Interesting facts on Ethiopia: Previously known as Abyssinia, Ethiopia is the world’s 27th largest country and its capital Addis Ababa is lively, crowded and bustling. Located in the centre of the country it is a perfect base from which to branch out north to visit the famed Lalibela,   Gondor and Aksum with their stone churches, obelisks and palaces. There are more UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ethiopia than any other African country (nine).

Ethiopia is also unique in that the country also operates on its own coptic calendar which is eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. They also have their own alphabet called Ge’ez or Ethiopic and their own time system.

Ethiopia Holidays with AfricanExplorations.com

Lake Tana is a large lake in the north east and is the source of the Blue Nile. Indeed 85% of the Niles water originates from Ethiopia. The Danakil Desert in the far north eastern corner has active volcanoes and sulphur pools and is the hottest place recorded continuously on earth.

Ethiopia’s history is one of the oldest on record and the country was a monarchy- its dynasty being able to trace its roots back to the 2nd centaury BC.  This is also the area were Homo sapiens crossed over travelling from the south to the Middle East and beyond.  Ancient fossil remains have been found and there are several archaeological digs and sites around the country. Ethiopia Holidays are like no other – with a wonderful blend of culture and wildlife and extraordinary architecture and scenery – we urge you to go soon!