Africa Tourist Places

The Simien Mountain National Park
Mountains of Ethiopia The Simien mountain is one of the major highlands in Africa. Ras Dejen is at the peak of 4620 meters which is the fourth highest peak of Africa. It is also the highest point in Ethiopia. The very special feature of Simien is that it is located very near to the Equator so the temperature here varies in a huge gap. Snow and ice are appear in the highest form and the temperature falls even below zero in the evening many a times.

The National Park has three general botanical areas. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as Heathers, splendid Red hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia. The park was actually created to protect and preserve the Walia Ibex, and over 1000 are still there to live in even today. The Gelada Baboon is also the pecial attraction of the park with its scarlet “bleeding heart on its chest,” The rare simien Foxes which are hard to find anywhere in the world are also there in good numbers here. Over 50 species of birds are also seen in the Simien Mountains. The Park is also easy to access if you ask your local tour operator or the Office of the wildlife Conversation Department in advance. It is located 101km from Debark, which is 101km from Gonder, from where you can easily hire riding and pack animals.

The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Lalibela is located around 642killometers far from the gorgeous Addis Ababa. The rock-hewn churches are the world famous tourist sot for their unique built. They are also called the eighth wonder of the world because of the wondrous construction of physically prised from the rock on which they stand. They are said to be the monument of 12th century and some of them are even older than that of around 10th century. There are 11 churches altogether and they are grouped in 3 different groups. So, the rock-hewn churches are history in themselves.

The northern group: Bete Medhane Alem, home to the Lalibela and counted as the largest monolithic church in the world. It is linked with the Bete Maryam Church (possibly the oldest of the churches). Then you come in front of the Bete Golgotha (reputed for its artistic wealth and having the tomb of King Lalibela) , the selassie chapel and the tomb of Adam. The Western group:Bete Givorgis, said to be the most superbly preserved and neatly kept church. Eastern group: Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Gabriel-Rufael. If we further move ahead we can also find monastery of Ashetan Maryam and Yimrehane Kristos Churh. These are the highly appraised places and holy churches of Lalibela.

The Castles of Gondar and other monuments
Gondar is known for its medieval castles and for the design and decoration of its churches. The churches made by Fasilidas are so highly performed that even after hundreds of years they are still in the state which does not require repairing. People can still climb its stats all the way to the roof, which commands a breathtaking view over much of the city. The city of Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasilidas in1635. It is around 748kms far from the junction of Addis Ababa. Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia until the reign of the would-be reforming Emperor Tewordos 2, also known as Theodore. It used to be the largest and most popular city in the realm till it was the capital. Gondar also was a very important centre of commerce trading with the rich lands south of the Blue Nile, as well as with Sudan to the west, and the red sea port of Massawa to the north-east. Along with all the famous places, visitors can also inspect the so called “Bathing Palace of Emperor Fasilidas” which is now used for the annual Timket or Epiphany Owesguam, in the mountains just outside Gondar.

Axum historical and archeological sites, central tigray (tigray region)
Axum historical and archeological sites, central tigray is rightly famous for the obelisks. Axum used to be the capital city of Axumite kingdom which was one of the only four kingdoms of the world of those times. It was also home to the Queen of Sheba whose ruined palace is still found with the bathig pool near the town of Axum.

The Blue Nile Falls ( Tissat Falls )
The river Nile is the longest river in Africa in Ethiopia. It is also known as Abbay locally. It starts from Ethiopia to meet the White Nile in Khartoum to form the great river which is the life line for Egypt and Sudan. The Blue Nile contributes around 80%to the River Nile. When it comes to meet Tisisat Falls near Bahar Dar it gives a thunderous experience. Millions of gallons of water cascade over the cliff face and into a gorge, creating spectacular rainbows, which gives one of the most beautiful scene in Africa. It also called as “Smoking Water” by the tourists. It is just 225kms. From Addis Ababa and is one of the hottest spot for tourists.