Journey Through Ethiopia - Africa Travel Documentary
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most beautiful and fascinating countries, and a surprising travel destination. From spectacular mountain landscapes and national parks to vast lakes and mysterious deserts. From incredible wildlife to intriguing historic landmarks. From vibrant, fast growing cities to small villages and tribal regions, steeped in culture and traditions.
In this documentary style video, I will show you 10 beautiful places I visited, on a one-month journey through Ethiopia in 2019. I remember the smiles and welcoming attitude of the people, the incredible food, remarkable monuments, the stunning natural and urban landscapes. In all fairness, this was one of my best travels yet.
Sadly, however, at the time of editing this video, Ethiopia is in political and military conflict with the Northern Tigray region, which is causing great suffering to ordinary civilians. Like most people, I hope the relevant authorities can come to an agreement soon, and start rebuilding this beautiful land.
As a result of the conflict, some of the places in this video are currently inaccessible due to high security concerns. Always follow travel advice and consult local guides, to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.
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Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media
Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:
We start this journey in the small city of Lalibela, a deeply spiritual town popular with Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The awe-inspiring monolithic churches are the highlight here, but meeting the many pilgrims is equally, if not more, rewarding. After Lalibela, we venture to the mysterious Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth. It’s a bizarre desert landscape, with salt lakes, volcanoes, sulfur springs, and acidic pools. It feels like true adventure travel, but can only be done with experienced tour companies and guides.
The rock-hewn churches of the Tigray region are something unique, and Abuna Yemata Guh may be the most special of them all. This place of worship can only be reached on a steep and sometimes terrifying hike, but rewards travelers with incredible views, and a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The site is managed by several clergymen and priests.
The spectacular Simien mountains offer some of Africa’s best chances for hikes and longer treks, and are also home to the gelada baboons, nicknamed as ‘bleeding heart monkeys’. They live in troops and can live high in the mountains.
After spending some time in the nature, we continue our journey in Gondar, a friendly city with stunning historic monuments. Perhaps even more impressive is Aksum, with some of Ethiopia’s most iconic historic and religious sites, such as the towering obelisks (or stelea), and the Church of Saint Mary of Zion (which, according to legend, is the hiding place of the Ark of the Covenant, in a small chapel).
Addis Ababa is often overlooked by travelers, who rush themselves to the North and South of the country. But the vibrant capital city is an interesting place to spend a couple of days, and serves as a good introduction to Ethiopian culture and food. There are some great areas to be visited, including the famous Mercato, the largest market in Africa.
After Addis, we travel to the South of Ethiopia, which feels very different in many ways. The first stop here is Arba Minch, known for its wonderful Nechisar national park. Here, you can take boat trips on one of Ethiopia’s largest lakes, and spot crocodiles, pelicans, hippos, baboons and other wildlife. The Dorze village is not far from here, and offers a peak into traditional village life. Its friendly inhabitants have created a sustainable form of tourism, and visitors can witness (and take part in) the local economy at work, with cotton weaving, pottery, coffee ceremonies, bread production, and much more.
We finish this journey in the Omo Valley, which is home to many different ethnicities and tribes. It’s important to travel with local guides here, as these destinations often risk turning into so called ‘human safaris’. While tourism can have a positive effect on people’s lives, it’s crucial that it happens in a respectful and meaningful way.
Woman from Surma tribe inserts lip plate | Omo Valley Ethiopia #shorts
My Shocking day in Ethiopia ???????? Addis Ababa
Ethiopia, Addis Ababa: when you walk on the streets of Bole district, the rich people district of Addis Ababa, and you're a lone white you often get offered to go see some cultural dancers show, and it's not what you expect!
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Ethiopia From Above - Africa Aerial View (Drone Film)
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse countries, with spectacular natural landscapes, incredible historic landmarks, and fast growing cities. In this aerial film, I explore Ethiopia from above, showing you some of the country’s most stunning places.
As a travel destination, Ethiopia alternates panoramic mountain views with vast lakes, green highlands with captivating deserts, and high plateaus with mysterious savannahs. Historically, it’s the only African country that was never colonized, and has kept much of its cultural identity. While Christianity and Islam are the main religions, the country is also a patchwork of many different ethnicities, customs, and traditions, including tribes that have managed to retain some of their lifestyle.
But Ethiopia is also a complicated country, with various ethnic and political interests that not always converge. Last year, in 2020, parts of the Northern Tigray region became the scene of a civil war, one that is still ongoing.
The footage in this video was shot in 2019 on a DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone, during a one month journey through the country. Please check the current situation and consult relevant travel advice before visiting.
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Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media
Here is a short overview of the places in this cinematic video:
Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s capital city, and has been growing at a fast pace. It’s the business and economic center of the country. Lalibela is a small city with some remarkable rock-hewn churches, that are Unesco World Heritage. Gondar is perhaps equally impressive with its beautiful Fasil Ghebbi fortress (and various other historic and tourist sights). Aksum is home to the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, an iconic place of worship for the Ethiopian Orthodox community.
In the far North is the Abuna Yemata Guh monolithic church, which can only be reached by climbing some of the steep peaks of the epic mountains here, an adventure in itself. The surreal Dallol sulfur pools and salt plains are located in the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places in the world. Simien is the largest national park in Ethiopia, with spectacular mountains and wildlife.
In the South, the Omo Valley is the ‘star attraction’, with small villages (such as Dorze and Konso) and tribal communities that have long stayed isolated. Arba Minch is a good base to explore the beautiful Nechisar national park, part of the famous Great Rift Valley.
Top 5 AMAZING Places to Visit in Ethiopia | Africa Travel Guide
Ethiopia is one of the most underrated countries in Africa! Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video! The first 1000 people to use this link will get 30% off an annual Skillshare Premium Membership:
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Special thanks to Cory Martin for capturing so much beauty on this trip! Check his work out here:
Here’s a basic cost breakdown of my Ethiopia trip with Abyssinian Nomads:
1. Omo valley: $200-250 per day with a local tour operator.
Includes guide, 4X4 land cruiser, camping equipment. Half board meals, lodges/hotels and entrance fees to all point of interests.
2. Simien mountains: $150 - 250 per day
Price includes local guides, 4x4 land cruiser, camping equipment. All parks and point of interest entrance fees. Comes with chef and park scout as well. There is a luxury lodge option for increased price.
3. Addis Ababa: $50 to $300 per day depending on style of travel
Higher prices would include hotel accommodation, famous city tour and coffee ceremony. With local guide and food tour.
4. Danakil Depression: $150-200 per day
It is advised to only travel in this region with local tour operators due to security concerns. Price includes 4x4 land cruiser, local guides, camping equipment, all park and point of interest fees, half board meals and a park scout from the Afar region to escort entire trip.
Lalibela: $100-250
Upper price includes local tour guide, 4x4 land cruiser, hotel/lodge accommodation. Half board meal and entrance to all Rock Churches of Lalibela.
Find out more information for planning your trip here:
Special thanks to Barnabas Kelemen from the Wind Collective for capturing some of this adventure as well! Check out more of his work here:
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African Dance |Abobo Cultural Village | Gambella | Ethiopia
Abobo Cultural Village (Gambella Region, Ethiopia)....
What a beautiful place! Seems like you landed in indigenous world. Rhythm of tribal music and dancing act will leave no stone unturned to leave unforgettable impression in your mind.
Welcome to Abobo(Gambella) in Ethiopia. The five ethnic cultural groups Anuaaw, Nuer, Majang, Opo and Komo will leave no stone unturned to satisfy you with mesmerising dance, music, costumes, food and lifestyle.
Accessibility: Abobo is well connected by road. The nearest airport is Gambella airport.
Accommodation: village style accomodations available in Abobo. All other types of high class accommodations are available in Gambella Town which is just 40 minutes by car from Abobo.
Food: A good number of local food outlets are there, but don’t forget to visit Abobo Fish Point to taste typical Fish & Gomfu.
Safety : Travel as per advice provided by the authorized tour guides/travel agents/ tourist officers.
Contact: Gambella Culture and Tourism Bureau for tour package or trip to Abobo. (Visit their Facebook page “tour Gambella”)
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[2023] We ranked Ethiopia's Top 10 beaches: From hidden gems to world-famous shores
10 Best #beach in #Ethiopia #travel
Langano Beach
Located on the southern shore of Lake Langano, this beach offers beautiful scenery, swimming, fishing, and bird watching. It's also known for its hot springs.
Ziway-Shala Beach
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ziway, this beach offers beautiful scenery, bird watching, fishing, and boating. It's a popular destination for weekend getaways.
Awassa Beach
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Awassa, this beach offers stunning views, fishing, and bird watching. It's also a great spot for water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing.
Yirgalem Beach
Located on the banks of the Bilate River, this beach is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers swimming, hiking, and bird watching. It's a great spot for a picnic or a relaxing day by the river.
Abijatta-Shalla National Park Beach
Located on the southern shores of Lake Abijatta and Lake Shalla, this beach offers breathtaking views, bird watching, and swimming. It's also a great spot for hiking and camping.
Bahir Dar Beach
Located on the shores of Lake Tana, this beach offers beautiful views, boat trips to the nearby islands, and bird watching. It's also known for its colorful markets and lively nightlife.
Gambella Beach
Located on the banks of the Baro River, this beach offers stunning views, fishing, and bird watching. It's also a great spot for water sports such as kayaking and rafting.
Gorgora Beach
Located on the northern shore of Lake Tana, this beach offers beautiful scenery, fishing, and bird watching. It's also home to the historic Gorgora Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arba Minch Beach
Located on the shores of Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya, this beach offers stunning views, boat trips to the nearby Crocodile Market, and bird watching. It's also known for its diverse wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos.
Wendo Genet Beach
Located on the banks of the Wendo River, this beach offers stunning scenery, hiking, and bird watching. It's also known for its hot springs and nearby waterfalls, making it a popular destination for relaxation and nature lovers.
drone view of Gambella city Ethiopia
The Gambela Region (also spelled Gambella; Amharic: ጋምቤላ), officially the Gambela Peoples' Region, is a regional state in western Ethiopia
The Ride to Gambela in Southwest Ethiopia
Driving along the roads in Ethiopia, you will always know when a market is being held nearby, by masses of people walking, all heading in the same direction.
We were on our way to Gambela on the banks of the Baro River and once a famous commercial point with Sudan. In the late 19th century under British rule, the Baro River (a tributary of the Nile) was an excellent highway during the rainy season to transport produce and coffee to Sudan and Egypt.
10 Things NOT TO Do in Ethiopia!
Ethiopia is the home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an exciting country to visit. When you are a tourist, however, there are some things that you will want to avoid doing in this country. Some are just a waste of time while others may end up getting you hurt or even killed.
1. Don't Try to Speak the Language
It is a good thing that in most areas of the country, English is widely spoken. The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic, with its own alphabet. But there are over 83 different languages and regional variations spoken across the country. So...
2. Don’t Assume Noon is Noon
If you have a meeting at a certain time, be sure to check if that is on international time or Ethiopian time. Since Ethiopia sits almost on the equator, their days stay the same length throughout the year. Therefore, sunrise is at one, and the count begins for two 12-hour cycles. It can be noon on international time and 6PM on Ethiopian time, so be sure to clarify what time you're following.
3. Don’t Be Your Own Tour Guide
In many countries, you can travel around without a local guide, but Ethiopia is not one of those places. You will need a guide to reach many areas, and even some of the most famous things to do, like visiting Danakil, can be dangerous to do on your own. At the same time, make sure that your guide speaks English and that you get the all-inclusive price, so that extra fees are not tacked on at the end.
4. Don’t Forget Lunch
Everything grinds to a halt in Ethiopia for at least an hour at lunchtime with everything closing. Take advantage of this time to eat a good lunchtime meal. One thing you will want to try in Ethiopia is their fasting meals on Wednesdays and Fridays when no meat, fish or dairy products are eaten, so they make delicious vegan-friendly dishes.
5. Don’t Leave Your Winter Clothes at Home
Since this country sits near the equator, you would expect it to be warm all the time, but that is not true because many of the places that you will want to visit sit at a higher altitude and can get chilly in the evening. For example, in Simien National Park, temperatures can drop to 28 degrees Fahrenheit at night, so you need to dress in layers. At the same time, there are many places in the country where it can get scorching hot, like the Danakil Depression, where one of only four living lava lakes in the world is found, and has recorded temperatures of 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Don’t Give Children Gifts
This may make you feel uncomfortable, but in most locations, you will encounter lots of begging children. Do not interact with them in any way, or it will encourage them to keep bugging you until you give them money. This practice needs to stop so that the children go to school and get an education.
There are many beautiful places to visit in Ethiopia. Keeping these negative things in mind will actually help you have a more positive vacation in this great country.
Get more Tips here!
Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in Ethiopia /ምርጥ 10 የ ኢትዮጵያ ከተሞች 2021
Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in Ethiopia /ምርጥ 10 የ ኢትዮጵያ ከተሞች 2021
Nature Tourism | Ecotourism | Baro River | Birds Watching | Rivers | Gambella | Ethiopia | Africa
Baro River is one of the beautiful river in Ethiopia. It passes through beautiful town of Gambella, located at south west of Ethiopia.
Wonderful site for wildlife watching and Ecotourism lovers. A variety of birds species can be observed on this site of Baro River in Gambella including of mango garden. It's home town of Anuaek and Nuer ethnic community.
Best time to visit: Jun to December
Accommodations: Different type of accommodations are available.
Accessibility: well connected by road and air.
Food: Don't forget to eat Gomfu + Fish
For detail please visit our blog:
Trip to Gambella after 4 years
#gambella #nuer #ethiopia
#ETHIOPIA #Gambella_region #GambellaEthiopia #Gambella_Mike_monster
Birds Watching | Nest | Ecotourism |Gambella | Ethiopia | Africa
Gambella- A beautiful Ecotourism destination for wildlife and indegeneous culture Lovers, in Ethiopia.
Accessibility: Well connected by road, and air.
Accommodations: All segments of accommodations are available to cater the requirements of different segments of tourists.
Tourist Information: Gambella Culture and Tourism Bureau
Gambella National Park Office, Gambella
click the link below for more information...
#wikipedia #dam #ethiopia #gambella #irrigation Alwero Dam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia source
The Alwero Dam, also known as the Abobo Dam, is a reservoir and irrigation system in the Abobo district of Gambela Region, Ethiopia. It was built in 1985 with Soviet Union aid, as part of a strategy by the Derg regime led by former Ethiopian President Mengistu Haile Mariam to increase resource spending on irrigation following the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia.It is located at a longitude of 34.4824508 and latitude of 7.8476356 on Alwero’s river, Abobo, Gambela Region. It was constructed for irrigation, with a water capacity of 74.6 million cubic meters, and a dam height of 22 meters. This offers a conducive environment for water resources development for the population settled in the lowlands area to irrigate the farm in the local region. It drains into the Nile Basin and has the capacity to irrigate over 10,000 hectares (100,000,000 m2) of land. But on the ground, there is no irrigated land for agriculture and others, simply Travel to South Sudan without giving any benefit in Ethiopia except Some fisherman collect fish by individual.
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Colourful Birds |Birds Watching | Gambella | Ethiopia | Africa
Ecotourism destination for wildlife lovers.
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Which Countries Host the Largest Ethiopian Diaspora? Top 10 Revealed!
In this video, we bring you the top 10 countries with the largest Ethiopian diaspora population. There are quite a number of reasons as to why people leave Ethiopia to go settle on other continents. In this video, you'll get to know the countries with the biggest settlement of the Ethiopian community. The Great Ethiopian Home Coming. Where do Ethiopian immigrate to?
00:00 ► Intro
00:06 ► # 10. Italy
00:25 ► # 9. Lebanon
00:45 ► # 8. Kenya
01:05 ► # 7. Canada
01:27 ► # 6. South Africa
01:50 ► # 5. United Kingdom
02:18 ► # 4. Dubai
02:44 ► # 3. Saudi Arabia
03:09 ► # 2. Israel
03:35 ► # 1. Unites States of America
#Ethiopia #TopFiveEthiopia #FactsAboutEthiopia
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► All rights belong to their rightful owners.
Top Five Ethiopia: a channel dedicated to ranking everything in Ethiopia.
Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Ethiopia ❤️ | Curiosity Juice | Country Tour #59
You will definitely would wish to travel to Ethiopia after watching this video. Highlights in Ethiopia include the towns of Axum, Gondar, Harar, as well as the rock churches of Lalibela and Gheralta. Spectacular outdoor activities are rafting on the Omo River. And several national Parks offer gold opportunities for multi-day hiking in spectacular landscape, partly with good chances to spot wildlife animals. The Danakil Depression is one of few places worldwide where one can descent to an active volcano's lava flow.
How many of the places you have seen already in this video? Don't forget to mention in comments
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Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world. In the long and disturbed history of the African continent, Ethiopia remains the only country which has never been colonized (except for a brief occupation by Italy during World War II). Ethiopia was a founding member of the AU and is home to the African Union's headquarters. The Old Testament of the Bible records the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem.
In fact, historians believe that Ethiopia may well be the beginning of humankind. The fossils of the oldest once-living humans or Lucy were discovered in the the northern section of Ethiopia. The remains of the fossil are said to be 3.5 million years old.
After a long and difficult period under self-declared communist rulers, the country is now back on its feet. The long history assures that there are many historic sites in the country. The natural beauty, with high mountains, lakes, waterfalls as well as arid deserts are among the natural attractions of Ethiopia.
Cities
Addis Ababa – capital of Ethiopia and one of the biggest shopping cities in Africa
Adama (also known as Nazret or Nazareth) – a popular weekend destination near Addis
Aksum (Axum) – home of ancient tombs and stelae fields, in the far north near Eritrea
Hawassa - a town in the rift valley lake of Hawassa
Bahir Dar – the monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana and close to the beautiful Blue Nile Falls
Dire Dawa – the second largest city; in the east
Gondar – some of East Africa's only castles
Lalibela – home to 11 astonishing rock-hewn churches
Mekele – a town in the Tigrayan Highlands in the north
Destinations
Ethiopia is ranked with the other African countries of Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia for preserving and maintaining national parks as tourist attractions. The southern and south-western part of the country has a stunning natural beauty with a huge potential of becoming a unique resort.
Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park
Awash National Park
Bale Mountains National Park
Mago National Park
Nechisar National Park
Omo National Park
Rift Valley lakes - seven lakes that are a popular weekend getaway for Addis residents, great for birding, watersports or relaxing at the luxury resorts
Simien National Park
Gambella National Park
Wolo Highlands
Yangudi National Park
Geralta mountains' range
See
Historic Routes, churches and Mosques Lalibella,Axum, Gonder, Harar
Tribal region safari Lower Omo Valley
Volcanic lake Danakil depression and Ereta ale:- Other worldly Adventure
Rift valley lakes Wonchi crater lake, Lanano,abay chamo
National Parks
Towns Bahir Dar, Hawassa
Did I miss any place? Let me know in the comments below :D
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#Ethiopia #AddisAbaba #Africa #Safari #Wildlife