Unexpected Adventures: Ethiopia’s Hidden Travel Gems

Ethiopia is generally identified with its popular rock-cut churches at Lalibela, breathtaking Simien Mountains as well as Axum the ancient city. However, on the side of these widely popular wonders is a world of other travel gems that are waiting to be explored, ideally to those who are now the adventurous types of travelers who would want to move in an off-the-beaten-path affair. And if you are an adventurer to the core or simply feel like having something new, Ethiopia has something memorable to offer you. When going on that trip, you must Apply for Ethiopia visa in Abu Dhabi so that you can enjoy the most comfortable voyage.

1. Gheralta Mountains – Ethiopia’s Hidden Climbing Paradise

The Gheralta Mountains in Tigray are often called the Meteora of Africa, and their panoramas as well as senses-tingling tours to the top of the vertical cliffs to reach the temples carved out of rocks are amazing. Gheralta is fairly untouched as compared to the more crowded sites in Lalibela. The view is simply beautiful and the spiritual peace that envelops these secluded churches makes the trek so worth the effort.

2. Bale Mountains National Park – Wilderness at Its Wildest

Most travelers are going to the north but not many of them visit the Bale Mountains in southern Ethiopia. This park consists of dense alpine meadows, exotic wildlife such as Ethiopian wolf which is rare, and cloud forests which seem magical. Hiking in Bale is a total experience of untamed natural beauty of Ethiopia.

3. Harar – The Walled City of Surprises

Harar Jugol is a world heritage site and the fourth holy city in the Islamic religion, which is in eastern Ethiopia. Explore more than 80 mosques and 100 shrines in its ancient walls, meet hyena men times at their legendary evening feeding, get lost in the colorful alleys of local life, markets, and traditions that are several centuries old.

4. Chebera Churchura National Park – Offbeat Safari Destination

Looking to get into the wildlife without the hustles? Then go to Chebera Churchura, which is one of the parks in Ethiopia which are not very popular. And it is one of the best places to watch African elephant in Ethiopia, hippos and buffalo and great amount of birds. This park is a nature gem that should not be hidden by nature lovers and photographers.

5. Lake Wenchi – A Crater Lake Wonderland

Lake Wenchi, a volcanic crater lake covered in water falls, hot springs and beautiful rolling hills is located only a few hours away to the east of Addis Ababa. You may visit the lake in a boat, ride in a horseback around the rim or just enjoy the calculus. A perfect destination on a day trip or a relaxing getaway on a weekend out of the capital city.

6. Awash National Park – Land of Waterfalls and Wildlife

Awash National Park in the Great Rift Valley is a relatively small park that is usually dignified by larger parks but it is a readily available gem, which presents dramatic waterfalls as well as volcanic sceneries together with several wildlife e.g. oryx, baboons and crocodiles. With its dramatic setting it is a satisfying place to visit as part of a southern Ethiopia tour.

Final Thoughts

Although Ethiopia is known to be a nation full of world-famous attractions, the most identifying characteristics of such country are hidden in the secret places and reveal the versatile nature of it. There are cliff churches built 1,500 years ago and mysterious mountains; ancient lakes of extinct volcanoes are peaceful and serene, and national parks that have been touched by few people. This is a side of Ethiopia waiting to be discovered by those who will dare to defy the guide book. You have to start on your adventure, so now you can apply online to your Ethiopia visa in Abu Dhabi with Go Kite Travel and explore the things that most people never do.