Mysterious monasteries from biblical times, steeped in history, never colonized and a great ethnic diversity, these are just a few facets of Ethiopia – the land of kings and churches. Here, adventure and study travelers can dive deep into the history of this ancient country. On your own, as a trekking tour or on an individual round trip with a local guide, there are many ways to get to know Ethiopia. Like a pointed thorn, the country juts right into the horn of Africa and is mainly characterized by the highlands of Abyssinia. Coffee also comes from this country, which has shaped our western world more than you might think. Ethiopia is clearly one of the most fascinating countries in Africa.
A legend about the origin of coffee
From ancient writings it is known that the coffee cherry has been used as a remedy and medicine in Ethiopia since time immemorial. One legend says that shepherds in the Abyssinian highlands asked local monks for help because their flocks would not rest. Thereupon, the clergymen explored the ground on which the animals were grazing and they found yellow, red and green beans. Finally, they experimented with the unknown fruits and prepared an infusion. Now they themselves were restless like sheep and could not sleep. This event is considered the birth of our coffee today.
Ethiopia Visa for German Citizens you can can without bigger problems to discover a mysterious place.
Nature diversity Ethiopia
Our round trips through Ethiopia hold extraordinary natural spectacles in store for you. Because the country definitely does not have to stand in line behind other countries in Africa and shines through its natural beauty. For example, visit the waterfalls of the Blue Nile or hike through the Simien Mountains National Park. This is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also home to the Gelada monkeys. The East African country also has an exciting capital: Addis Ababa. The mystical atmosphere and impressive historical buildings are guaranteed to enchant you.
A seam of the earth in the middle of Ethiopia
A real spectacle on any study and adventure trip to Ethiopia is the Dallo volcano in the Danakil depression. Here two earth plates meet, forming a rift valley. Unpredictable and enchanting, this volcano bubbles away. Dallo, which means “dissolution” to the locals. This word meaning is immediately understood by anyone who has seen the alkaline-blue pools with spectral green columns between rising sulfur vapors and temperatures up to 65 degrees Celsius. A trip to Dallo Volcano is a unique adventure, and by the way, one of only five lava lakes in the world can be found here.
Conclusion
Ethiopia offers cultural treasures of one of the first Christian kingdoms in the world. Impressive mountain peaks, beautiful lakes and a rich flora and fauna characterize the country as well as the 3000 years old history, the impressive monuments of Christian past, like the rock churches in Lalibela and the former imperial palace of Gondar. The climate of Ethiopia is tropical. Temperatures are therefore relatively constant and the weather is determined by an alternation of rainy and dry seasons. The different climatic zones of Ethiopia are mainly determined by the altitude. The country is one of the highest in Africa. Below 1500 m, Ethiopia is largely desert. Temperatures are hot (27 °C) and precipitation is low. The higher you get, the cooler the temperatures and the more the precipitation. Between 1500 and 2400 m very pleasant 22 °C prevail, in the next higher level it already becomes cooler with only 16 °C. Above 3900 m the temperatures drop to the freezing point at night and it snows. The dry season in Ethiopia lasts from October to May, followed by a rainy season from June to September. However, the rainy season rarely brings precipitation to the low-lying desert regions.
The best time to travel in Ethiopia
The best time to travel to Ethiopia is from October to May outside the rainy season. Temperatures are most pleasant in December and January.
