Travel ideas for Ethiopia - unique sights, worth Guinness records

One of the most interesting attractions of Ethiopia is the town of Dallol. Today it’s uninhabited, but 50 years ago there was a large settlement; its inhabitants have been developing ore deposits found nearby. Dallol also has an extremely hot and dry climate. Active monitoring of temperature changes were held there from 1960 to 1966. During this time, it was found that the average annual temperature in the town is 34.4°C.
At first glance, this temperature seems to be quite low, but it should be emphasized that scientists have calculated the average. For months, temperature in Dallol can be above 38°C, whereas there is no exact difference between winter and summer time. Despite the fact that today the mining village is in ruins, it never ceases to attract tourists.
This ghost settlement is situated in the Afar Depression, a region of increased volcanic activity. The nearby Dallol volcano only reinforces the sultry weather and forms around the fabulously beautiful desert landscapes. It’s noteworthy that while the town was inhabited, there were no road links, so it would be possible to get to the desert settlement only in a caravan. Today, salt is mined around Dallol, so it’s quite impossible to call this hot place deserted. Scientists claim that landscapes that can be seen around Dallol bear a striking resemblance to the scenery of Jupiter's moon Io that makes this place even more mysterious. ... Complete sights collection

Suri, also known as the Surma people are one of the best-known tribes on the planet. They live in Ethiopia. Suri have become worldwide known as a result of unusual traditions. The women wear lip and ear plates that are made out of clay since their birth. The size of plates is increased every year making Suri women truly beautiful.
The only objective of such a tradition is to become the most outwardly different from ordinary people with whom the Suri wish to have nothing to do. For many hundreds of years the Surma people raise cattle. They are extremly unlikely to contact outsiders and only 40 years ago were completely isolated from the rest of the world. Russian physicians were the first to establish contact with the isolated tribe. They left the Surma men some Kalashnikov rifles – a token of getting aquainted which are used to protect their cattle from wild animals.
The mysterious tribe has engaged numerous researches’ interest. Some scientists believe that the Suri are representatives of alien civilizations, others believe in their superpowers – an ability to transmit thoughts at a distance. Not long ago the theory of the Suri’s alien origin found an interesting confirmation. Minerals new to science have been found in the soil in indigenous territories as well as elevated radiation level has been recorded. ... Complete sights collection

The Karo tribe is the smallest tribe in South Ethiopia that resides along the banks of the Omo River. Difficult living conditions has led to a serious reduction in the number of the tribe. Now their number is around 1000. As well as many original tribes the Karo are distinguished by their manner to decorate their faces and bodies using white chalk and red ochre. The men paint themselves brighter than the women to look more attractive and courageous.
The Karo raise livestock, the men can also spend much time hunting. Women, for their part, handle domestic chores. Their activities also include currying. Some of the tribal men work in nearby towns, that is why they can’t be considered socially isolated. The Karo are absolutely friendly to European guests. The tribesmen are happy to accept clothes, jewelry and other attributes of modern life as a gift.
The desire to adorn themselves with bright accessoires is one of the most striking features of the tribal culture. Even the youngest members of the tribe wear all sorts of trinkets, beads and garlands made of insect wings. There are also several rifles given to the Karo by Europeans for the protection of cattle and territories. Even the weapons are decorated with markings. Travellers should definitely bring some money and presents for local residents. In this case, they will enjoy a warm Ethiopian welcome. ... Complete sights collection

Danakil Valley, which is located in Ethiopia, is also often referred to as 'Danakil Desert'. The valley is located in the unique spot - on the border of three large tectonic plates: the African, the Indian and the Arabic. Danakil desert is considered to be the most dangerous and most damaging in the world. The poisonous landscapes scare fear and hide many dangers. The exit points of the toxic gases, the constantly erupting volcanoes and sulphurous water, all together forming the terrible landscapes - it is only part of the natural formations that can be seen at the depth of 125 meters below sea level.
The incredibly hot and lifeless desert was discovered in 1928 by a group of travelers led by Tullio Pastori. The courageous travelers have overcome the wasteland on foot. To this day, no one has succeeded in repeating their heroic deed. The desert district was regularly visited by the curious tourist groups. In one of the hottest parts of the world, you can see the unique lava lake Erta ale, which has been continuously boiled and lava pits have been spreading for several thousand years.
On the sinking criterion is Dalol volcano, whose surface and the surrounding landscapes were colored by the sulfuric acid into the incredible exotic colors. Not far away is the saltyest lake in the world - Assal, whose shores are covered with the salinings, and are simply wonderful in the rays of the glowing desert. After researching the rocks from the valley, the scientists have found that it has formed more than three million years ago. ... Complete sights collection

The Danakil Desert located in Ethiopia is incredibly popular among tourists, although it possesses threat. This desert is one of the hottest and most lifeless in the world. That’s a huge volcanic wasteland, in the territory of which the land has melted underfoot. The main feature of the dangerous desert is the almost complete absence of breathable oxygen in its territory. The air here is burnt and is filled with poisonous gases, so people can only be in certain areas of the desert for a very short time without risking their lives.
Many researchers believe that even a short stay in the Danakil Desert can affect health. The reason for this is a high concentration of poisoning vapors of sulfur that is complemented with the most adverse effects. The air temperature in the desert rarely falls below 50 degrees Celsius. In addition, that’s the volcanically active area, and that increases the risk.
The Danakil Desert is quite large, its area is about 100 000 square km. Travelers are attracted to these places by unique Martian landscapes, which are formed by the salt deposits, as well as a lake full of sulfuric acid and oil. A possibility to admire this landscape for a few minutes is fraught with great danger. Scorching sun, sultry air saturated with sulfur vapor, the constant threat of volcanic eruptions, and the aggressive-minded natives living on the fringes of the desert are only a few of the threats that await travelers at this place. ... Complete sights collection

Located in the village of Ethiopia Dallol is definitely considered one of the most extreme on the planet. That's the hottest place in the world, which you can reach only using caravan routes. The exact number of inhabitants of the settlement is unknown. The most detailed studies were carried out in this sultry area in 60s of the last century. Then researchers found out that the mean annual temperature in the region of Dallol is 34 degrees Celsius, which is the absolute maximum in the world.
There are several salt deposits in the region; salt extraction is carried out today. The first settlement in the hot desert was founded over 50 years ago, a significant part of its population was engaged in the development of the mountain mines. When the industrial potential of the mines dried up, the majority of residents left the village. However, some of them stayed. They now continue to work with salt deposits.
Tourists can visit the region only while accompanied by a guide. It won't be easy to get there. Despite the rapid development of industry in the past, the region never had any roadways. Today, there are no roads to get to the lost settlement. Only caravan routes can bring tourists there. Besides huts of local people, the main attraction of the region is a volcano that bears the same name with the district. The last eruption was in 1926. Next to the sight, you can see a lot of sulfur lakes. The scenery is incredible. Staying near the volcano and sulfur lakes is very dangerous for health, so a tour is always limited in time. ... Complete sights collection

The old city Harer is situated in the western part of Ethiopia. It is known worldwide thanks to its unique historical sightseeing. Today it is the main Islamic city of the country. More than that it is one of the largest commercial centres. The historical city, located at the top of the hill, attracts tourists by its historical atmosphere. Here you can see not only saved fragments of the old strengthening structures but also adore with the view of the Amir Abdullahi City Hall.
An old Ethiopic church was also saved in the city. In many historical buildings today, we can see craftsmen workshops. Harer isn’t a typical tourist city. There aren’t any big hotels and entertainment centres. It appeals guests with its identical atmosphere. Fans of walks love to visit this city. Near the city has placed the large Arabian tea and coffee plantations where tourists can walk.
The touristic district of Harer has its own symbol – the hyena. She lives in submontane districts. At night they walk in the Old town. That’s why it is forbidden for tourists to visit this district at night. There was made a special amusement. In the historical district work several zookeepers. At night they feed hyenas and make a show for the tourists. ... Complete sights collection

An Ethiopian Lalibela became famous thanks to the wonderful underground churches. According to the historical data, this city was established in the 12th century. Its golden age was at the reign of the emperor Lalibela. In honor of whom the city has been named for about 800 years. At the disposal if this ruler, the building of underground churches had begun. The building had finished only in the 13th century.
On this territory were found eleven Christian churches that were built by human force. Huge temples were sculpted from the soft volcanic tuff. This area is very rich with this building material. The underground churches adore with its dimensions. The biggest is the Christ the Savior Cathedral. Its length is 33,7 meters and 23,7 meters width.
Notwithstanding that fact that these underground buildings couldn’t be called a city in a direct meaning, this place was full of life. Workers were sculpted domes and walls for future churches just about twenty-four hours. During the researching works there were found a lot of outstanding artefacts. One of them were various ritual tools that were used during the church service. Every church has its own peculiarities. During the walk tourists will hear a lot of wonderful stories. ... Complete sights collection

Gilgel Gibe III Dam is the highest dam in Africa. The dam began to work several years ago, in 2015. As we know, Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, that’s why the building of the dam became a major industrial step forward. Gilgel Gibe III Dam was built on Omo River. It is the third and most powerful in the cascade. The highest dam in Africa is 246 meters high and 610 meters wide.
Notwithstanding that Ethiopia is still the poorest state in the world, the dam was built using the latest progressive technologies. The main material was concrete. It was chosen because it doesn’t have a lot of cement in its composition and has unique building performance. The capacity of the hydroelectric power station is 1870 megawatt.
It generates electricity that is enough for several states – Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti. Originally it was planned to build another rock-fill dam on Omo River and use a usual rock for building. However, it was quite hard to get it in the nearest area, that’s why the dam was built from the rock-solid concrete. As other dams, Gilgel Gibe III Dam is used not only for electricity output but also saves nearby areas from floods. ... Complete sights collection

The Great African Rift is a unique geological object. Its fault is one of the most mysterious in the world. The rift is very big and it continues to grow. A lot of scientists claim that the present eastern part of Africa in the nearest future will become a separate island. When this happens, the planet will receive one new separate land.
The area which is under the risk of separation from the continent is a place of the unique national parks. Across the Great African Rift have placed a lot of volcanic formations. Apart from their danger, they are very beautiful. Near the huge rift, you can see many archaeological areas. These places according to the researchers’ thoughts are the cradleland of modern civilization. There were found the earliest parts of the ancient people and other unique elements of a germ of life on the planet.
Approximately the part of the continent Africa can turn into an island no earlier than within two million years. If you keen on something unusual, you have to visit the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. There you can see this fault with your own eyes. The whole territory of the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There was saved the unique ecosystem that has had no human influence for a thousand year. One of the main places in the park is Lake Victoria. It is one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the world. ... Complete sights collection