|
There is a growing consensus among archeologists and
anthropologists that the human species believed to be
originated in Ethiopia. In 1994 the oldest human remains
ever discovered, the 4.4 million old bones of Homo Ramidus
Afarensis, were found in Ethiopia's Afar region - the
previous record was held by "Lucy" or "Dinkinish" (Amharic
for "wonderful"), who at 3.4 million years was a relative
youngster.
Ethiopia has extensive historic sites, particularly in the
north of the country, where the visitor can see
constructions dating from the first millennium BC, the
stelae and tombs of the Axumite kings, rock hewn churches
dating from the 4th century, the monasteries of Lake Tana
and the 13th century monolithic rock hewn churches of King
Lalibela in Wollo. In the east, the 1000 year old city of
Harer, with its more than 99 mosques, is considered as the
fourth holiest place in Islam, after Mecca, Median and
Jerusalem. South of Addis Ababa there are a number of
Neolithic sites, including the 1.5-1.8 million year old
site at Melka Kunture (Oromia Region) and the 400 stelae
at Dilla in Sidamo (Southern Region). Elsewhere in the
southern region there are remote, medieval monasteries and
in Jimma, in Oromia, there is the recently resorted palace
of Abba Jiffar, the last independent king of the area.
|
Ethiopia has every variety of scenery, from the high
peaks like the Semien Mountain in North Gondar to the
lowest Dalol depression in the Afar region, tropical
forests, lakes, savannah and deserts. In Bale National
Park in Oromia, home of many endemic mammals and
birds, visitors can see unique alpine fauna and flora,
volcanic lakes and trout filled streams. For big game
safaris, there are the Omo and Mago National Parks in
the Southern Region, with their fascinating Mursi and
Hamer villages.. |
|
Ethiopia is a land of enormous ethnic diversity, with
people of Semitic, Hamitic, Nilotic and Omotic stock.
There are more than 80 ethnic groups and as many
languages. In terms of religion, Christians and
Muslims make up approximately 40% of the population
each (Christians being slightly more preponderant),
the remaining 20% animists and others.
What unites Ethiopia's many people is primarily their
shared independent existence. Ethiopia was never
colonized and though occupied by Mussolini's Fascists
from 1935-1941, its people put up a continuous,
spirited and vigorous resistance. While ex-colonies
are characterized by their resonances of former
colonial powers, Ethiopia is Ethiopian and this will
be obvious to the visitor from the moment of arrival
in Addis Ababa. Courtesy and hospitality are prized
qualities throughout the country.
With its combination of history and culture, ethnic
diversity, stunning and varied scenery, wildlife and
birdlife (there are more than 850 species recorded,
with 29 endemics), Ethiopia is truly unique in
Africa.. |
|
Despite years of civil war and civil strife during the
previous regime, in terms of crime and robberies,
Ethiopia is still a very safe country to visit, and
Addis Ababa is still one of the safest capitals in
Africa. Visitors should of course take the usual
precautions, not carry large amounts of money with
them and leave particularly valuable items with hotel
reception. Both men and women visitors should be
careful about hand or money bags, keeping them close
at hand in crowded places like Mercato.
Like everywhere else, pickpockets and snatch thieves
like to create some kind of diversion before making
their move, so visitors should walk purposefully and
be cautious about sudden introductions in the street.
In Addis Ababa, such incidents as do occur tend to
happen in the city center, in a circle linking the
Ghion, Ethiopia and Ras Hotels.. |
|
Ethiopia requires all visitors to have an up to date
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Generally, for
their own protection, visitors should be immunized or
"topped up" against hepatitis A and B, Tetanus,
Typhoid and Polio.
Malaria- visitors to the Historic Route (Axum, Gondar,
Bahar Dar and Lalibela) need not worry about malaria,
but should bring insect repellent cream, gel or spray
for mosquitoes. For other, lower altitude areas,
Chloroquine resistant strains of malaria have been
identified so visitors should take both Chloroquine
and Paludrine - ask your doctor for a prescription.
For visitors sensitive to insect bites, it is
advisable to bring antihistamine cream or tablets.
Some old buildings and old churches on the Historic
Route are prone to flea infestation.
(Rafters on the Omo River maintain that insects there
pay no attention of insect repellents, but then if you
paddle through and occasionally over, herds of hippos
and schools of crocodiles all day, you cannot really
complain about getting bitten by insects at night.)
It is worth carrying some antiseptic cream, for minor
cuts. Anti-diarrhea tablets (Imodium or Lomatil)
should be carried as a precautionary measure - if you
do have a stomach upset, it might be some distance to
the nearest toilet and either of these tablets is
guaranteed to cement you up. (These only address the
symptoms rather than what caused them, so for anything
more serious than a stomach upset medical advice
should be sought - there are government hospitals in
most areas of tourist interest.)
The temperatures in the highlands (on the Historic
Route) are moderate, rarely exceeding 30oC even at the
hottest times of the year. However, the sun is strong
and visitors coming from cooler climates should get a
high protection grade (15) UV barrier cream,
particularly for the face. For the arms and legs, a
lower protection grade would be sufficient. With the
dry weather, lip slaves are recommended. For visitors
who make the boat trip on Lake Tana, or even some of
the longer mule trips around Axum or Lalibela, hats
should be worn.
In the last 10 years, there has been a rapid growth in
the number of reported prevalence of HIV/AIDS, so
visitors should take the necessary precautions in the
event of planned or unplanned sexual adventures.
All visitors are advised to take out standard holiday
insurance covering health emergencies in their country
of origin. |
|
