Ethiopia, a country based on the eastern side of the African continent, is a landlocked country within the tropical latitude. It is relatively compact with similar north-south-east-west dimensions. The capital city is Addis Ababa which literally translated means the new flower, and is located centrally within the country. 

Ethiopia is considered one of the world’s oldest countries. Its territorial extent has carried over time. Still to this day, it is considered a pioneer nation in signing the Charter of the United Nation, and it gave moral and material support that eventually led to the growth of the pan-African Corporation culminating in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, now called the African Union which is headquartered in Addis Ababa. 

Ethiopia is a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, spectacular landscapes, diverse and interesting wildlife, and even more diverse and historically different people. 

The landscapes are epic in both scale and beauty. The contrast dramatic, in the Simien, and the Bale mountains one can trek at over 9,000 ft above sea level, or visit the Danakil depression which is 1000 ft below sea level – this same depression is home to 25% of Africa’s active volcanoes. 

Historically Ethiopia has retained much of its cultural identity and its story is one of Africa’s most fascinating. From the excavation of Lucy, one of our most celebrated ancient ancestors, we move to Aksum with its Obelisk and tale of Queen of Sheba and then to places like Lalibela and Gondar that signify the importance of the Ethiopian Orthodox religion. 

Culturally Ethiopia is a very rich place. Spread all over the country the tribes like the Surmi, Athar, Moursy, Karo, Hamer, Nuer, and Anouak whose ancient customs and traditions have remained almost entirely intact. A highlight of any trip to Ethiopia is to witness one of the many festivals that are part of the traditional culture. From age-old ceremonies marking the right of passage to Christian’s celebration of singular passion, these can provide travel memories to last a lifetime. 

Last but not least, from the natural world a couple of interesting species that are unique to Ethiopia: one is the Gelada Baboon found in the Bale mountains and the other the Semien wolf found in the Semien mountains.