Natural Destinations of Ethiopia
Simien Mountains National Park
The intrepied 1920s traveler Rosita Forbes declared it to be “the most marvelous of all Abyssinian landscapes”, waxing lyrical about its “stupendous crags” and “gorges of clouded amethyst”. Upon inscribing it as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1979, UNESCO went one further by lauding it as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, with jaggled mountain peaks deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500m”.
Ethiopians know it as the Roof of Africa, an awesome Afro-Alpine plateau of grassy meadows and ericaceous moorlands that rises to 4,543masl at Ras Dejen. To biologists, it is the most important biodiversity hotspot in Northern Ethioipia, populated by an alluring wealth of endemic plants and animals, including the imperious Walia Ibex, golden-maned gelada baboon, and endearing Ethiopian wolf, Birders know it as the best place in the world to see the mighty Lammergeyer, which is regularly observed soaring overhead, displaying its2-meter wingspan. The 412km2 Simien Mountains National Park is also, unsurprisingly, Ethiopia’s premier trekking and walking destination in the country.
Awash National Park
Awash national park is the oldest and most developed wildlife reserve in Ethiopia. Featuring the 1,800-metre Volcano, extensive mineral hot-springs and extraordinary volcanic formations, this natural treasure is bordered to the south by the Awash river.
The wildlife consists mainly of East African plains animals, but giraffe and buffalo are endanger. Whereas, Oryx, bat-eared fox, caracal, aardvark, colobus and green monkeys, Anubis and Hamadryas baboons, klipspringer, leopard, bushbuck, hippopotamus, Soemmering’s gazelle, cheetah, lion, kudu and 450 species of bird all live within the park’s 720 square kilometers.
The Danakil Depression
Located in the northeastern part of the country in Ethiopian Great Rift Valley roofwith several points of below sea level. The Danakil\Dallol depression has a reputationas one of the earth’s most inhospitable but interesting and outstanding place. Temperature can hit 50c, and with its undering continental crust pulled thin, as part of the rift valley system and it’s peppered with countless colorful sulfurous springs and an astonishing quarter of Africa’s active volcanoes.
Omo Valley
The Omo River is formed by the confluence of the Gibe River, its largest tributary, and the Wabe River, the largest left-bank tributary (8°19′N 37°28′E). Given their sizes, lengths, and courses, the Omo and Gibe rivers are often considered a single river with different names. As a result, the entire basin is sometimes referred to as the Omo-Gibe River Basin, encompassing parts of western Oromia and the central Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR).
Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains is a unique natural conservation site in Africa, preserving five distinct vegetation zones and the continent’s longest Afro-alpine moorland. A highland drive above 3,000 meters stretches for over 100 km, offering stunning scenery and incredible wildlife, including the Lammergeyer vulture. At 2,200 km² above sea level, the park is home to Mount Tullu Deemtu (4,377m) and the spectacular Senetti Plateau (4,000m), hosting over 400 bird species, rare Ethiopian wolves, giant mole rats, and endemic flora like the towering Giant Lobelia. A visit promises breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Blue Nile Fall
Locally known as Tis Isat (“Smoke of Fire”), the Blue Nile Falls is the most dramatic sight on the White or Blue Nile. Spanning 400 meters in flood and plunging 45 meters, its spray drenches onlookers up to a kilometer away, creating rainbows and a lush rainforest teeming with monkeys and birds. A scenic footpath passes fertile fields, descends into a deep rift crossed by a 17th-century Portuguese stone bridge, and climbs to a stunning falls viewpoint. For a longer trek, visitors can follow the east bank and cross the river by traditional papyrus boat, the Tankwa.
Arba Minch
Arba Minch, translating to “Forty Springs” in Amharic, is a captivating destination in Ethiopia, renowned for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage. Situated in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, this scenic town is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure, nature, and authentic cultural encounters.
Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, Arba Minch is home to the stunning Lakes Chamo and Abaya, the lush Nech Sar National Park, and the unique Dorze villages. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris to witness crocodiles and hippos, embark on wildlife excursions, or explore the fascinating traditions of local communities. With its diverse attractions and serene atmosphere, Arba Minch offers an unforgettable travel experience that showcases Ethiopia’s natural and cultural wonders.