Unveiling the mystical land of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is truly a different world, aa place that used to appear in my mindyouth andlieIt's been on my list of places I've wanted to visit for a long time.Therefore,The night we landed in Addis Ababa, the capital of this East African nation,It was an unforgettable experience. My dream finally came true.

Everything I had imagined about this remote land was exactly as I felt the moment we arrived at our first destination – Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia.

Nestled in countless mysteries, Ethiopia is home to numerous tribes in the south, many of whom have preserved their pristine origins from the early days of humankind. Further north, you can find many churches carved from monolithic stone that still stand tall, ancient monuments and castles, and religious processions. It is also home to bustling markets, a cacophony of sounds, and the admirable smiles and joyful spirit of the local people.

Ba toc Mursi in theSouth

First, we traveled south to the Omo Valley to meet the Hamers, Mursi, Karo, Surma, and Bodi tribes.

The Mursi tribe lives in a remote area of ​​Ethiopia. They live in harmony with nature, forming a homogeneous group guided by ancient doctrines and rituals. The Mursi have virtually no interaction, however friendly, with other tribes in the region. They are quite assertive in their use of spears and AK rifles to defend against threats of cattle theft or the abduction of women from other tribes within their territory.

The above behavior of the Mursi tribe is believed to reflect their long-standing animosity towards the Hamers tribe. They highly value internal tribal harmony, often residing in remote villages along the Omo River, where tsetse flies are scarce, and living in small thatched huts.

KhuareaChristianity in the North

We continued our journey north into Ethiopia, where many medieval relics remain, including churches carved from stone. We felt lost in an area where the past and present were virtually blurred, with many Christian religious ceremonies that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

One such place is Lalibela – a strange town that gives the feeling that time seems to stand still. Pilgrims from all over Ethiopia flock here, dressed in a uniform white attire, further enhancing the town's enchanting beauty.

We stayed in Lalibela for a few days to visit some churches and explore the town's stunning natural scenery. The locals were very hospitable and friendly. For me, Lalibela is one of the places that I find truly unforgettable and regretful to leave.

Located at an altitude of 2,630 cm above sea level on the southwestern slopes of the former Lasta province, in the present-day Amhara region of Ethiopia, Lalibela is considered a monastic town. A holy site for Eastern Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, Lalibela is renowned for its 11 churches carved from monolithic rock during the Middle Ages. The most famous of these is Bete Giyorgis (St. George's Church), which dates back eight centuries.

AndHarar -tUNESCO World Heritage City

At the end of our five-week trip, we drove to the legendary city of Harar. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006, Harar is an ancient city that dates back hundreds of years.

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,885 meters and 525 km east of the capital Addis Ababa, Harar is the commercial center of the Harari region, home to around 150,000 residents. Boasting 102 sanctuaries and nearly 100 mosques, some dating back to the 10th century, Harar is considered the fourth holiest site in Islam. Over the centuries, influenced by both African and Islamic traditions, the city has become incredibly unique, with its own distinct cultural and architectural characteristics.

The city boasts a network of over 362 narrow streets within a single square kilometer in its center. Harar's old town has approximately 82 mosques, making it one of the places with the highest density of mosques in the world.

With its unique culture and architecture, bustling markets, crumbling walls, and friendly people, Harar transports you back in time. The houses in Harar's old town best reflect the city's unique cultural heritage. Traditional houses always feature courtyards with exquisitely designed interiors, and most have been preserved in their original state.

Ethiopia is truly a wonderful country to travel to, explore, and have truly memorable experiences during your trip!

Additional information

+ Journey

Several airlines offer flights to Ethiopia. Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines are two of the best options for flying to the capital, Addis Ababa, from most cities around the world. You may need a layover in Istanbul (Türkiye) or Cairo (Egypt).

+ Movement

- Book a jeep tour with a driver at a local travel agency in Addis Ababa to explore the southern region. Traveling in this area is a real adventure. You shouldn't go alone as transportation is very limited.

- Explore the southern region on market days in the villages of Dimeka, Key Afar, Jinka, and Turmi to have the opportunity to meet the tribes and witness their daily lives.

- In the northern region, you can travel independently as accommodation and transportation are quite convenient. Ethiopian Airlines offers domestic flights, allowing you to easily fly to other locations within northern Ethiopia.

To get to Harar, you can fly or take a bus from Addis Ababa. There are many places to stay in the city.

+ Cuisine

- Try "injera," a type of sourdough bread that is flat, thin, and quite fluffy. It's a traditional Ethiopian dish.

Ethiopia is also very famous for its coffee and beer. Coffee production in Ethiopia is a long-standing tradition dating back several centuries.

+ In Addis Ababa

- Enjoy jazz music at one of the many jazz cafes in the capital city of Addis Ababa.

- Relax and shop at Mercato Market, considered one of the largest markets in Africa. This will be an unforgettable experience for visitors.

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Pascal Manners
Belgian photographer

"I traveled across Ethiopia in a jeep for five weeks with a friend and our driver. I hadeachI've traveled to many places around the world, but I have to say that my experience in Ethiopia is one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of my life!”

You can view more photos by Pascal Mannaerts on the website:www.parcheminsdailleurs.com

Pascal Manners