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Ethiopia is an exciting destination, rich in local traditions and history, possessing its own written language and script, and filled with classical African landscapes, flora and fauna. A little known fact about Ethiopia is that it has experienced no protracted period of colonial rule.

It may also be justifiably considered the cradle of humanity--its famous Rift Valley is the site of prehistoric civilization and the place where the fossils of ‘Lucy’ and ‘Homo Ramidus Afarensis’, the world’s oldest known hominids, were found. Best of all, it has been a virtually unknown tourist destination, which means that you won’t have to contend with scores of camera-wielding tourists. However, the world is taking a new interest in Ethiopia, so many of the low prices listed here may no longer exist!

If you happen to visit Ethiopia during the rainy season or intend to go trekking in the mountains you should bring warm waterproof clothing and a good pair of walking shoes. If visiting in winters heavy woollens will suffice.

Historically Speaking

Ethiopia’s colourful and fascinating history may be said to be about 4.4 million years old-- the age of ‘Homo Ramidus Afarensis’, the world’s oldest known upright walking hominid.

Ethiopia is known to have had one of the longest ruling dynasties of the world: the Axum Empire that started in 3rd century BC lasted till 1974. The first king of the Axum dynasty is said to be Cush, the grandson of Noah, or Menelik I, the son of Queen Sheba and King Solomon and the last emperor was Haile Selassie whose rule ended in 1974.

Christianity came to Axum through the Saint Frumentius during King Ezana’s reign in the 4th century AD. The Axums managed to remain good Christians even after the rise of Islam and the waves of Islamic armies that emerged from Mecca in the 7th century.

After Haile Selassie was deposed in 1974, the kingdom was plunged into military dictatorship with Mengitsu taking charge. He introduced very radical political and economic policies. In 1991, Mengitsu was forced to flee the country.

However the after effects of the World War 2 resulted in Ethiopia's course as an independent nation which continued, although the province of Eritrea remained under British control until 1952 when it was federated with Ethiopia, a result of a plebiscite, organised by the UN.

The new government inherited six million people facing famine, a shattered economy and no funds. Presently, Ethiopia is regaining back its financial position and improving relations its neighbouring countries.

Habitat

Ethiopia covers about 1,127,000 sq km (439,530 sq mi), and is dominated by a high central plateau, cut by deep gorges including the Great Rift Valley. Only around 12% of Ethiopia is used for agriculture - mainly around the flood plains of the Blue Nile (the Abbay), in the west of the country, and in the highlands - and most of this is subsistence growing.

Economic collapse usually spells disaster for afforestation, and sure enough, Ethiopia's forests are declining alarmingly. Because of the demands for fuel, construction and fencing, at least 77% of the country's tree cover has been cut down in the last 25 years.

However, there are some positive ecological facts too—domestic water usage is very low and only 2%of available water resources is used right now. Also, Ethiopia possesses some very valuable mineral resources. There have been some commendable efforts by local and international NGOs to improve the forest cover.

Although wildlife in Ethiopia has suffered considerable depletion in the past few decades, and there are far fewer species than in other East African Parks, one can still see several varieties of antelope, monkey/ape, including the olive baboon and the impressive-looking gelada baboon. Jackals and hyenas are also fairly widespread. The ecological fact that really must make the hearts of Ethiopians swell up with pride is the birdlife, making this a dream destination for ornithologists or just about anyone interested in looking at amazing varieties of colourful tropical birds. There are over 850 known species of birds, including 20 that are endemic to Ethiopia. These include the white-billed starling, wattled ibis, black-winged lovebird and the exotically named Abyssinian longclaw.