Ethiopa

Historical temples, wild hyena feedings, one of the most scrumptious foods in Africa, low cost as chips - that really seems like a backpackers dream. Here you are at Ethiopia!

Ethiopia is among the ideal spots you can go to as a backpacker for a lot of reasons. You've got diverse cultures, numerous scenery, a rich history, great food, lots of adventure, and it’s affordable to visit. As a matter of fact it's among the most exciting places you can see in Africa, or even the entire world.

It’s shocking then that it doesn’t get a larger backpacker field. However the lack of more tourists contributes to its attraction, and those you do meet are generally of the same mindset of escaping the more common spots.

It could be partly to an image problem which the country acquired around the 1980’s, with images of starving individuals in an unhealthy environment. The truth is that you will observe poverty, however the pictures of the previous years are transforming to one of hope and optimism.

Traveling to and spending cash to the economy can help it advance forward towards a more happy future.

The Stunning Scenery

Forget that thought you might have about dry, dusty deserts. Of course it does have these in abundance, however it’s just a section of the greatly transforming landscape.

Think about green rolling hills going upwards into magnificent mountain peaks. Rich green woodlands stuffed with life. Volcanic plains. You will discover all of them.

Around the north you can find the Simien Mountains, an ideal hiking spot. Over there you could vanish into the mist and run into the gelada monkeys which live in the mountain range, along with other animals.

The northern section of Ethiopia is incredibly green and fertile. The amazing Blue Nile Falls can be found there, as well as the close by Lake Tana is ideal for relaxing at.

The huge desert regions are mainly around the eastern side, in which you will see the Danakil Depression, among the hottest spots in the world. The region is encompassed by salt flats as well as active volcanoes, and it is incredibly hot. However the remote location as well as severe landscape simply make it much more of a unique spot to go to.

In order to arrive there you will have to be with a team of cars for security purposes, as breaking down could be horrible to put it mildly. Traders acquire pieces of salt and get them on camel trains coming from the region to be sold around the markets. It’s well known.

The south boasts forests packed with wild animals, and a few mountain ranges. You can find dry landscapes punctuated with a few bushes and tree that can be found in the western side of the nation. Around the south-east it’s really extreme desert.

Crocodile swarmed rivers are also out there, in which you could cross in tiny wooden canoes which barely float. Really nerve racking if you see the crocodiles around the banks get into the water and vanish.

Getting arrived at the opposite side blistering heat is waiting for you in the forest and difficult terrain.

The People and Food

There are plenty of different groups of individuals in Ethiopia. It may feel as if you're seeing many various countries. Coming from the distant communities around the south in the Omo Valley, to the muslims from the eastern side in Harar, the Afar tribe on the deserts, and a lot more.

The majority of people will be interested to meet up with you and are welcoming. Dependent on which area of the country you're in, more would be welcoming compared to others. The more distant areas are often the most friendly.

As with any country you'll get some who aren't really good, and in Ethiopia it's generally the problem you obtain from touts and children/teenagers begging which are the greatest annoyance. However you can go beyond that and dig deeper to the mindset of the majority of Ethiopians and discover a fantastic cultural individuals.

You will come across the orthodox Ethiopian christians many in areas such as Lalibela, Tigray, and Lake Tana areas of the north, and more.