AXUMAxum is an ancient city located in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. The city was the original capital of the Kingdom of Aksum and is one of the oldest places in Africa that has continuously been inhabited by humans. Axum was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its historic value.
The major Aksumite monuments in the town are the trademark stelae. These obelisks are believed to be about 1,700 years old.
The Old St. Mary of Zion Cathedral is said to have been built in 1665. It is believed that the original Ark of the Covenant is under lock and key. The Chapel of the Tablet is said to be where the Ark is currently housed. Admittance to the Chapel is strictly forbidden to all but the guardian monk who resides in the church.
LALIBELALalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia. The town has been placed on the global World Heritage Sites map thanks to its monolithic rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is regarded by Ethiopian Orthodox christians as one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia.
The layout and names of the major buildings in Lalibela are widely accepted to be a symbolic representation of the ancient city of Jerusalem. There are some 11 churches that have been identified in Lalibela.
Biete Medhane Alem church is believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world. This church is the home to the Lalibela Cross. It is a large elaborately decorated cross that Ethiopian Orthodox christians regards as one of the most precious religious and historical heirlooms. The cross dates back to the 12th century.
OMO VALLEY The ancient African tribes that inhabit the Lower Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia are some of the most unique tribal people in the world today. These are a people that have become famous for their cultural heritage and diversity.
What is striking about the tribes-people of the Omo Valleyk is the myriad of colours they wear on their bodies in form of colourful beadworks, animal feathers and even body art.
The Hamar people are some of the most well-known tribes from the Omo Valley. One of their most famous cultural traditions is the leaping cermony that is a rite of passage four young Hamar boys into adulthood.