ETHIOPIA, A LAND FULL OF STORY AND WILDLIFE ATTRACTIONS

Ethiopia is old, much more than you can imagine. More than three million years ago the earliest known hominids walked here. In the Afar region of northern Ethiopia is where scientists found the ancient skeleton which they named “Lucy” or “Dinknesh”(discovered in 1974). These remains are now housed in the National Museum located in Addis Abeba, the capital. It was proven to be the oldest human fossil unearthed, until Selam was discovered in the same region of Afar (in 2004). Selam is studied to be an amazing 3.3 million years old. Many other prehistoric discoveries, including Stone Age tools up to 1.7 million years old and vibrant cave paintings, support the claim that this part of the world is indeed the cradle of civilization.

Ethiopia is a land of contrast and extreme diversity, from the lowest low land on the earth to the fourth  highest Mountain in Africa. The country is situated in the horn of Africa. Archeologists and Antropologists commonly count Ethiopia as the origin of human beings. In 1994 the oldest human remains ever were discovered here. The 4.4 million years old bones of Australophiticus Afarensis were found in Ethiopia afar region. Its 3.4 million years and the previous record was held by “Lucy” or “Dinknesh”.

Language

The three main languages – Amharic (official), the Tigrai and Oromia languages The most popular and foreign language – English.

Ethiopian Food

The Ethiopian national dish is called Enjera with wat. However, staple diets vary in where you are in Ethiopia. Wat with Enjera is a hot spicy stew accompanied by Enjera (traditional large spongy pancake made of Teff flour). The whole grain Teff is grown on the Ethiopian highlands. Though it is unique to Ethiopia, it is diverse in color and habitat.The major tourist destinations usually have good – some very good – western fare, but in the more remote areas, injera with various  meat, vegetables, and “wot” will be your primary option. Various pasta dishes are also widely available.

There are many varieties of Wat, e.g. chicken, beef, lamb, vegetables, lentils, and ground split peas are stewed with hot spice called Berbere which is known in the western world as paprika. Berbere is made of dried red hot pepper, herbs, spices, dried garlic and salt ingredients. Wat is served by placing it on top of the Enjera which in traditional households is served in a Mesob (large basket tray). The food is eaten by tearing off a piece of Enjera and dipping it in the Wat.

Bottled mineral water, sparkling and still, is available throughout the country.  In most towns an assortment of fresh-squeezed juices or smoothies are available. Home to a surprising number of breweries, Ethiopia boasts some very good beers.  Ethiopian wine is sweet for many foreigners’ taste, but if you enjoy a drink now and then, you should definitely try “tej,” a, home-made honey wine found throughout the country.

Climate

Ethiopia is the famous country in the world to have thirteen months of sunshine. This allegory is not only dictated by its own calendar but also the good time to enjoy one of the climate system more comfortable to the world, thanks to extremely for the favorable climate conditions of this land.

Ethiopia has variety of landscapes from highland to desert. Although its near to equator , much of Ethiopian climate is very pleasant due to the high altitude. North Ethiopia temperatures averagely between 15oc and 27oc. However the temperatures can get surprisingly cool at the night . South Ethiopia temperatures average 32oc.

For trekking at Simien mountains and Bale mountains you should be prepared for cold nights. The rain season for most Ethiopians from June to August,south Ethiopia in April and may and also Danakil depression from May to mid September is rainy time.

Health

The following tips are from the USA’s center for disease control travelers with:

• Get vaccines and Medicines to prevent travel related diseases
• recommended by your healthcare  provider
• Drink packed bottled water
• Use insect repellent
• Follow local laws and customs
• eat food that are fully cooked

Best time to travel

The best time to travel in Ethiopia is from September until mid of May because from June to August is rain season.