Reasons Why Ethiopia is Your Next Must-Visit African Destination

What do you know about Ethiopia? Did you know that it is one of the two countries in Africa that was not colonized? Do you know that a portion of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified is kept in Ethiopia? Did you know that it is a place of ancient history?

Ethiopia is known for many things, including famine and drought. But, that is a story of the past. Ethiopia is now one of the fastest growing countries in Africa and here are the 10 reasons why you should visit.

1. Home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage sites are cultural and natural heritage sites found in different parts of the world. The first of the nine found in Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains National Park, was listed in UNESCO back in 1978 followed by the Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela. The other seven – Tiya (1980), Aksum (1980), Konso Cultural Landscape (2011), Fasil Ghebbi (1979), Harar Jugol (2006), Lower Valley of the Awash (1980), and the Lower Valley of the Omo (1980) – are also places of cultural and geographical significance.

2. 80 Plus Languages Spoken

As the second most highly-populated country in Africa, Ethiopia is a highly diverse country with most people speaking a Semitic or Cushitic family language. The Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, and Somali people make up more than three-quarters of Ethiopia’s population, but there are over 80 different ethnic groups speaking different languages.

Amharic is the country’s national language, and English is the most widely spoken foreign language.

3. Ethiopia is Everyone’s Home

Ethiopia is arguably the birthplace of humankind following the discovery of the 3.2 million year-old fossil named Lucy or “Dinkinesh” (meaning you are marvelous in Amharic). Traveling to Ethiopia is like going back home to everyone’s ancestral lands. Not to mention, Ethiopians are the most hospitable and treat everyone like family.

4. Experience the Hottest, and Lowest Place on Earth

The Danakil Depression, part of the great East African Rift Valley and also found in the northern part of the Afar triangle in Ethiopia, is the hottest, driest and lowest place on Earth. Average year-round temperature goes up to approximately 94°F making it extremely hot during the day. The Danakil is 410 ft below sea level and includes the Irta’Ale volcano region with bubbling lava lakes, multi-colored hydrothermal fields and salt pans.

Many fossils of ancient hominis have been found in the region, including Lucy. As a result, it is often referred to as the cradle of humanity.

5. 11 Rock-hewn Churches

Lalibela, the most famous of the 11 rock-hewn churches is Ethiopia's 13th-century New Jerusalem. It is named as one of the 9 UNESCO world heritage sites for its unique artistic achievement, being a place of pilmigrage and devotion for Christians, and serving as a testimony to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia.

6. Phenomenal Food

Ethiopian food is both delicious and distinctive. Eating Ethiopian-style means eschewing your beloved cutlery and being ready to get messy fingers. Yes! Ethiopians eat food with our hands. That is because the foundation of the vast majority of our food is injera-- a big, round and thin grey spongey bread that is used to wrap multi-colored mound of spicy stews and more. Injera is made from teff (the world’s smallest grain) and also a super-grain, high in protein and calcium, and is gluten-free.

We are not scared of adding spices. One of the most commonly used spices, berbere– a mix containing up to 16 constituent elements including chili powder, fenugreek, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon – is used in most of our food.

Most of our dishes are high in nutrients and low in fat. When in Ethiopia, you should try tibs, kitfo, beyainetu, fuul, tere siga, and doro wot. All of these will have your taste buds doing some somersaults.

7. Unique Traditional Clothing Styles

The Ethiopian traditional cloth is made from woven cotton. Both men and women wear it with designs of borders of colored embroidered woven crosses. In areas of the west and south, Ethiopians wear clothing that better reflects their cultures and traditions. Some tribes partially cover their body with leather and wear beaded jewelry, whereas others do not wear any cloth at all and simply decorate their faces and bodies with distinctive images using colored clay.

8. Best Coffee in the World

Ethiopia is widely praised for having quality coffee in the world. Buna, as it is called in Amharic, is served as part of a ceremony, where the coffee is roasted, passed around for those present to inhale the scent. Afterwards, the coffee beans are ground and traditionally brewed in Jebena– a jug with a neck and a pouring spout.

Coffee is usually served with sugar, but in some areas with salt and butter. Most of the population drinks coffee and you can find this gem almost anywhere including at side stalls for less than a dollar.

9. 13 Months of Sunshine

The phrase is coined with the Ethiopian calendar which includes twelve months of thirty days each and one month with five days (six during leap year). Imagine waking up to beautiful weather every single day. For thirteen months, whether it is the summer or winter, the sun rises to salute the people of Ethiopia. The weather is amazing with average daily temperatures of 77 °F and a breeze. You would just need a light jacket during the evening as it gets down to the high 50s or low 60s.

10. Get Your Hiker Boots

Ethiopia is a mountainous country. The capital, Addis Ababa, stands at over 7000 ft making it one of the world’s highest standing capitals. The Simien Mountains National Park rises to nearly 15,000 ft and is home to globally threatened species including the iconic Walia Ibex and the endemic Ethiopian wolf and Gelada Baboon.

It has a spectacular landscape including deep valleys and sharp precipices and makes for one challenging, but rewarding hiking experience.