Located in the Horn of Africa, a peninsula in the northeast, Ethiopia is officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It was the only African country to defeat a European colonial power and retain its sovereignty as an independent country. It's a multilingual society with around 86 ethnic groups. A land of natural contrasts. A place where dreams can come true.
Ethiopian cuisine typically consists of vegetables and often very spicy meat dishes, usually in the form of wat, a thick stew, served atop injera, a large sourdough flatbread, which is about 50 centimeters in diameter and made out of fermented teff flour. Ethiopians eat exclusively with their right hands, using pieces of injera to pick up bites of entrées and side dishes. Utensils are rarely used with Ethiopian cuisine, but that hasn’t stopped it from taking over restaurants around the world. Don’t leave the country without trying at least a handful of these dishes and drinks.
Ethiopian artisans are well known for their leatherwork, traditional fabrics, shoes, jewelry and more. Today, the creative force of freedom seems to have influenced the artists and their creations. If you are looking to bring back something authentic from this part of the world, be sure to check out the local galleries to find the authentic local artists who are leading the artistic trends of the country. For other shopping options, here are ten spots to purchase gifts and souvenirs that will dazzle your friends and family.
There’s much more to Ethiopia than the news you consume in the media. Adventure, history, nature, culture, religion, gastronomy… Ethiopia is a perfect mix of it all. The best part is that it’s still considered off-the-beaten-path, but it’s been awakening the interest of those seeking a more meaningful adventure. Here you can interact with the friendly locals, as well as tribes such as the Hamer and the Mursi, where the women wear enormous lip plates and the men practice stick fighting. These places are guaranteed to scratch your travel itch.
Ethiopia is a land of natural contrasts, from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains to the depths of the Danakil Depression. Animal lovers are more likely to think of Tanzania or Kenya, but while it might not have the luxury safari options that the neighbors in the south can offer, wildlife viewing here is a fantastic raw experience without the crowds. This makes Ethiopia a top destination for animal discovery and you won’t be able to find these ten wonders of the animal kingdom anywhere else.
