Ethiopia
Pictures
Guig people trading camels, Ethiopia ©
Fast Facts
- 1.1 million square kilometres, more than four times bigger than the UK
- 75 million people, with an average life expectancy of 49 years
- Official language is Amharic
- 4.4% of the adult population is HIV-positive
- 39% of the population lives below the local poverty line
- Only 0.1% are internet users, and only 0.5% own a mobile phone
- 36,469km of roads, 19% of them paved
Lay of the land
A high central plateau, 2,000-3,000 metres high, dissected by numerous rivers and valleys. There is a spectacular descent from the Konso highlands to the Omo lowlands.
And on the way...
The tribes of southern Ethiopia - there are over 50 different groups in and around the Omo valley. Due to their remote location, these ancient tribes have so far managed to continue living in a similar way to their ancestors.
Other highlights
Lake Tana - this is the source of the Blue Nile and the largest lake in Ethiopia. As the Nile exits the lake it drops 45 metres.
Lalibela - a town in northern Ethiopia which is a place of pilgrimage for Ethiopia's Orthodox Christians, who worship there in rock-hewn churches.
Simien Mountains and National Park - with wildlife including ibex, baboons and rare Ethiopian wolves.
Gondar - the old imperial capital of Ethiopia with royal castles and churches.
The people
Ethiopia's population is diverse. The Oromo, Amhara and Tigray and Somali make up more than 75 per cent of the population. But there are over 80 ethnic groups.
Did you know...
Some of the finest coffee beans in the world come from Ethiopia. They are the country's largest foreign exchange earner.
Comments
Comments 1 - 10 of 16
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At 05:54:14 AM on 24/05/2007, Omar (Vancouver) wrote:
Sugar makes for a fine gift
The Ethiopians love coffee and take the preparation of it very seriously. Outside of the cities, presenting coffee beans and sugar to your hosts is a mark of respect and will be greatly appreciated.
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At 09:59:01 PM on 28/05/2007, Anne (Staines) wrote:
Ethiopia
We met Charlie in Guildford last autumn when he was talking about the Dakar run and he spoke about the plans for the next run. Glad to see that the trip is going well. I lived in Ethiopia as a child in the 1970's as my father had been posted with the Embassy. Wish I could have seen the places you will see but life was very different then as we living under military rule. The Ethopian people are lovely and I am sure you will have a great time. Make sure you try out some Tej - but not too much as it might make riding a bit difficult the next day! Look forward to seeing more of your adventures. Safe riding.
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At 09:25:35 PM on 29/05/2007, Sarah (Dublin) wrote:
Ethiopia
Hi, prepare for rain through central areas of the country! bad time of year to be there! will be in Addis myself so will keep an eye out for you! love the series
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At 10:56:52 AM on 30/05/2007, Seble (Addis Ababa) wrote:
Good Luck
Have fun guys, I am from Addis and I know you will have great time. Read all the comments all very positive, there are lots of different tribes living through your proposed route and they are all as plesent and welcoming as the other. Enjoy your trip and Anne is right you have got to try some tej! and some enjera (in moderation) it can be heavy if you are not use to it. Safe journey.
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At 03:09:37 PM on 15/06/2007, Colin (Stratford-Upon-Avon) wrote:
Fantastic Destination!
I toured around Ethiopia a couple of years ago and it is by far the most interesting and unusual country I have visited. The people are generally shy but friendly and you do not sense corruption as in many other African countries. The highlights for me were Lalibela, Simien Mountains, Axum and the Sanetti Plateau in the south. A combination of tej and St. George beer also made the trip particularly enjoyable!
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At 10:45:38 PM on 15/06/2007, Thomas (London) wrote:
Gondor
When you get to Gondor your constantly expecting the knights of the round table to appear on horse back, very medievil, very intresting and amazing people, one of my favorite places in the world. www.the-drive.co.za
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At 04:40:31 PM on 19/06/2007, caleb swart (omorati) wrote:
I grew up 10 km south of Omo Rati, Ethiopia
Hi, I am assuming that you are crossing the border into Kenya on the east side of Lake turkana? Some people have crossed the border on the west side of the lake but in order to do that you have to cross the Omo River. That can be very difficult. I grew up about half way between Omo rati and the kenya border where my parents are missionaries and my father has a windmill project. That would be a fantastic thing to stop and see how the windmills are helping the local people. I will be moving there to work along side my parents in december but unfortunately I will miss you. I just wanted to let you know that the south Omo area is extremely remote and if you have any trouble or need to cross the bikes across the Omo River, my parents would be more than happy to help, they live in a village called Nyememeri and have crossed many bike across the river. Please let me know if I can help in some way. Be prepared to go over 700km from Arba Minch to louyangalani with no fuel.
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At 05:53:36 PM on 22/06/2007, Alastair Humphreys (Leeds) wrote:
You! You! You!
Well done guys! Hope the kids shouting "You! You! You!" don't drive you too nuts... I cycled through Ethiopia and down to South Africa and it was awesome. Pretty tough though. If you can get through Ethiopia you'll be fine down to Cape Town. Al www.roundtheworldbybike.com
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At 08:36:56 PM on 22/06/2007, Janey (Liverpool) wrote:
Sightseeing
Really enjoying following every step of your journey - thanks for the regular updates! What I would like to know is how much sightseeing do you get the chance to do? Are you worried that some things pass you by? Just wondering as you obviously have such a tight schedule to keep! Enjoy and be safe!!
At 12:21:44 PM on 23/05/2007, Sarah (Guildford - formely Addis) wrote:
Just got back from Ethiopia
Hi guys, I got back from Ethiopia last weekend having worked there for a medical charity for 4 months. It is an amazing place - you'll love it. Best tip i can give is shake everyone's hand when you meet them as they're a highly 'respectful' people and will appreciate that simple gesture! Enjoy!
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