It’s no secret that Ethiopia is blessed by mother nature. The country has a diverse display of topographical wonders, lush vegetation, and wildlife almost second to none. With its numerous natural wonders, Ethiopia is definitely a showstopper and these locations are the reasons why;

Blue Nile Falls:

A land shaped by nature, the Simien Mountains is a breathtaking visual delight located northeast of Gondar in the Amhara region. Its highest point reaches about 3600 metres above sea level, a dizzying combination of high peaks, swooping valleys, deep gorges and some of the most unique vegetation and wildlife you will ever see. Vegetation like the Erica tree and species like the ibex, Simien wolf and Gelada baboon are endemic to this area. The best time to visit the mountains is from September to November after the summer rains. These seasons give a great view of lush vegetation. There is no shortage of things to do with organized tours lasting up to two weeks, as well as treks and hiking options for the more adventurous soul. What do you think of our bucket list of must-see natural sites of Ethiopia? There is no better way to describe them. You must experience them yourself. Start planning your trip right away.

The Danakil-Depression:

This site is not for the faint of heart. The Danakil depression is at the edge of the Rift Valley. It is a desert region in the Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia. It is basically a melting pot of hot lava spilling out in colourful splashes. The heat of the lava lake feeds sulfuric springs which gives a brilliant technicolour landscape of incredible blues, greens, and browns. The Danakil Depression is actually one of the lowest points on earth, beneath sea level, not covered in water. The best time to visit it is when it is coolest between November to early January as it’s one of the hottest places on earth. There are tours organised into this remote area.

Ertale:

Located in the Oromia Region of southeast Ethiopia, the Bale Mountain National Park is one of those landscapes that keeps you guessing. From volcanic peaks, to glacial lakes to swamps, it’s not a place that runs out of things to show you. The park is rich in birds and endemic animals like the Nyala. It also has all the levels of vegetation from grasslands to thick forests. You can either explore the park on foot with a guide or on horseback. The best time to visit the park is November to March but be prepared as the nights can get to below freezing temperatures.

Awash Valley:

Located at the north-eastern end of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, near Ethiopia’s border with Djibouti, this is a huge paleontological and historical place teeming with evidence and discoveries of the early men. It covers an area of a hundred and fifty kilometers with skeletal structures as old as four million years. It was also the site that provided enough skeletal fragments to create “Lucy” an Australopithecus Afarensis, an early human ancestor. It is also a great spot to watch hyenas. There are car rides through the valley, with opportunities to get up close and personal with paleontologists and wildlife. You can visit all year round, preferably in the mornings.

Sof Omar Cave:

Nestled in a tiny Muslim village, the Sof Omar caves are one of the country’s hidden jewels. Located to the east of Robe, in the Bale Zone of the Oromia Region in southeastern Ethiopia, the caves are a complicated labyrinth of fascinating arched ceilings, echoing chambers, and incredible high eroded ceilings. The network of caves is a feast for an explorer’s mind. Armed with torches, a guide or a map, a tour through the caves could be your own little Indiana Jones moment. The sight of the Wab River cutting through the cave adds another depth to the experience. You can visit anytime except August and October. This is because in these months the floodwaters are high and the caves are inaccessible.

Lake Tana:

Located in Amhara Region in the north-western Ethiopian Highlands, Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile and is also the largest lake in Ethiopia. Most of the wildlife in this area is actually unique to the lake. With unique aquatic life-sustaining the tribe that lives on its shores, Lake Tana is the perfect example of how humans and nature can co-exist side by side without hurting the environment.