Derbo Ethiopia Tour

10/12/2023

05/12/2023

ጅንካ

17/09/2020

photo tips from Derbo Ethiopia Tour

27/06/2020

Photo from Derbo Ethiopia tour

05/03/2020

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01/03/2020

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29/02/2020

Lalibela airport

24/02/2020

Ethiopia is the land of origins

17/02/2020

Ethiopian wolf is one of the endemic mammals of Ethiopia restricted mainly In Ethiopian highlands. simien mountien and Bale Mountains is the best place to see them.

17/02/2020

Good day with my clients, Hike to top of lalibela.

13/02/2020

Harar

To Museum this historic walled citadel, Harar, or the city of Saints, ranks only behind the sanctified trio of mecca, Medina and Jerusalem as Islam's fourth-holiest city. within Ethiopia, it is far and away the country's most important repository of Islamic landmarks, with 82 mosques and 438 Awaach (shrines of important Islamic scholars)crammed into 48 hectares -the largest concentration in the world. Religious significance aside, the ancient town of Harar also served for centuries as the most important emporium in the Horn of Africa, the trade pivot linking the ports of the Somali coast to the fertile Ethiopian interior.

UNESCO, which inscribed Harar Jugol as a world Heritage site in 2006, regards it's unique g*y gar (city houses),which their exceptional interi design, as the most spectacular part of the city's cultural heritage. There are endless other delights: the labyrinthine alleys, the busy market places where colourfully -draped local women sell delicious juicy tropical fruits, pastel-painted cafes brewing coffee plucked from the surrounding hills, the great hospitality of the people and the architectural beauty of Harar Jugol. in 2002, UNESCO awarded Harar the cities for peace prize, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the promotion of peace, tolerance and solidarity in everyday life.

Historical Harar

Harar was founded in the 7th century and by the 16th century was the capital of Adal Muslim state. Today, Harar is the beautiful, multicultural capital of the Harar people Regional state. it is famous for its excellent hospitality, bustling traditional market, handcraft products and it's museums. Centuries old craft-marking traditions including weaving, jewelry and bookbinding are well preserved and of particular interest to culture enthusiasts.

Sherif Harar city Museum

This private museum curated by the collector Abdullahi sherif is housed in housed in one of Harar's most beautiful buildings a wide-balconied double-storey mansion that splendidly combines elements of Islamic and Indian architecture. The house was built in the late 19th century by Ras (prince) Mekonnen, whose son Ras Teferi (the future Emperor Haile selassie) spent much of his childhood there. Among the many treasures on display are collections of antique Islamic manuscripts, coins minted in the city during the 18th century, traditional Harar costumes, musical instruments and household artefacts. A musical archive includes hundreds of field recordings made in and around Harar since the 1940s.

Harar city houses (Gaydon Gar)

Around 2000 traditional city houses, or g*y gars, Harar Jugol, including one built during Amir Abdushakur's dynasty in 1783. Entered via a traditional carved wooden door (gan beri), the split-level interior is centred on a living room (nedeba) dominated by a carpet-draped elevated platform where most social activity takes place. The niched walls are hung with myriad household items, notably the circular flat polychrome injera-baskets for which Harar is famed. This open-plan area is flanked by two small cells: the dera, a bedroom where newlyweds spend their first week of wedlock, and the smaller kirtet, which functions as a cellar and storage room. some houses have an upper floor, or kuti kela, once used to store coffee and grains but now usually adapted as an additional bedroom. A good example of a traditional guy gar, decorated with hundreds of vintage artefacts, is the well -excuted facsimile in the Harar community center Museum. Local guides can arrange for tourists to visit genuine lived -in Harari houses, and those who want to immerse themselves deeper in the experience can overnight at the city's four family-run cultural guesthouses.

Do you know?
The feeding of wild hyenas in Harar is rooted in the ancient Ashura ceremony, when a few bowls of porridge are left out for the hyenas, and the city's fortunes over the coming year predicted based on how much is eaten.
The Harar coffee beans is one of the oldest still produced and is known for its heavy-bodied, spicy and fragrant flavour.

13/02/2020

Dire Dawa-Gateway to Eastern Ethiopia

Ethiopia's second -largest city, Dire Dawa was established in 1902 as a major stop along the railway between Addis Ababa and Djibouti as it traversed the hot dry plains north of Harar. The city is split into two distinct quarters by the normally dry Dachata River. To the northwest is Kezira, a stately colonial -style quarter whose wide leafy avenues converge on the impressive French-built railway station. Southwest of the river, the old Islamic quarter of Megaala has an altogether more organic feel, epitomised by a trio of lively daily market offering Kafira (foodstuffs and other local produce), Taiwan' (electronic and other imported goods) and Ashewa (livestock market ), Though some tourists rush through Dire Dawa in transit between the airport and Harar, it's a lively and interesting city, and the best for visit to two major rock-art sites: porc-Epic cave, overlooking the Dachata River only 3km out of town, and the more remote Laga Oda.

12/02/2020

Lalibela Arts and crafts
Authentic handicrafts from Lalibela,Ethiopia "Lalibela Arts and Crafts" is a non-profit initiative of a cluster of artisans from Lalibela.

12/02/2020

EXPLORE ETHIOPIA AND SEE ITS BEAUTY THAT KNOWS NO BOUNDS.

10/02/2020

The Third Group
Inc the third group, there is only one isolated church, Bete-Giorgis, which is going to be described later.

10/02/2020

The second Group of churches
This group of Lalibela churches comprises Bete Gebriel, Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, and Bete Abba Libanos.

The second group is situated south of the Jordan River and separated from a rock plateau in the north, east and south by a board artificial outer trench, which is about 11 meters deep.
A cone -shaped hill , locally called Bethlehem, occupies the center of this group, surrounded by a partially exposed trench.

Unlike the first complex, this group is less compacted and found at a father distance from the village and the main road of the town.The only part of the village (sefer) which borders this group is Geterge on the western side, but the impact is not strong. The monastery-like village is inhabited by about 12 monk and nuns and found on the northeastern side of this group near Bete Amanuel. one of the known traditional schools, Deganwy Bet (teaching a certain type of church song)is found.

The oldest Axumite architectural style is more reflected in the second group of churches than in first complex. For example, Bete Amanuel with its projecting and recessed walls is typically Axumite in style. The monumental facades of Bete Gabriel and Bete Abba Libanos have also some features identical to the Axumite style of architecture. From this group, only Bete Amanuel is purely monolithic.

Certain things are still mysterious and hidden concerning this group of churches. For instance, the original entrance of Bete Gebriel is still unknown. presently, the access to the church is through a long bridge crossing the main trench.

08/02/2020

The First Group of Churches
This group consists of the churches of Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagel, Bete Debre Sinai, and Bete Golgotha. They are termed "first group" for two main reasons.

Firstly, churches of this group are believed to have been the first to be constructed. Secondly, these churches are usually the first to be accessed by visitors from the town center.

This first complex of Lalibela churches is subdivided into three groups. It consists of Medhane Alem in the east, the Bete Mariam sub-group (including Bete Denagel and Bete Meskel) in the center and Bete Golgotha-Debre Sinai (twin churches )in the west in the shape of a cross as a whole. Tranches and tunnels connect the churches to one another.
The first group of churches is bordered by parts of the village (sefers), namely Addish Ade, in the east, Sebat Woira in the west, Kedemt in main street at the center of the town also stretches along the first group of churches to the north and west.

The first group of churches symbolizes the earthly Jerusalem, and major ceremonies on religious are usually conducted there, mainly in and around Bete Mariam. particularly the Christmas celebration is carried out in the church of Bete Mariam and its surrounding courtyard.

The area on the northeast side of the first group is useful for many religious and social activities, such as for preaching, mourning (funeral ceremony) and the reception of honorable guests accompanied by special dancing of priests. General religious issues and announcements are also announced to the congregation of the faithful in the same place. One of the most notable traditional church school in Lalibela, the qene Bet (teaching religious poetry), is also located near the first group, on the top of the eastern courtyard of Bete Medhane Alem. From this first group of churches, Bete Mariam and Bete Medhane Alem are strictly monolithic, while the others are semi-monolithic. From the whole complex, Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam and Bete Golgotha are well-known and distinguished mainly by their own unique features. Bete Medhane Alem stands out due to its huge size and the large number of pillars (both inside), Bete Mariam due to its exterior porches and mural paintings (decoration ), and the presence of the tomb of King Lalibela.

From the first group of churches, Bete Denagel is the least impressive, lacking basically and king of decoration, and Bete Meskel is the smallest.

The first group of churches is usually privileged with the presence of significant figures from the church authorities. For instance, the head of the Lalibela churches, the Memhir, usually attends the Holy Mass in Bete Mariam. Emperor Lalibela himself is supposed to have offered prayers in Bete Mariam.

06/02/2020

Site Arrangement

Lalibela is a monastic medieval settlement usually identified as a museum of rock-hewn churches. As mentioned previously, the church ground comprises about 25 hectares. The churches are located in the center of the town surrounded by the houses of villagers. It is also quite clear that the churches have been the basis for the beginning of settlement pattern and traditional sources show that the construction of churches preceded the establishment of the town.

The well-known rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are eleven in number. According to their location, they are divided into three groups, separated by the seasonal river Jordan.

The first group comprises six churches located north of the Jordan River, while the second group comprises four churches situated south of the Jordan River Bete Giorgis is located in isolated on a sloping rock terrace southwest of both the first and the second group of churches.

1st group_
Bete Medhane Alem (House of the world)
Bete Mariam (House of Mary)
Bete Meskel (House of the cross)
Bete Denagl (House of the virgins)
Bete Debre Sinai-Golgotha (House of Mount Sinai and Golgotha)-twin churches

2nd Group
Bete Gebriel(House of St.Gabriel)
Bete Merkorios (House of Merkorios)
Bete Amanuel (House of Emanuel)
Bete Abba Libanos (House of father Libanos)

3rd Group
Bete Giorgis (House of St . George)

06/02/2020

The Genesis of Rock cut Churches in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world known The Genesis of Rock cut Churches in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world known for its rock-hewn churches. Though it is very difficult to date these churches accurately, it is very likely that most of them flourished during the early medieval period. Undoubtedly, however, there are a few churches, which date back to the end of the Axumite period around the 5th and 6th centuries A.D.

There are various views forwarded to explain the origin of rock churches in Ethiopia. Many local and professional scholars associate the beginning of ecclesiastical rock-cut architecture with the beginning of monasticism and monastic life in Ethiopia. It is believed that during some early period, monks used to retreat to solitary caves in desert areas to accomplish their spiritual duties without any disturbance. Gradually, many others were attracted to such a ret its rock-hewn churches. Though it is very difficult to date these churches accurately, it is very likely that most of them flourished during the early medieval period. Undoubtedly, however, there are a few churches, which date back to the end of the Axumite period around the 5th and 6th centuries A.D.

There are various views forwarded to explain the origin of rock churches in Ethiopia. Many local and professional scholars associate the beginning of ecclesiastical rock-cut architecture with the beginning of monasticism and monastic life in Ethiopia. It is believed that during some early period, monks used to retreat to solitary caves in desert areas to accomplish their spiritual duties without any disturbance. Gradually, many others were attracted to such a retreat of hermit life, and began to fashion their own dwellings from rocks This tradition that apparently laid down the Knowledge basis for the construction of churches from excavated rocks.

Rock-hewn ecclesiastical buildings were highly developed and widespread in Ethiopia during the Zagwe period. Builders of that time were apparently more interested in rock churches than wood and masonry buildings (built-up churches).Three possible factors could be suggested for the preference of excavated churches from rock.

One, the symbolic importance of the hewn rock and the caves associated with the biblical traditions is highly emphasised. The birth and burial places of Jesus Christ are related with a cave and carved rocks, respectively. it is Known by many people that Christ was born in a cave at Bethlehem. it is also indicated in the New Testament that Christ was buried in a rock-tomb, which can be found in the Gospel according to Matthew :

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.

It is,therfore, to his association with the birth and death of Christ, that the origin of rock churches may be traced. it is also true that Emperor Lalibela was greatly inspired by the same tradition,and believed to have brought Jerusalem symbolically to Ethiopia by the carving of complex rock churches at Roha (Hesse, 1996).
Two, rock- hewn structures churches were probably chosen for their physical durability and long-lasting usefulness. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela have survived for about nine hundred years despite several ma-made and natural hazards.

Three, there also people who suggested that carving of churches from rocks did not necessarily require more labor force and advanced (complex) tools. Thus, relatively soft rocks could be easily fashioned into a church with the rudimentary (primitive )tools of the period.

However, this view seems highly unlikely for the churches of Lalibela unless one additionally accepts the religious belief which is associated with divine intervention. In term of overall conception, refined architecture and aesthetic expression. it is hardly possible to underestimate the amount of workmanship involved and the level of technology applied during the excavation and construction.

06/02/2020

Reasons for the Inaccessibla Location.

Almost all of the rock-cut churches in Ethiopia are situated in an obscure, isolated, and inaccessible places. A number of local scholars have associated this fact with the spirit of asceticism. They state that many of the churches were excavated in isolated areas by those who preferred a secluded life, separated from the secular world.

Some others emphasized it's importance for the protection of a church in time of war and invasion. It is true that many rock-cut churches survived many decades despite man-made and natural calamities.

There are also people who argue that most rock churches are found in inaccessible areas due to the nature of the landscape of Northern Ethiopia, which is characterised by a rugged topography.

This inaccessible nature of rock church sites is also associated with Biblical traditions In the Bible, it is indicated that one has to go through ups and downs and pass many challenges of life in order to inherit the kingdom of God. The difficult way of approaching to the church symbolizes the challenges of spiritual life and the church represents the Heavenly Jerusalem (the Kingdom of God). As it says in the Gospel of Matthew:

according to the belief of local priests, angels assisted St.Lalibela in the night when he was excavating the churches. It is said that he hewn rocks during day times and the angels double the work in the night. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way, which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Furthermore, whatever the intentions might be, the availability of a suitable rock to hew the church from could also be a determinant factor for the selection and location.

Typesof rock-hewn churches

Considering their manner of construction, rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia are classified into rock-hewn cave churches and rock-hewn monolithic churches.

The rock-hewn cave churches are of two types. Some of them are semi-monolithic, partially separa9from the main rock with various degrees of attachment to the rock. Some others are excavated inwards from a vertical cliff face. Bete Golgotha is an example of the first, Bete Abba Libanos an example of the latter type.

Rock-hewn monolithic churches are separated from the surrounding rock and hewn on all sides including the roof. They are isolated within a deep courtyard excavated around them. Therfore, they are strictly monolithic in structure and completely free standing, attached to the rock at the base only. Many of them usually imitate a built-up structure, but are hewn from a single rock and isolated from it all round by a trench.
There are also built -up cave churches, like Yemirhane Kirstos. These are natural known as grotto churches. They are ordinary built inside a natural cave. The caves is mainly selected for protection of the church from natural calamities, and for seclusion from damaging activities.

02/02/2020

Simien mountin National park

The most marvellous of all Abyssinian landscapes" waxing lyrical about its "stupendous crags" and "gorges of clouded amethyst" upon inscribing it as natural world Heritage site in 1979, UNESCO went one further by lauding it as "one of the world's most spectacular landscapes, with jagged mountain peaks deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500m".

Ethiopia's know it as the Roof of Africa, and awesome Afro- Alpine plateau of grassy meadows and ericaceous moorlands that rises to 4,533m at Ras Dejen. To biologists, it is the most important biodiversity hotspot in northern Ethiopia, 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 lammerg*yer, which is regularly observed soaring overhead, displaying its 2-metre wingspan. The 412km simian mountains National park is also,unsurprisingly, Ethiopia's premier trekking and walking destination.

Hiking and trekking

The best way to see simien mountain is on foot. for those with limited time, it is possible to drive along the all-weather road running east from Buyit Ras to chennek and exit the car for short walks, or to do the 3-4 hour round hike from Ayna Meda to lmet Gojo. several overnight hikes are available. The 3-day hike connecting sankaber, Gich, lmet Gojo and Ayna Meda is recommended to those whose main interest is endemic wildlife such as geladas and and walia ibex. for peak-baggers, the more easterly hike to summit Ras Dejen, the country's highest point, could be undertaken as a 3-day hike from chennek, but a longer hike starting at Sankaber is recommended to acclimatise to the high altitudes. it is possible to cover all hiking routes on mule back (no prior riding experience required). A pack mule is strongly recommended to carry camping and other gear.

Geology of vegetation.

The basaltic bedrock of the Simien Mountains comprises a vast dome that was uplifted as a result of tectonic activity, 75 million year ago, to form a sheer escarpment rising above the plains to its north and east. Glacial activity and rain have since moulded the escarpment into a series of jagged pinnacles and buttresses overlooking countless massive canyons carved by rivers. Most of the 412km area stands above 2,000m and it includes more than a dozen peaks topping the 4,000m mark. The Afrmontane vegetation includes more than 1,200 plant species, of which three are endemic to the park. Above 3,700m, the dominant vegetation type is open grassland punctuated by spectacular giant lobelias that stand up to 10m high. Giant heather trees and other ericaceous plants are the main vegetation type between the 3,000m and 3,700m contour. Afrmontane forest and juniper woodland naturally occur at lower altitudes, but this vegetation type has been greatly reduced.

Endemic Life

The Simien Mountains form the last remaining stronghold of the endemic walia ibex, the only goat indigenous to subsaharan Africa. Associated with narrow cliff ledges, the ibex is absolutely unmistakable due to its massive decurved horns. it can perilously close to extinction in the 1960s, when the population dropped below 200, but a ban on hunting has seen it climb back to 1,200 in recent years. The park supports 20 percent of the global population of 250,000 gelada baboons, an Ethiopian endemic rendered unmistakable by the male's flowing lion-like mane and heart-shaped red chest patch. Unique among living primates in that it feeds predominantly on grass, the gelada has a complex harem based social structures of several hundred are commoly seen by hikers. The Ethiopan wolf is less common here than it is in Bale, but population of around 50 individuals still makes the Simien Mountains the second -most important sanctuary for this endangered endemic. The wolf is occasionally seen east of Gich camp, but is rare further west. Other large mammal species include Anubis baboon, Hamadryas baboon, grivet monkey,

01/02/2020

Make safe Ethiopian tourism

29/01/2020

Ethiopia The wonderland
Independent for three millennia, Ethiopia has survived dynamic historic changes and is the birthstone of great endogenous civilizations.
Today's Ethiopia was once in control over entire East African territory. at the time is was a world -famous influential powerhouse with absolute control over the the Red Sea, Indian Oceania trade routes and south Arabian countries.

Ethiopia is country of variety, extremes uniqueness,freedom, colorful culture, religious, legends natural beauty and much more, on the map of East Africa, Ethiopia is easily found in the area called the hom of Africa. Covering a total area of 1,112,000sq. km,Ethiopia shares boundaries with Kenya, Sudan,Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Ethiopia ranks second in Africa for population size. with close to 70 million people, Ethiopia hosts about 80 different tribal groups, all of which speak different languages and have their own cultural codes. the cultural variety, which is a result of immense tribal differences, can be seen among the individual tribes, Rich in culture and a variety of dialects, Ethiopia prides itself on being the only nation in Africa to have its own language (Amharic) and alphabet (Ge'ez).

Ethiopia was the first country to build a Christian Church on African soil. Christianity crossed the border in the 4th century AD during the Axumite kingdom Even now this church shulters the original Ark of the Covenant brought from Israel by king Menelik I of Ethiopia.

it is found in the town of Axum in northern Ethiopia. In addition it is here that the famous pre-Axumite obelisks stand It is believed that the er****on of these obelisks dates back to 300-200 BC. The tallest (33m) has fallen down: the second (27m) was stolen but the third (23m) still stands. These structures are the tallest on earth to be carved out of a single rock.
Ethiopia is considered to be the original home of humankind. The 1974 discovery of Lucy, locally called Dinkinesh (meaning "you are special"), asserts this as true.

The 12th -century town of Lalibela, located in north-west Ethiopia, has been home to the extraordinarily caved rock-hewn churches since the reign of King Lalibela (1181-1221 AD). These eleven rock-hewn churches are sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.

Gondar, the town of castle and the 17th century Ethiopian capital, has great historical significance. it was here that King fasiladas relocated the former capital. The best example of a medieval -period church is that of Debre Birhan Selassie, which adds to Gondar's charm.
Southwards, the Rift valley system is another wondrous region where many other attractions are sited. The six or seven Rift valley crater lakes are home to a large number of bird and marine life.They are also a paradise for nature and water lovers. National parks with their exotic birds, animals and plants life add to the beauty of the Rift valley region. Beautiful landscapes and natural features are the most enjoyable components of the system. salt lakes, active volcano sites and caravan routes are just few of the many Ethiopia's great attractions in the Rift valley.

Further south is the Omo valley with its popular ethnic treasures. This is where about 50% of Ethiopia's ethnic groups live; the Konso with their terraced agriculture and rituals; the Mursley with their clay lip plates and barbarian life style; the Hamer with their bull-jumping ceremony, which young men must experience in order to qualify for adulthood; and the Karo with their body painting and adornment. Here unusual traditional such as dance. music and rituals from birth to marriage and burial are still observed in heir genuine and original forms.

There's no any place in the world like Ethiopia. With its more than 86 ethnic groups, it's culture, history and traditions landscapes that you've never seen before and which can change frome the dry dessert, through fertile grounds and high mountains with more than 3,500m. These aspects have become Ethiopia and a travel cross this land in an unforgettable experience.

27/01/2020

Traditional house

Traditional houses are remains the local architecture in Lasta, They are found in the center of Lalibela town, many of them within the church compound, and a few others in the nearby settlements. They are also called tumult

Large numbers of the tukuls are round plan, and others are rectangular. They are freestanding and two-storey high.The second storey is reached by an external stone staircase. The tukuls are built using locally available building materials, such as stone, wood and thatch made from grass. They are generally the products of the local people built using indigenous construction methods.

The roofs of the tukuls are conical in shape and traditionally thatched with grass. The walls are built of irregular red local stone, scoraceous basalt (the same material out of which the churches of Lalibela are carved), and bedded in mud mortar. Sometimes the walls are also plastered both inside and outside with a mixture of mud and straw. The horizontal floor division is accentuated by a stringcourse of projecting flagstones. The upper floor is furnished with raised platforms and used as a bed or living room.The ground floor is used as storeroom and kitchen.

The tukuls of Lalibela are very similar to those found in Aksum.There are more than 400 of them in Lalibela in an area covering about 12 hectares (BWUD, 1998). some of them are in good shape and in their original condition, while others are highly damaged and are losing their character. Generally, tukuls are a major historical heritage in Lalibela, but very poorly preserved. They could be highly useful to attract tourists, to investigate the life of ancient residents and the local architecture of the town,if and only if they are well protected and preserved.

24/01/2020

Timket(the ethiopan Epiphany )
Timket also a distinguished feature of celebration in Lalibela, second only to Genna. Two weeks after the Ethiopan Christmas (on January 7th) Timket is celebrated in dramatic and colorful processions.
On the eve of the feast, the holy tabot (replica of the Arkof covenant ) is removed from each church, and taken to a central area where the ceremony takes place. on the day of Epiphany, the tabulated are then processed back to the churches, accompanied by much singing and dancing.
During the festival,the crowned deacons and priests are seen in pretty clothes, all of them under the ritual protection of multi-colour umbrellas. Like Genna, the ceremony of Timket has its own special songs expressed mainly through ritual dances with the rhythmical beats of sistra and drums.
A large number of international tourists usually attends the Timket celebration in Lalibela similar to Genna