Scenic Sites/Rift Valley Lakes/Blue Nile Gorge/Awash National Park/Tiya

Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes form the northernmost section of the African Rift Valley. In central Ethiopia, the Great Rift Valley splits the Ethiopian highlands into northern and southern halves, and the Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes occupy the floor of the Rift Valley between the two highlands. Rift Valley lakes do not have an outlet, and most are alkaline. These Lakes are of great importance to Ethiopia's economy, as well as being essential to the survival of the local people. A chain of seven lakes fed by many rivers from both sides of the escarpment marks the Great Rift Valley's passage through Ethiopia. Zeway, Langano and Abiyata lakes have their own special life and character and provide ideal habitats for a variety of flora and fauna making this region a delight for naturalists and all visitors alike.

The Spa Resort of Wondo Genet, located at an elevation of 1723 metres, is known for its therapeutic hot springs and is surrounded by primary Ethiopian forests, where spices, aromatic and medicinal plants are conserved and their qualities researched. The dense forest near the Spa resort is ideal for bird lovers and for those who enjoy hiking through tall trees and abundant vegetations.

Lake Hawasa is an endorheic basin in Ethiopia, located in the Main Ethiopian Rift south of Addis Ababa. Significant numbers of congregator water birds occur on the lake and as a result of this many nature lovers admire the marvellous scenic view of the lake and the surrounding landscape and vegetation.

Northern Central Ethiopia
Extensive stunning escarpments and gorges define the magnificent scenery of northern central Ethiopia. The Blue Nile Gorge is one of the most beautiful canyons of Africa, which is over 1,500 metres deep, just as deep as the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in Arizona, U.S.A. Like the Grand Canyon, the Blue Nile Gorge exposes layers of rock laid down over hundreds of millions of years of earth history, with 150 million year old sandstones and lime stones sandwiched between 800 million year old granites below and 20 million year old lava flows at the top. In spite of these similarities, the Blue Nile gorge is the more intimidating feature. Within 30 km of its source at Lake Tana, the river enters a canyon which it does not leave for 400 km.

Debre Libanos Monastery is 100km from Addis Ababa; the convent of Debra Libanos was founded in the late 13th century by St. Tekle Haimanot, and is today famous for its miraculous spring. On the way to the monastery, the endemic Ethiopian mammals, Gelada Bleeding Heart Baboons can be seen. Proceeding further on the main road is the 17 century Portuguese Bridge and nearby there is the truly magnificent Jemma River Gorge, one of the tributaries of the Blue Nile.

Debre Berhan is 130 km from Addis Ababa, where you will see Debra Berhan sellasie church, built by the great emperor Zera Jacob(1434-1468). Then, proceeding to the near by historic town of Ankober, there are marvellous views over the escarpment, and for ornithologists there is the chance of seeing the very rare endemic bird Ankober serin, and abundant other bird species. At the Lodge, which is built just like the former palace of Emperor Menelik II, there is a traditional hospitality, good food and excellent accommodation with a peaceful rural setting.

Almost 100 km from Ankober, the Menz-Guassa Community Conservation Area is graced with Ethiopia’s last examples of a high altitude Afro alpine ecosystem. This grassy plateau area has the potential for unforgettable Afro alpine trekking, mule riding, wildlife viewing, traditional village tours and much more. A few miles further north, there are some fascinating traditional village markets such as the Senbate Sunday market, which is really worth visiting to view the colourful cultural mix of different ethnic groups.

Central Eastern Ethiopia
The resort town of Debre Zeit is located 42km south east of Addis Ababa, known for its five crater lakes: Lake Bishoftu, Lake Hora (a base for water sports, many water birds and an annual festival), Lake Bishoftu Guda, Lake Koriftu and the seasonal Lake Cheleklaka. The abundant trees in the town, the green vegetations around the crater lakes and the cooling breeze everywhere makes Debre Zeit an ideal resort for a day out trip.

The nearby Mt. Zeqwala, 2,929 metres high, is very scenic with a spectacular view down to the Rift Valley to the east and a crater lake with the surrounding bird species, vegetation and indigenous trees on top of it. The Monastery on the mountain was founded by Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus , a highly venerated Saint in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, who came from Egypt in the 9th century.

Awash National Park, located 225 kilometres east of Addis Ababa, is one of the National Parks of Ethiopia in the southern tip of the Afar Region with its southern boundary along the Awash River, covering an area of 827 square kilometres, most of it lies at an altitude of 900 meters. In the middle of the park is the dormant volcano of Fantale, reaching a height of 2007 meters at its top. It is rich in wildlife but much richer in its bird life with a recorded number of over 450 species. The Awash River gorge in the south of the park has some spectacular waterfalls near the park headquarters. Rafting trips can be organized on the Awash River, with its spirited rapids, wildlife, and impressive rugged cliffs and side canyons.

South Central Ethiopia
One of the most precious historic sites of Ethiopia is the Stele at Tiya just 88 kilometres further south from Addis Ababa; 36 stelae with mysterious symbolic engravings, collected from the region are scattered across a field. It is thought that they once served as gravestones. The Tiya stelae have been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Melka Kunture, a Palaeolithic site in Ethiopia, is located 50 kilometres south of Addis Ababa by road, across the Awash Rive. The museum which has been built with the financial assistance from the European community, consists of four buildings of exhibits - one on prehistoric Africa, another on geology and volcano logy, a third on pale anthropology, the fourth on the prehistory of Melka Kunture-and the open air museum which displays the excavation of two ache lean sites that have been dated to 0.8 million years before present. The nearby Adadi Mariam church was probably built in the 13th century under the reign of king Lalibela, who also constructed the famous rock churches of Lalibela. The church is semi-monolithic and contains 24 windows and ten doors. It is believed that King Lalibela built the church during his visit to the Sacred Monastery at Mount Zeqwala.

Western Central Ethiopia
The state forest of Menagesha in the Suba district around 40km west of Addis Ababa was first protected in the mid 15th century, by Emperor Zara Jacob. It has been an official national park since 1955, covering the lower slopes of mount Wuhocha that rises more than ten thousand feet, and it is famed for its rich bird life as well as for tranquil jungle hiking and camping in the dense tall indigenous trees. Driving through these juniper forest, it is possible to go to Addis Alem to visit a strangely decorated historical church of Debra Zion.

The only highland crater lake Wenchi is located 155 km west of Addis Ababa. The area is reputed for its beautiful mountainous landscape, used partly as farmland and partly covered by natural forest. An old monastery with a church is situated on one of the lake islands. Other attractions included the hot mineral springs, waterfalls and dramatic valleys around the lake. Further to the west, there is an important town of Ambo, known internationally for its mineral water production. This water is bottled outside the town and remains to be the most famous brand of Ethiopia. Very close to Ambo, strolling around the Guder and Huluka Falls is so much refreshing. (Enjoy our 2 to 7 days excursions)