The Most Remarkable Attractions in Ethiopia

 

Ethiopia's landlocked geography is full of natural and archaeological attractions. From the ancient rock-cut churches of Lalibela to the natural peculiarities of the Afar administrative region, there are many places in this country that inspire amazement while also being incredibly beautiful. Here are some of the most intriguing attractions near Ethiopian towns that will enrich your travel experience.

Dallol

Of all the alien landscapes around the world, Dallol’s neon green and yellow sprawl in the Danakil Depression is possibly one that elicits the most wonder. These hydrothermal acidic pools of varying hues froth, bubble and stew tenaciously under the scorching hot sun in this region that is considered to be the hottest place on earth. Miocene salt deposits, acidic terrain, and hot springs are mixed with deformed salt canyons, pillar formations, and terraces in this strange, almost unearthly landscape. Although camel-led caravans often travel here to extract salt from the area, Dallol is an exceptionally difficult place to access, owing mostly to consistently rising daytime temperatures.

Manyate Coffee Village

There are several fascinating restaurants and cafes near Ethiopia’s major cities, serving world-class cuisines and local fare with equal flair. Few, however, can compete with the wild coffee produced in this primitive village near Addis Ababa. The wild arabica coffee thrives abundantly in the Manyate Coffee Village, which is sheltered by the verdant shroud of the Bale National Park. Considered rare and precious due to its dwindling growth around the world, this coffee is harvested by local farmers who pluck its mature red beans, which are then naturally dried under the sun. Visitors to the village can enjoy tours of this amazing coffee oasis while mountain nyalas graze in the surrounding area.

Gaet’ale Pond

This crescent-like lake near Dallol is one of the many water bodies in this Martian landscape in Ethiopia’s Afar Depression. Known as the Gaet’ale Pond, this water body mirrors the extreme temperatures of nearby Dallol, but it also possesses another lethal feature that makes it the frightfully fascinating wonder it is. This pond is notable for its high saline content, with a salinity of about 43 percent, making it the saltiest body of water on the planet. Aside from its remarkable saline presence, it spews and emits highly toxic gas on a daily basis due to its underlying volcanic base, killing all small birds and insects that venture into its deadly realm. Intrepid travelers can visit this pond via agency tours, but must cautiously maintain a safe distance due to its toxicity. 

Blue Nile Falls

The Blue Nile River, which flows from Lake Tana, falls 42 meters (138 feet) in a magnificent display of mist and froth, earning it the moniker 'great smoke,' or Tis Abay. This cascade, more often known as the Blue Nile Falls, is one of Ethiopia's most breathtaking sights, especially during the rainy season when the volume of water is at its peak. The rustic village of Bahir Dar surrounds the falls and can be utilized as a base for exploring this attraction.

Author Name Advaita Raut