Top hotel accommodations available in Ethiopia. Travel Hotels in Ethiopia and Ethiopia Luxury Hotels provide excellent stay; Hotel Reviews and Reservations in Ethiopia; Exclusive deals on a wide range of accommodation throughout Ethiopia
The contrasting beauties of Ethiopia give most travellers to the country a perspective which allows them to look at the hidden glory that it prides in. The moment you get here; in a land that is said to have 13 months of sunshine, you come across contrasting characteristics that include desert landscapes; from the high rising Simein Mountains to down low in the Danakil Depression.
Also dubbed as one of the world’s oldest nations, several visitors to Ethiopia marvel at the amazing cultures of this ancient country. A good collection of flora and fauna as well as landscape across the country compensate for its Ancient ruins. Where can you get such variegated colours of attractions? Hotels are the answer. Cheap Ethiopia hotels have served as the greatest agents that have added flavour to the country’s tourist attractions. What even the most travelled person looks for in a standard hotel on holiday, you will get everything in most hotels in Ethiopia. Location, service and hospitalities are the fabulous adornments of most Ethiopia hotels.

Top Hotels in Ethiopia

Ethiopia Airlines

Regional Flights
Cheap Flights to Addis Ababa
Cheap Flights to Arba Mintch
Cheap Flights to Axum
Cheap Flights to Bahar Dar
Cheap Flights to Dire Dawa
Cheap Flights to Gambela
Cheap Flights to Gondar
Cheap Flights to Jijiga
Cheap Flights to Jimma
Cheap Flights to Kabri Dar
Cheap Flights to Lalibela
Cheap Flights to Mek’ele
Ethiopian Airlines also has a good domestic flight network which you can use to make your travel in Ethiopia.
Airlines to Ethiopia
Ethiopia skies are competitive because several international airlines serving the country including Ethiopian Airlines (national airline), Egyptair, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Delta Airlines, Gulf Air, Sudan Airways, KLM and Emirates
Ethiopia Weather
Weather in Ethiopia is extensively topographic-induced. However, it experiences a predominantly tropical monsoon type of climate, with temperate and only one distinct rain season. The eastern lowlands are much drier with a hot, semi-arid to desert climate. In the highlands of Ethiopia temperatures are practically warm all year although not exceedingly very warm. Most of the rain comes during the period June to September. In the west there tends to be a single maximum of rainfall in July and August, but towards the east there is often a brief wetter period in April and May then a pause before the heavier rains in July and August. Guideforafrica.com recommends booking flights to Ethiopia just after the rainy season. This is the time to when the land in Ethiopia is in its verdantly green.
When to Fly to Ethiopia
Peak Season
Most travelers book Ethiopia flights between October and May to capitalize on the dry season and to take advantage of the sunny skies.
Off-peak Season
The country is wet between June and September and air travel is low. However, there are many cheap deals on accommodations as well as cheap flights to Ethiopia during these months. Wise travelers fly during the wet season and pray for sunshine.
BOLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Bole International Airport (IATA: ADD, ICAO: HAAB) is located in the Bole area, 6 km south east of Addis Ababa and 65 km north of Debre Zeyit. It is the main hub of Ethiopian Airlines, the national airline which flies to destinations in Ethiopia and the whole of Africa as well as direct operations to Asia, Europe, and North America. Bole Airport is one of the busiest airports in Africa and handles over 100 flights registered for takeoffs and landings on a single day. Bole airport is the third largest airport in Africa by area. The airport is capable of accommodating the Airbus A380-800. To accommodate the growing traffic volume, Bole airport has become the third largest airport in Africa by area. By 2009, the airport had become the 5th busiest airport in the Africa by cargo traffic, registering 1,420,997 tonnes. Also to match the rising passenger traffic, a new international passenger terminal was opened in 2003. The airport boasts an efficient security system. It is as well a hub for numerous local chartered Ethiopia flights.

Ethiopia Flag

Coat of Arms

Basic Facts Ethiopia – Time zone, Location, Topography, Neighbours, government, Weather in Ethiopia, National Flag and colours, Commercial banks in Ethiopia, Major Cities and Regions, Tourist Attractions, Languages and Religions; Ethiopia National Parks.
Location: Ethiopia is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa.
Size: 1,104,290 sq km (land: 999,997 million sq km / water: 104,293 sq km)
Neighbours: It shares international borders with Djibouti and Somalia in the east, Sudan in the west, Kenya in the south and Eritrea in the north.
Topography: Ethiopia is a high plateau land of mountains and cut up terrain divided by the Great Rift Valley from the southwest to northeast and is bounded by lowlands and semi-desert.
Capital City: Addis Ababa
Main Regions: Addis Ababa, Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Dire Dawa, Gambella, Harari, Oromia, Somali, Southern region and Tigray.
Weather in Ethiopia: Ethiopia has a tropical monsoon type of climate modified significantly by the topographic variations. The highland regions are generally cooler compared to other regions near to the Equator. Prolonged rains traditionally come from June to early October.
Government: Ethiopia embraces Federalism and the referral government is headed by a democratically elected President. Current Chief of State is H.E. President Girma Woldegiorgis since 8 October 2001. Head of Government is the Prime Minister and current Premier is Meles Zenawi, since August 1995.
Independence: Ethiopia was never colonised
National Colours: Green, Yellow and Red
Population: 88,013,491residents
Languages: Amharic (Official); Ethiopia also has other many dialects but English is second most recognised. Others are Afar, Anuak, Berta, Burji, Soddo, Somali, Bussa, Gamo-Gofa, Gurage, Harari, Kambata, Konso, Oromo, Saho, Amharic, Anfillo, Sidamo, Tigrinya, and Xamtanga.
Religions: Ethiopia is a Christian dominated country.
Economy: The economy is agricultural-based.
Ethiopia National Parks: Nechisar National Park, Nech Sar National Park, Awash National Park, Gambella National Park, Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park, Mago National Park, Bale Mountains National Park, Omo National Park, Yangudi Rassa National Park, Simien Mountains National Park
Banking: Awash International Bank, African Development Bank, Horn International Bank, Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank, Bank of Abyssinia, Construction and Business Bank, Dashen Bank, Development Bank of Ethiopia, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Ethio Bank Key Bahir Bra and Wegagen Bank
Ethiopia Tourist Attractions: Omo River, Melka Kunture, Lake Turkana, Chororapithecus abyssinicus, Ambassel Fort, Sheikh Hussein Monument,  the Danakil Depression, Sof Omar Cave, historical attractions such as Bahirdar, Gonder, Axum, Lalibela and Harar.
Currency: Birr
Time Zone: Ethiopia is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Dialing code: +251

Ethiopia tourism introduces you to a mystic destination of discovery; a land of brilliance and beautiful; a country boasting an extraordinary antiquity with a rich culture dating back more than 3,000 years.
Often described as the ‘real Africa’, Ethiopia has something for every tourist and never fails to impress its visitors. First time travelers should expect a lot of options for tourism while celebrating holidays on their travel to Ethiopia.
Most Ethiopia tours are flavoured adventurous travel experiences that create everlasting and pleasant memories for many of the country’s visitors. Ethiopia tour operators expertly arrange indulging itineraries that have comprehensive Ethiopia tourist information ranging from adventure, Wildlife, historical sites, Cultural Heritage and sites etc. They also arrange excellent accommodation for the country’s adventurous tourists with several Ethiopia hotels.
In all honesty, one of the best things about most Ethiopia tour itineraries is that they are all inclusive. Its why on several occasions many Ethiopia visitors get perplexed during their Ethiopia tours on what they see in a country at times overlooked as a tourist destination.

City of Addis Ababa

Ethiopia boasts a number of tempting attractions and fascinating travel destinations which attract tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Guideforfarica.com highlights some of the best featured attractions in the country.
MUST VISIT PLACES ON ETHIOPIA TOURS

• National Parks –
  

  Awash Warthogs

  Ethiopia boasts a profuse natural wealth in terms of its wildlife. Wildlife tours in Ethiopia are quite fascinating and adventurous experiences. There are many wildlife jungles and national parks in the country. Awash National Park, Nech Sar National Park, Mago National Park, etc are some of the popular wildlife destinations which can be visited, explored and enjoyed on Ethiopia travel and tourism.

• Simien Mountains National Park- one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in the country. The national park is one of the most sought after tour options in Ethiopia. Simien Mountains NP is one of the finest national parks in the country importantly renowned as a habitat for the Walia Ibex, rarely spotted Ethiopian wolves and the Gelada Baboons popularly spotted in groups on cliffs and ridges. Also in the park are several other mammals including the rarely seen Simien even though named after the mountains.
• Archeological Attractions including Australopithecus Afarensis, Melka Konture, the Homo Sapiens the fossil skulls from kibish formation in the Omo Valley. These attractions spice up the Ethiopia tours.
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  Australopithecus Afarensis

  Addis Ababa – like any other capital in the world, there is more than enough for anybody to do in Addis. Addis Ababa tours draw tourists and vacationers from different parts of the world because of its amazing architecture of ancient buildings, fashionable hotels, monuments and more importantly the street festivals.

Scenic Gambella Park Hills
Wildlife
Over 50 species of mammals are protected in the park including predator animals such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, roan, sable buffalos and elephants. Several hippos clog river Baro in hundreds. The park is particularly well known for the large herds of Kafue Lechwe, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Greater Kudu, bushbuck, oribi, reedbuck, waterbuck

Gambella Safari Reedbuck

plus the elusive Sitatunga.
Bird life
Over 428 bird species have been recorded in Gambella including seasonal migrant birds. Gambela bird species are the key highlight of any excursion in the park. The birds are both plentiful and easy to spot. Species present include pelicans, thousands of Carmine Bee-eaters which commonly nest together, Crowned Cranes yelling in flocks, storks and vultures which colour the sky. Present also are about 40 raptor species.
River Baro is a natural magnet for the several water birds acting as a migrant trap for the birds flying along the river.

Gambella National Park Safaris

• Guided walks – prominent in Gambella National Park are guide walks which normally take 2-3 days. These provide an excellent way to see a wide variety of water-related mammals in the Baro River.
• Birding safaris - Gambella remains the exclusive domain of birding in Ethiopia. With over 428 bird species recorded, the park remains the best spot for birding trails with excellent access to almost all the resident birds.

Ethiopia Cultural Street Festivals
Ethiopia festivals provide colourful ceremonies and celebrations to the country’s visitors. People dress in traditional costume and celebrate festivals across the country with colourful unique ceremonies. Best destinations to witness Ethiopia festivals are the capital Addis Ababa, Lalibela and Gonder. Performance accompanies are usually hired for religious festivals and traditional ceremonies.
The major enchanting festivals and events are mainly religious such as

• Timket on 19 and 20 January, commemorating Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. It is a colourful event and has special significance in Ethiopia
• Ledet is celebrated on 29 December. It is celebrated after the 43 days of fasting season known as Tsome Gahad (Advent) with a impressive procession.

Music in Ethiopia
Singing and dancing dominate Ethiopia ceremonial days; and these make up an significant part of the Ethiopian cultural lifestyle.

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country.
Several safari activities can be arranged during your Ethiopia vacation. To have a captivating Ethiopia vacation stay we recommend you contact your travel agent to have the following tours.
Addis Ababa City Tour:
Most Ethiopia vacation tours start from the capital, Addis Ababa. The city boasts a blend of tourist attractions including Merkato is the biggest market of Africa and Shengo Hall is the largest building. Other city attractions are cathedrals, mosques and the famous Imperial Palace. A tour of Addis Ababa is guaranteed travel fun.

Derg Monument in Addis Ababa

Nature Walks
If you want to come closer to Africa’s most fierce wildlife in a controlled environment but much safer, you should visit Simien Mountains National Park. Simien Mountains Safari is a wonderful experience for nature lovers. Most tourists though prefer going by jeep or any SUV available to see the wonderful sights the park offers
Tissisat Falls Excursion
Also called the Blue Nile, its magnificent falls is postcard perfect and likewise breathtaking. You can go rafting or rapid shooting in some parts of the Blue Nile. If you are in Bahar Dar, the falls is just about approximately twenty or so miles from the place.
Simien Mountains Treks
A spectacular view from the top of the mountain in Africa is something every visitor should galore. Vacation visitors are advised to be well equipped and carry the necessary gear for an enjoyable and successful trek.
Water Sports
Ethiopia’s great lakes and rivers allow any tourist to enjoy water sports and recreation during holidays. Guides are stationed to monitor visitors and to show you some of the greatest spots to go. You can indulge yourself in sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.
With all this variety in just one destination, truly no one would want to leave a place as rich in safari attractions, serene vacation spots, an inviting weather and history as Ethiopia.

Abyata Lake Flamingos

Bird Life
The establishment of Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park was in principal to serve as breeding ground as well as conserve the many aquatic bird species that use the lakes, particularly the Great White Pelicans and Greater and Lesser Flamingos. (The park is one of the seven nesting sites of these bird species in the whole of Africa).

Other birds in the park include the White-necked Cormorant, Egyptian Geese, African Fish Eagle, a diverse range of Plover species as well as Herons.
Wildlife

Abyata Safari Warthog

Besides of the countless Birds list, Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is also home to over 70 species of mammals such as more common Grant’s gazelle, shy wild ass, Oribi, warthog, Golden Jackal and the rare Walia Ibex. Also present are the less numerous and not common lions, giraffes and zebras. Many other animals are seen roaming within the forested areas of the park especially while in late evening drives into the park.

Most guided adventure Ethiopia tours start from the capital, Addis Ababa. The Historic Route, covering the ancient town of Axum, with its amazing carved obelisks, Christian festivals and relics, including the Ark of the Covenant; Gondar, with its castles and palaces. At Dire Dawa tourists have chance to observe cave paintings considered to be thousands of years old.

Axum Tour– this is one of the oldest cities in Ethiopia and the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire. This grand city will leave you impressed at the sight of its obelisks or stelae. It is home to the 16th century Cathedral of St.Mary of Zion, the holiest church in all of Ethiopia, and the locals say that the original Ark of the Covenant rests here.

Simien Mountain Treks

The Simien Mountains, north of Gondar is one of the main highlands in Africa and its Ras Dejen at 4,620m is the highest point in Ethiopia, which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. The Mountains provide excellent trekking routes.

Ethiopia Wildlife Tours

Several wildlife tours are arranged in the national parks. Awash National Park is the country’s principal habitat and is one of Africa‘s most interesting and rewarding safari parks because of its remarkably huge concentration of mammals including the Soemmerrings Gazelle, Beisa Oryx and Wild Pigs. Wildlife tours are also available in Mago National Park, Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park, Simien Mountains National Park, Awash National Park and Gambella national park. Ethiopia is also a bird watchers’ haven. It boasts over 861 bird species. Bird watching tours are popular in the lakes region, the lowlands Entoto, Gefersa, Debre Zeit and the Menagesha forest. However visitors of the high malaria risk in Ethiopia. Wildlife thrives in these conditions and there are about 154 bird species such as Whale-headed stork with an unusually large bill.

Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and several tourists marvel at its sheer splendor. It is the source of the famous Nile River, the very spot from where its journey to the Mediterranean is marked. Tourists hire a boat and explore this magnificent lake.

Danakil Depression Tour

Danakil Depression (Afar Depression) is a geological depression renowned for its cradles of hominids, containing the Middle Awash, site of many fossil hominid discoveries; Gona, site of the world’s oldest stone tools; and Hadar, site of Lucy, the fossilized specimen of Australopithecus afarensis. Have a guided tour and get the most out of your Danakil Depression tour.

Lalibela – this is where King Lalibela left something behind on his passing for the rest of the world to admire. It consists of eleven rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the “Eighth wonder of the world”. It is carved out of one rock and protected by the environment. Many tourists visit during Christmas and get amazed by the events and as a result have memories that last a lifetime.

Ethiopia tours will truly leave you with a lasting impression of this amazing country.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. It is also doubles as the economic and business center of the country. Of late, the city has grown into one of the most developed and interesting cities on the African continent. This populous city with over two million residents is as cosmopolitan as any of the world’s great metropolises, and the architecture is as varied as the city itself. It is one of the world’s greatest metropolises.
Like any other capital in the world, Addis is also a multipurpose city. It is the administrative seat of Government, residential; it boasts elegant villas, stylish hotels, conference facilities, functional bungalows, and entertainment centres. Addis Ababa travelers find the city charming.
Location
The city of Addis Ababa is located in the foothills of the 3,000 meters Entoto Mountains and strolls pleasantly across many wooded hillsides and gullies cut through with fast flowing streams.
Eating Out
There are numerous restaurants offering various exotic Ethiopian dishes.
City Attractions
Thousands of curious visitors from far and wide find their Addis Ababa travel truly rewarding. The fact that the place takes one back in time and opens one up to an authentic world of yore seems to be the most probable reason. An Addis Ababa city tour introduces you to a city flourishing with amazing attractions such as;

• National Museum: This is a world class magnificent architectural building founded in 1952. It houses preserves and displays the country’s historical, cultural and archeological heritage. A large collection of impressive artifacts can be seen here from sculptures to clothing to artwork.
• National Zoo: National Zoo is also known as Lion Zoo You can take your camera’s to take pictures of these Lions there. One thing you should remember after taking Addis Ababa flights is that once you are entered in this Zoo, you should not try to touch these lions as it could be dangerous for you.
• Washa Micheal Cave: On this hilly area at a place called Ankorecha you find a cave, whose half part is destroyed during the Italian invasion. The column of this cave resembles that of the famous rock hewn churches of Lalibela.
• Lalibela: Lalibela located in the northern part of the country is where King Lalibela left something behind on his passing for the rest of the world to admire. It comprises of eleven rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the “Eighth wonder of the world”. It is carved out of one rock and protected by the surrounding.
• Lake Tana: This is the largest lake in Ethiopia and many tourists spectacle at its absolute splendor. It is the source of the famous Nile River, the very spot from where its journey to the Mediterranean is marked. The lake is famous for boat rides in the country.

ETHIOPIA TRAVEL AGENTS

For any updates on travel agents and tour guides listed with us, contact our editor at;http://www.guideforafrica.com/contact-us

Ethiopia wildlife

Located on the eastern bank of the Omo River, Mago National Park is extremely remote within the dense acacia scrubs, rolling grassland and deserts. The park covers 2162 sq km in area. It is one of the wildest and most magnificent scenery in Ethiopia boasting abundance of wildlife. Within the thick acacia scrubs and rolling grasslands are birdcalls, rustlings in the distant right into your range of hearing as you experience the sweetness of nature’s breath in Ethiopia. Tourists on Ethiopia safaris face park accessibility challenges because of the terrain of this region.
Omo National Park
Omo National Park lies in the south-west on the west bank of Omo River. It is situated 870km south-west of the capital Addis Ababa. It has some of the most amazing wild animals in Ethiopia. It location on the banks of river Omo has turned it into a land of habitat diversity with a bewildering range of bird species.
Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park
With a total area of 887 sq km in size, (482 sq km water), Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is formed by the twin lakes of Abyata and Shala. The park was created for the many aquatic bird species that use the lakes, particularly Great White Pelicans and Greater and Lesser Flamingos. It is a magnificent birding destination in Ethiopia.
Simien Mountains National Park
Semien Mountain National Park is a must for all those interested in Ethiopia wildlife, scenery and spectacular landscapes; the Park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Park constitutes one of the major mountain massifs in Africa. It has a dramatic topography dominated by Ras Dashen the fourth highest mountain in Africa at 4620m

Simien Raptor

plus several summits in Ethiopia above 4000 meters. Semien Mountain National Park is home to endemic mammals including Walia Ibex, Semien Fox and Gelada Baboons. Aside the spectacular scenic beauty, park boasts many species of birds and plants.
Awash National Park
Awash National Park, 211 Km east of Addis Ababa cover 827 sq km. The park takes its name from the Awash River which marks the park’s southern boundary. The rivers last gesture is the salt lake, Lake Abbe, on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border. Awash NP is Ethiopia’s greatest and richest habitat and is one of Africa‘s most interesting and rewarding safari parks because of its remarkably huge concentration of mammals such as the Soemmerrings Gazelle, Beisa Oryx and Wild Pigs.
Gambella National Park
Located about 600km from Addis Ababa on the Baro River, Gambela has a strange history. Prominent in Gambela NP are guide walks which normally take 2-3 days. The park however has significant wildlife as well.
Nech Sar National Park
Positioned 510km south of Addis Ababa near the town of Arba Minch in between Lakes Abaya and Chamo is Nech Sar National Park. The park has extensive plains of game roaming freely within the 514sq m of savannah, dry bush and groundwater forest.

Nech Sar Zebras

Several animals are present such as Bushbuck, Swayne’s Hartebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Greater Kudu, Anubis Baboon and Grey Duiker. Over 189 bird species have been recorded here including the rare Red-billed Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Grey Hornbill, Fish Eagle, and more. A backdrop of hills and mountains and the hot springs in the far eastern part scenically beautify Nech Sar to one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia.

Awash Baboon

Awash National Park’s pride derives from its remarkable wildlife diversity. Adventure tours in Awash make it is possible to spot huge concentration of mammals such as the Soemmerrings Gazelle, Beisa Oryx, Wild Pigs, baboons, both anubis and hamadryas, lesser and greater kudus, the giant tortoise, hippos, reedbucks as well as the aardvark and caracal. Klipspringers are popular in the higher slopes of the Fantale Mountain. The black and white colobus monkeys are easily spotted in the bottom of the gorge. The cheetah, serval and leopards also inhabit the forest areas of the Park but are quite not easy to spot.
Bird Life
The Park has some of the most spectacular birds such as the scarce Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Awash National Park boasts an endless bird list; up to 350 species have been recorded in the park. They range from the great ostrich, frequently and easily observed, and the less common Secretary Bird and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill to the flashes of brilliant pink which are the Carmine Bee-eaters and the Abyssinian Roller with turquoise and purple wings.
Birding is the key highlight of most Ethiopia Safaris into the park. Awash birds are both plentiful and easy to spot.
Other Attractions
Hot Springs Oasis – To the north at Filwoha lies the hot springs oasis in its groves of palm trees.
Awash River Gorge – The Awash River Gorge in the south of the park has some spectacular waterfalls near the park

Awash National Park Bird

headquarters. You can not miss sight of the dramatic Awash Falls also.
Awash National Park Safari Activities
The unique nature endowments in Awash National Park give rise to a diversity of safari-related activities. The park is traversed by a series of well-maintained tracks, which take in the most spectacular of the many scenic attractions.
To the north at Filwoha lies the hot springs oasis in its groves of palm trees. It is reached by either one of two scenic tracks which start opposite the main gate on the far side of the road and bearing right, progress either along the floor of the Awash Falls lower Valley or along the top of the ridge.
Rafting is another interesting activity in the Park.  One or two days rafting excursions can be organized on the Awash River, with its spirited rapids, wildlife, and impressive rugged cliffs and side canyons.
Getting There
It takes just only 3 hours from Addis Ababa to the Park. The main entrance is at the 190 km. Visitors are encouraged to use the main gate first and contentedly stroll downwards southwards towards the Awash River. This is the location of the park Headquarters.

Ethiopia Flag

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa. Officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is the second-most populous country in Africa with over 79.2 million residents; with a total land area of 1,100,000 sq km.
Popularly known as one of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia is bounded by 5 countries; Sudan to the west, Eritrea to the north, Kenya to the south, Djibouti to the northeast and Somalia to the east. The country boasts about 100 different ethnic groups with the two largest being the Oromo and the Amhara, both of which speak Afro-Asiatic languages.

The capital city is Addis Ababa and is situated in the foothills of Mount Entoto at an elevation of around 2,400 m. Other major cities of Gondar and Axum are also located at elevations of about 2,000-2,500m above sea level.
Ethiopia experiences a predominantly tropical monsoon type of climate with wide topographic-induced variation. But being a highland country, it generally considerably cooler than other regions at similar proximity to the Equator.
Geographically, Ethiopia is a vast highland complex of mountains and dissected low land plateaus and separated by the Great Rift Valley which extends from southwest to northeast surrounded by lowlands, steppes, or semi-desert; it also has stunning waterfalls and volcanic hot springs.
The country is also home to an astonishing array of Wild animals and bird life in its National Parks of Awash, Mago, Omo NP, Nechi Sar and Semien Mountains, an evident testimony of the extensive wildlife safaris today in Ethiopia.
The largest cave in Africa is also located in Ethiopia at Sof Omar; Dallol one of the hottest places year-round anywhere on Earth is also located here.
The Adventurous travellers can opt to go hiking on Mount Entoto in Addis Ababa; climbing Simien Mountains’ Ras Dashan – the fourth highest peak in Africa also offers a great trekking experience. Ethiopia safaris are indeed satisfying excursions with this wide range of attractions. (Ethiopia holds the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa)
Ethiopian Airlines is the country’s national airlines and is one of the most reputable airlines in Africa. Bole International Airport is the country’s principal airport located in the capital. It handles several international flights by numerous airlines like Lufthansa, Sudan Airways, Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airways and Emirates.
Ethiopia hotels offer a wide range of accommodation for any budget size, so you needn’t worry about where to stay if you are here for holiday. There is easily accessed popular luxurious Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa, the capital for first time travelers.

The Airlines was founded on December 30, 1945, by Emperor Haile Selassielt and commenced operations on April 8, 1946, with a weekly service between Addis Ababa and Cairo. In 1958, the Airlines started long-haul services to Frankfurt and inaugurated its first jet service in January 1963 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi. In 1965, it changed from a corporation to a share company and changed its name from Ethiopian Air Lines to Ethiopian Airlines.
In the early 1960s it provided some initial aviation support to the Ethiopia-United States Mapping Mission in its operation to provide topographic maps of Ethiopia It is wholly owned by the government of Ethiopia and has 4,700 employees (at March 2007) Although it relied on American pilots and technicians at the beginning, by its 25th anniversary in 1971 Ethiopian Airlines was managed and staffed by Ethiopian personnel.
In 2007, Ethiopia Airlines provided basic pilot and aviation maintenance training to trainees from African countries including Rwanda, Tanzania, Chad, Djibouti, Madagascar and Sudan. Other training was given to employees of Kenya Airways, Bellview Airlines, Cape Verde Airlines, Air Zimbabwe, and Air Madagascar. In 1998, it started transatlantic services.
Airlines Quick Information

• Founded; December 30, 1945
• Main Hub; Bole International Airport
• Fleet Size; 34 incl.cargo
• Company Slogan; Africa’s World Class Airline
• Head Quarters; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Destinations; 73
• Website; www.ethiopianairlines.com

Several adventure travellers from far and wide find flights to Addis Ababa for vacation truly satisfying. The fact that the place takes one back in time and opens one up to an authentic world of yore seems to be the most probable reason. The city is forever in a festival mode with something or other happening every month. Religious and cultural celebrations form a major part of the city’s event calendar, others include music festivals, exhibitions from the local artisans, and colourful processions.
Taking a flight to Addis Ababa instantly sets you on a vacation of unique sort. Yes, you’ll see and encounter all the usual ingredients that make a place distinct. But, vacationing in Addis Ababa is above all unique experiences that you have undergone.

There are numerous daily flights between Addis Ababa and other centres around Ethiopia. Addis Ababa flights uses world-renowned Airlines such as, Ethiopian Airways, British Airways, KLM, United Airlines and South African Airways as well as smaller charter airlines for getting you to those out of the way safari lodges. Addis Ababa flights connect with 47 cities nonstop worldwide and operate 71 flights departing per week for short haul destinations.
There are 47 flights per week flying on small aircraft from Addis Ababa..
Ethiopian Airlines- This is the national airline of Ethiopia and is based in Addis Ababa. It services scheduled international passenger and freight services to 50 destinations world-wide, and domestic services to 28 destinations and passenger and cargo charter flights. It began long-haul services to Frankfurt in 1958 and launched its first jet service in January 1963 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi. In 1965 it changed from being a corporation to a share company and altered its name from Ethiopian Air Lines to Ethiopian Airlines.
This is one of the few profitable African airlines. The airline was featured by The Economist as an model of excellence in late 1987 and recognized as being “one of the most reliable and profitable airlines in the Third World”.

Great Addis Ababa Flights

• Cheap Flights from Anchorage to Addis Ababa @ $1,730.00
• Cheap Flights from Atlanta to Addis Ababa @ $1,387.00
• Cheap Flights from Austin to Addis Ababa @ $1,387.00
• Cheap Flights from Boston to Addis Ababa @ $1,406.00
• Cheap Flights from Boise to Addis Ababa @ $1,653.00
• Cheap Flights from Chicago to Addis Ababa @ $3,889.00
• Cheap Flights from Dallas to Addis Ababa @ $1,306.00
• Cheap Flights from Denver to Addis Ababa @ $1,442.00
• Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Addis Ababa @ $2,145.00

Airlines Flying to Addis Ababa

• Ethiopia National Parks; Mago National Park, Gambella National Park, Simien Mountains National Park, Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park, Nech Sar National Park and Omo National Park
• 16th century St. Mary of Zion Cathedral’s sanctuary
• Africa’s longest cave, Sof Omar
• The Omo valley
• Tis Isat  Blue Nile

Accommodation
Finding a good, comfortable and affordable stay in hotels is equally important.
If you are travelling to Ethiopia, especially the first timers, it’s recommended that you always book your hotel accommodation in Ethiopia well in advance. Similarly those planning for Ethiopia holidays, it’s plausible to make prior arrangements for your lodging and accommodation. Availability of the best travellers’ accommodation options in Ethiopia is very hard to find even during the off seasons especially in major tourist destinations in the country.
Search availability of Hotels and Locations: When you are planning for adventure holidays to Ethiopia, endeavour to find out the Hotel room status online. You can also establish your accommodation using the online Ethiopia Map.
Budget Accommodation
Your pocket budget is a very important thing to plan your Ethiopia travel. The Hotel where you will be staying needs to fit into your budget. It is sensible that you find out the room rates beforehand by either calling up at the hotel or by simply searching online hotels in Ethiopia. All hotels in the country match the world class categories. Visitors are encouraged to make their reservations in advance.