Email: Address: 100577 [email protected] PATHFINDER TOUR OPERATOR Tel.: 0116-612031/37 Website: Address: 4841 Mobile: 0911-216157 SIMBA TOURS www.nilotictourethiopia.com Tel.: 0115-50 5913,0115-50 5914 Email: [email protected] Address: 28279 Mobile: 0911-217455,0911-175686 Website: www.rootstravel.de Tel.: 011-6622922 0911-605428 Fax: 0111569592 Mobile: 0911-523136 NOBLE CONFERENCE & TOUR PLC Email: [email protected] 25504 Fax: 011662-29-22 Address: [email protected] ROYAL TOUR OPERATION & Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0115-505577,0115-505566 Website: www.ethiopathtour.com.et Mobile: 0911-201225 TRAVEL AGENCY [email protected] Fax: 011-5505656 Address: 180024 Website: Email: Tel.: 0116-614699 www.simbatoursethiopia.com [email protected] R Mobile: 0911-242010,0911-204798 [email protected] 0911-222624 SMILING ETHIOPIA TRAVEL & Website: RAINBOW EXCLUSIVE CAR Fax: 011-6614528 Email: TOURS PLC www.nobleconferencetour.com RENTAL & TOUR SERVICE P.L.C. www.nobleconferenceandtours.com [email protected] Address: 16618 Address: 9254 Website: Tel.: 0115- 158482 Tel.: 0115-513755,0115-150644 www.royaltoursethiopia.com Mobile: 0911-218258,0911-737466 Mobile: 0911-201921 Fax: 011-5150700 O Fax: 011-5515244 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] S [email protected] OFF-ROAD ETHIOPIA TOUR [email protected] Website: Address: 1766 [email protected] SARA YIMER TOUR www.smilingethiopiatravel.com
69 www.tourismethiopia.org SOFOMAR TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC. Fax: 0113729259 Fax: 0116475981,0115158443 YAMA ETHIOPIA TOURS PLC Address: 57631 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Address: 14973 Tel.: 0116-632212,0116-632605 [email protected] [email protected] Tel.: 0116-628710 Mobile: 0911-229513 [email protected] Website: www.ethiotsatour.com Mobile: 0911-620635 Fax: 0116187293 Website: www.tedytour .com Fax: 0116628710 Email: [email protected] Email: Website: www.sofomartour.com V [email protected] TEREFE GETACHEW TOUR AND [email protected] TRAVEL Website: SOLOMON BERHE TOURS Address: 11269 VAST ETHIOPIA TOURS www.yamatoursethiopia.com Address: 1091/1110 Mobile: 0911-070733,0911-238136 Address: 23881 Mobile: 0911- 181051,0911- 148298 Fax: 0115523156 Tel.: 0116- 624997 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0912 -071695 YARED TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC Website: www.solomonberhe.com Website: www.terefetourtravel.com Fax: 0116621293 Address: 936 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116-628710,0464207672 Website: Fax: 0116628710 SOURCE AWASH TOUR AND TERRA INCOGNITA TOURS www.vastethiopiatours.com Email: [email protected]. TRAVEL PLC Address: 110839 Website: www.yaredtour.com Address: 110631 Mobile: 0958-021351,0911-408507 Tel.: 0116-632727 Fax: 0116-184069 VILLAGE ETHIOPIA TOUR & Mobile: 0911-242673 Email: [email protected] TRAVEL YEYOUSH TOUR OPERATION Fax: 011663-00-27 Website: www.terraincethiopia.net Address: 15151 Address: 1059 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0115-523497 Tel.: 0116-638757 [email protected] Mobile: 0911-223003,0911-485454 Mobile: 0911-529726 Website: TIMELESS ETHIOPIA TOUR 0910-856632,0911-536969 Fax: 0116633353 www.sourceawashtours.com Address: 250/1110 Fax: 011-5510200,0111551276 Email: [email protected] Tel.: 011-5546707 0115508869,011-5515166 Website: www.yeyoushtour.com Mobile: 0911-417021,0911-510881 Email: Fax: 011-5546708 SPLENDOR ETHIOPIA TOURS & [email protected] YOD ABYSSINIA TOUR OPERATION TRAVEL Email: [email protected] village.ethiopiatour.com Turmi Lodge [email protected] Website: www.village-ethiopia.net AND TRAVEL AGENT Address: 32116 Website: Tel.: 0116- 614479,0116- 187061 Tel.: 0116-631481 www.timelessethiopia.com Mobile: 0911 -250394,0911-235679 0911-679096,0913-202055 Fax: 0116639827 Mobile: VIVA ETHIOPIA TOUR OPERATION Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-6631480 TIZAZE HAILE TOUR & TRAVEL [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel.: 0116- 260619 Address: 31877 Tel.: 0116-543280 Website: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-735964,0911-232975 www.yodabyssiniatour.com [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-411598,0911-204002 Website: www.splendoreth.com Website: www.tizeze.com Fax: 011-1110036 www.splendor.com.et Email: YUMO TOURS [email protected] Address: 5698 Website: Tel.: 011-5518878,011-5513783 STERLING TRAVEL & TOURS TRAVEL ETHIOPIA www.vivaethiopiatour.com Address: 9100 Mobile: 091-1202395 Tel.: 0115-514666,0115-518705 Address: 9438 Fax: 011-5513451 Mobile: 0911-209300 Tel.: 011-5523165,011-5525478 WONDU TOURS ENTERPRISE Email: [email protected] Fax: 011-5512944 011- 5510200 Address: 26292 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0911-206976,0911-624245 Tel.: 0116-616988 Website: www.yumo.net Website: www.sterlingtravels.net Fax: 011-1551276 Mobile: 0911-239510 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0116-621039,011-6621038 Z Website: www.travelethiopia.com Email: [email protected] STONE AGE TOUR & TRAVEL PLC www.travelethiopia.net [email protected] Address: 11508 www.travelethiopia.com Website: ZAGWE TOUR AND CAR RENTAL Tel.: 0116-187763/73 www.travelethiopia.org www.wondutoursethiopia.com Address: 58143 Mobile: 09115-13912,0913-730573 Tel.: 011-8100025 Fax: 011-6187776 Mobile: 0911-983256 Email: [email protected] T-TAM TRAVEL & TOURS PLC WORLD TRAVEL & TOURS P.L.C. Fax: 0118100025 Website: www.stoneagetour.com Address: 21618 Address: 101515 Email: Tel.: 011-5514055,011-5534216 Tel.: 011-5 534990,011-5534998 [email protected] Mobile: 091-1202691,091-1202577 Mobile: 0911-237609 [email protected] SUMMER TIME TOUR AND TRAVEL Fax: 011-5514529 Fax: 0115 53 50 60 Website: PLC Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.zagweethiopiatour.com [email protected] Website: www.ethiowtt.com Tel.: 0116-464722,0118-606370 Website: www.ttamtours.com Fax: 0116464723,01164664720 ZEST TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC Email: [email protected] WUDNESH ETHIOPIA TOUR AND Website: TT VISION IN AFRICA TOUR, (ZTTA) AWLIE www.summertimetour.com TRAVEL Address: 8971 TRAVEL AND CAR RENTAL Address: 27189 Tel.: 0114-671502 Tel.: 0114-666636 Tel.: 0114- 672440,0114- 672480 Mobile: 0911-407033,0911-514879 Fax: 0114666636 Mobile: 0911- 691845,0911- 624531 0912-071695 T Email: Fax: 011 4 672436 Fax: 0114671500 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: TEDY TOUR & TRAVEL SERVICE Website: www.visionafricatour.com [email protected] [email protected] PLC Website: www.wudneshtour.com.et [email protected] Address: 3901 TSA TOUR AND TRAVEL PLC Website: Tel.: 0113-727016,0116-558582 Address: 458/1110 or 13778 www.zestethiopiatour.com Mobile: 0911-232751,0911-705396 Tel.: 0116- 455166,0116- 451463 Y Mobile: 0911- 406718
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 70 POSTCARDS
SPECTACULAR SHOT: A young boy strikes a pose for the overhead camera as he ploughs the fertile grounds using an ox-drawn plough
71 www.tourismethiopia.org ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND Tel: 0115-51-50-99 /ext/286 Contact Person(s) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Fax: 0115-15 35 28 Ato Assefa Negosa Contact Person(s) Ato Tewodros Girma Ato Haji Ibsa MINISTRY OF LABOUR & SOCIAL Tel: 0115531772 Tel: 0111-55-20-15 AFFAIRS Fax: 0115536325 Fax: 0111551496 / 0111551355 Contact Person(s) Ato Girma sheleme W/ro Emebet Mulu MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT MINISTRY OF FEDERAL AFFAIRS Tel: 0115-51-52-49 0115-50-53-54 Contact Person(s) Contact Person(s) Ato Dereje Tefera Ato Abebe Worku Tel: 0115-51 50 62 Ato Yosefe Yohans MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND Fax:0115-51 56 65 Tel: 0115-153204 /0115510000 TOURISM Fax: 0115512639 / 0115511200 Contact Person(s) Ato Aweqe Tenaw MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE Tel: 011553 8260 Contact Person(s) MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Fax: 0115-51 28 89 Ato Tarquin Tsegie Contact Person(s) Ato Mohammed Shemsu Ato Petros W/giorgis Tel: 0116460746 Ato Abera Abat ETHIOPIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN’S, Fax: 0116460651 Tel: 0111-56-14-94/ 0111-56-55-29/ CHILDREN AND YOUTH AFFAIRS 0111-56-55-36 Contact Person(s) Fax: 011155087 Ato Abey Eframe MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY Ato Solomon Asfaw Contact Person(s) Tel: 011859-01-84 0115-54-56-96 Ato Melaku Taye MINISTRY OF HEALTH Fax: 0116-672243 0115545359/47 Tel: 0115507542 Contact Person(s) Fax: 0115155469 Ato Ahmed emano Ato Tegene regasa MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND Tel: 0115-51-80-31 0115503835 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE Fax: 0115-51 93 66 TECHNOLOGY Contact Person(s) Contact Person(s) Col. Mengistu Feleke Ato Mustefa Abdulsemed Ato Nouredin Bilal Tel: 0115-15 98 17, 0111562327 MINISTRY OF WATER AND ENERGY Fax: 0115-51-88-29 Tel: 0114666141 Contact Person(s) Fax: 0114661469 Ato Bezuneh Tolcha Ato Tameru Mersha Tel: 0116-62-63-24 / 0116625945 FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE MINISTRY MINISTRY OF TRADE Fax: 0116610885 Contact Person(s) Contact Person(s) Ato Mohamed Sead Ato Amakala Yemam Ato Getachew Abdissa Ato Abdoraman Seyed Tel: 0115-52-73-68 /0111- Tel: 0115-50-12-39/0115158803/ MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT 562986/553488 Fax: 0111-55 39 02 0115152690 AND CONSTRUCTION Fax: 0115-51 54 11 /51 42 88 Contact Person(s) Ato Kasahun Gofe Ato Zinabu Tunu MINISTRY OF INFORMATION MINISTRY OF MINES Tel: 0115-15 79 52, 0115-54-12-89 COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Contact Person(s) Contact Person(s) Ato Bacha Fuji Ato Beker Seid Tel: 0116-46-33-62 0116463428 Ato Assefa Haile Fax: 0116-463364 /31 66 MINISTRY OF JUSTICE Tel: 0115-54-33-63 Contact Person(s) Ato Desalyn Terasa
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 72 ETHIOPIAN EMBASSIES ABROAD
EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO Tel: 00233-(0)302-775928, 00233- H.E. Ato Ali Abdo W/ro Mebrat Beyene BELGIUM (0)302-765682 PBX 00234-9-461-8649, 00234-9-461- +4686616325 H.E Dr Amb. kassu Ilala Fax: 00233-(0)302-2776807 8643, 00234-9-461-8641 Tel: 00322-771 32 94 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO Fax: 00322-771 49 14 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO INDIA EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO SWITZERLAND H.E. Dr. Genet Zewdie PUNTLAND H.E Amb Menilik Ale-mu EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO CHINA Tel: 0091 -11- 26119513, 26119514 Co. Asmelash W/Mehiret Tel: (41-22) 919 70 10/16/17 H.E Ato Sey-oum Mesfin Fax: 0091 -11- 26875731 Tel: (002525) 846967 Fax: (41-22) 919 70 29 Tel: (008610)-6532-5258, 6532-5318 / Fax: (0092525) 847148 (008610) 65-32-13-66 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO TURKEY Fax: (008610) 65-32-55-91, 65327904 IRELAND EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO RUSSIA H.E. Mulatu Teshome H.ELelaalem G/Yohannes H.E. Kassa-hun Dender Tel; (90 312) 436 04 00,(60 312)448 19 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO COTE Tel: 003531 6787062, 6787063, 007495-6801616/6801676 27 D’IVOIRE 6787067 007495-6806608 Fax: (90 312) 448 19 38, (90 312) 448 H.E Abdulaz-iz Ahmed Fax: 003531 6787065 1925 Tel: (00-225) 20 21 33 65 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO RSA Fax: 00322-771 49 14 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO ISRAEL H.E Dr Yehsimebrat Mersha, EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO DUBAI H.E. Ato Hi-lawe Yosef Tel: 0027123463542 002712 3464067 Ato Mis-ganaw Argaw EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO CUBA Tel: 972-3- 6397831/2, 5379103 Fax: 0027123463867 Tel: +971-4-..., +971-4-... (Direct) H.E. Amb. Bogale To-lessa 6870289 Fax: 971-4-3516328 Tel: (537) 2069905 or Direct (537) 206 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO 9982 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO ITALY SAUDIARA-BIA_JEDDHA EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO Fax: (537) 206 9907 Mulugeta Alemseged, Ato Merwan Bedri UGANDA Tel: 0039 (06) 44 161 61, 0039 (06) 44 Tel: 009662-6653444,6653320, H.E Ato Degife Bula EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO 161 31, 0039 (06) 44 161 302, 0039 (06) 6653622 Tel: 00256-41-348340/41-341881 44 161 349, 0039 (06) 44 161 306, 0039 DJIBOUTI Fax: 009662- 6653443 Fax: 00256 414 341885 (06) 44 161 311, 0039 (06) 44 161 6300 H.E. Suleiman Dedefo (Duty Office) Tel: (00253) 350718 / (00253) 353519 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO UK Fax: 0039 (06) 50 40 546 Fax: (00253) 354803 SAUDIARABIA H.E. Ato Ber-hanu Kebede, H.E Amb. Mehamed Hassen Tel: 440207838 3888, 440207589 7212 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO JAPAN EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO EGYPT Tel: 009661-23919/4824055/4803752/ Fax: 440207584 7054 H.E. Ato Markos Tekle H.E. Amb. Mohammed Derir Fax: 009661-4823821 Tel: 81 -3- 5420686081 -3 -54206861 Tel; (00202) 3353696/3355958 / EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO USA_LA Fax: 81 -3- 54206866 (00253) 354803 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO Ato Zerihun Reta SENEGAL Tel: 0012123656651 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO KENYA Fax: 001213 365-6670 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO FRANCE H.E. Ato Has-sen Abdulka-dir berket H.E. Ato Shemsedin Ahmed H.E. Ato Teshome Toga Tel: 00221 338219896 Tel: 00(254-20)2732052,00(254-20) Tel: 0033 1 47838395, 0033 1 47832339 Fax: 00221 338219895 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO USA 722207025,00(254-20)2 735333035 Fax: 0033 1 43065214 H.E. Ato Girma Birru, Fax: +254-20-2732054 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO Tel: (202) 364 1200 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO Fax: (202) 587 0195 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO KUWAIT SOMALILAND GERMANY Brig/Gen Ber-he Tesfay H.E. Ato Mo-hammed Gudeta EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO YEMEN Amb. Fesseha Asghedom Tessema Tel: 00965-25348198, 25330128, Tel: 002522139071 Tel: 004930772060 H.E. Hassan Abdella 25334191 Tel: (009671) 208833 , 211208 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO SUDAN Fax: (009671) 213780 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO H.E. Amb. Hailekiros Gessese FRANKFURT Tel: +249-83471379/+249-83471156/ LEBANON EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO +249-83471178 Ato Mulugeta Zewdie Ato Asa-minew Debele Tel: 00496997269624 Fax: +249-83-47 11 41 ZIMBABWE Tel: (00961)1388921, 1388923, 1388786 H.E. Dr. ku-wang Tutilam Fax: 004969 97269633 Fax: 00961-1388787 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO Tel: (+263- 4 ) 70 15 14 , +263 4 70 15 15 Fax: (+263- 4) 70 15 16 EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO GHANA EMBASSY OF THE FDRE TO NIGERIA SWEDEN H.E. W/o Gifty Abasiya
73 www.tourismethiopia.org POSTCARDS
PRETTY PELICANS: These pelicans stand out from the dark background created at the shallow end of the Lake Chamo in Ethiopia
EXPLORE ETHIOPIA 74 Culture Explore Ethiopia: the gifted land
Wild life History
Ethiopia Tourism Organization Explore ETHIOPIA A PUBLICATION OF
EHTIOPIA TOURISM ORGANIZATION P.O. BOX 2183, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA.
[email protected] www.tourismethiopia.org