AFAR REGION
AFAR REGION: the Afar region is part of the Ethiopian portion of the Great Rift Valley. Since the late 1960s it has attracted the attention of researchers because of its uniqueness as the world’s only active, superior triple junction where the complex tectonics and volcanism of an area between three separating lithosphere plates (African, Eastern African, and Arabian) can be observed on dry land. From archaeological point of view it was from this region that LUCY, the most important hominid skeleton dated at about 3.5 million years discovered. Any one who wants to visit the homeland of this Great, Great, Great Grandmother of the 6 Billion people of the world have to travel to the Afar region. The Denakil Depression, at 120 meters below sea level is one of the lowest points on earth’s surface and the permanent active volcano site of Erta’ Ale are found in the Afar region.HARAR
The walled city of Harrrar is found in eastern parts of Ethiopia 511km east from the capital.
Harrar the 4th Holiest Islamic center in the world after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.
The Jeggol compound of Harrar hosts more than 100 mosques and make them the city the ideal tourist destination for the colorful religious festivals, either Eid-Al Fetir or any other Islamic religious celebration.
AWASH NATIONAL PARK
Awash National Park lying in the lowlands 220km due east of Addis Ababa, and striding the Awash River, the Awash National Park is one of the finest reserves in Ethiopia. The Awash River, one of the major rivers of the Horn of Africa, its water is using for agricultural activities, Hydro Electric power production and finally drains to the north- eastern part of Ethiopia into the wilderness of Danakil Depression. The dramatic Awash Falls as the river tumbles into its gorge, is the site not to be missed in the national park. A special attraction is the beautiful clear pools of the hot springs (Filwoha). Awash National Park, surrounding the dormant volcano of Fantale, is a reserve of arid and semi-arid woodland and Savannah, with reverie forests along the Awash River. Forty-six species of animals have been identified here, including Beisa Oryx (the most visible mammal in the national park) ,animus baboon, hamadryads baboon and Swayne’s Hartebeest are just only to name a few. The bird life is prolific specially along the river and amongst the 392 species are recorded.RIFT VALLEY LAKES
RIFT VALLEY LAKES: The Ethiopian portion of the Great Rift Valley is known to be one of the biggest birds sanctuaries in Africa. Each of the seven lakes has its own attractions, shelters different species of birds and many wild animals. The Rift Valley is also the habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.The Road East from Addis Ababa leads you to Debre-Zeyit, an exotic small town with spectacular crater lakes. Proceed to lake Ziway, the shallowest from the Rift Valley lakes, lake Abijata and Shalla National park is ideal place for bird watching. A good place to view Crocodiles is on the shore of lake Chamo, just south of the town of Arba Minch, at a place popularly referred to as the “AZZO GEBEYA” or crocodile Market. This spot offers one of Africa’s most impressive displays of big crocodiles, large number of Hippopotamus and birds.
BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Bale Mountains National Park has an area of 2,000km2 and set with the high altitude plateau that is broken by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands below. As you ascend into the mountains you will experience changes in the vegetation with altitude, from juniper forests to heather moorlands and alpine meadows, which at various times of year exhibit an abundance of colorful wildflowers. Bale Mountains National Park is the largest area of Afro-Alpine habitat in the whole of the continent. It gives to visitor opportunities for unsurpassed mountain walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and the chances to view many of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, in particular the Ethiopian Wolf , Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bush Buck and many other species of animals and Endemic birds, such as Roget Rail AND the Harenna forest is unique vegetation in the National Park.SEMIEN FOX( Ethiopian Wolf)
Semien Fox (the Ethiopian Wolf) -despite its name, is more common here in Bale than it is in Semien. It is found nowhere in between these two isolated mountain areas, and nowhere else in the world. The animal is the size and color of a European Red Fox, but with long legs, longer muzzle, and a striking black and white tail.OMO VALLEY
Omo Valley is dominated mainly by many ethnic groups who speak omotic language as classified by linguistics. The region and the people of this area is one of the least affected by the modern world. The life style of the people has hardly changed for centuries. People still live in simple make shift huts, dress animal skins and drink with calabashes. The area is a veritable paradise for photographers and naturalists.
The people of the Omo Valley and their culture have been source of fascination for travelers. The Hammar who are well known for their sense of elegance are one of the major ethnic group in the region. The Surma and Mursi women, who wear lip plates by piercing their lower lip have been compelling tourists to travel to their land to see what seems impossible.