Discover Ethiopia with Sistrum Tour and Travel
Embark on a journey through Ethiopia’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the ancient cities of the North to the lush highlands and serene lakes, Sistrum Tour and Travel curates unforgettable experiences that capture the true essence of Ethiopia.
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Unforgettable Journeys
Experience the best of Ethiopia with tailor made tours designed for comfort, discovery, and authentic adventure through the land of origins.
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Lake Tana Monasteries
There are 37 islands that are scattered about the surface of Lake Tana, out of which some 20 shelter churches and monasteries of immense historical and cultural interest. These churches are decorated with beautiful paintings and house innumerable treasures. Because of their isolation they were used to store art treasures and religious relics from all parts of the country.
Axum
The modern town of Axum does not easily show the evidence of the splendors of its glorious past. Nevertheless, the historic footprints are represented by extensive traces of noble buildings with large stone foundations, side by side with the ruins of even more impressive structures such as: temples, fortresses, and rich palaces.
Bird Watching in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most productive birding destinations. Numerous endemics, a rich assemblage of forest and savanna species and an influx of Palaearctic migrants all add up to a truly bird-filled tour (over 850 species have been recorded in this country). Fascinating cultures, both traditional and Christian, and friendly people ensure an enjoyable experience. Ethiopia is also one of Africa’s most rewarding photographic destinations.
Photographic Tours
Located in the Horn of Africa, and sporting a proud and ancient culture that has developed over millennia, Ethiopia simultaneously boasts a varied landscape that is home to numerous endemic mammals and birds, thus making it a photographers dream. Much of its appeal stems from its tapestry of highland areas – handsome Ethiopian Wolves stalk across the high-altitude plateau of the Bale Massif in search of their rodent prey, vast troops of intriguingly vocal Geladas graze short-grass meadows in the breath-taking Simien Mountains, and wizened priests draped in layered robes lean on their worn prayer staffs in Lalibela’s famous rock-hewn churches. Appropriately termed the “Roof of Africa”, this is a high altitude wonderland that charms all who visit!
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Danakil Depression
The Danakil Depression—one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places on Earth is a dramatic geological basin in Ethiopia’s Afar Region, sitting more than 100 meters below sea level. Formed by the pulling apart of three tectonic plates, it is known for its active volcanoes, vast salt flats, colorful hydrothermal fields, and extreme desert climate. Temperatures can exceed 50°C, making it one of the harshest environments on the planet.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II who moved his capital city from Ankober (a town 175 km. to the northeast) to the top of the Entoto Mountains. Addis Ababa – the “new flower”, was later set at the foot of the Entoto Mountains. It is centrally located within Ethiopia as a capital city.
Religion: Christianity
Three of the world’s major religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, have had their followers here since they were founded and thus have grown with indigenous expressions that are distinctly Ethiopian. Both Christianity and Islam become state sponsored and protected in Ethiopia before anywhere else.
Religion: Islam
Islam arrived early in Ethiopia. In 615, The Prophet's wife and cousin, as well as Prophet Mohammed’s earliest followers (the “Assabs”) sought refuge at Axum (Aksum). This group was fleeing from Mecca's leading tribe, the reactionary Kuraysh, who sent emissaries to bring them back to Arabia, but the Negus Armah protected them. They were accepted and allowed to flourish under the protection of the king of Axum. In appreciation of this, the Prophet himself instructed his followers to respect and protect Ethiopians. There is an injunction in the Koran against violence by Muslims directed at Ethiopia.
Indigenous Cultures
The cultural tours mainly focus on the indigenous peoples of the Omo Valley. Visiting such unique cultures helps one to truly differentiate between what is really necessary in life and what is only cosmetic. It helps one to realize that it takes very little to be happy.
Ethiopian Languages
Ethiopia has 83 different Languages with up to 200 different dialects spoken. The largest ethnic and linguistic groups are the Oromo, Amhara and Tigryans respectively.
Gonder
The graceful city of Gondar, embraced with incredibility, was founded by Emperor Fasilidas around 1635. It is famous for its many medieval castles, (constructed in the European middle age architectural style), and the design and decoration of its churches.
Harar
The eastern part of Ethiopia, close to Djibouti and Somalia, is a region inhabited mainly by Muslims.The ancient walled city of Harar has more than 90 mosques and shrines mixed in with households behind its sixteenth century walls. This city was founded over 1000 years ago, and is considered to be one of the holiest centers of Muslim learning in the Islamic world.
Jimma
Jimma was founded by Aba Jifar, who was the descendant of one of the five kings in the former Gibe Kingdom. It is believed that Aba Megal, the ancestor of Aba Jifar, was elected by the other four Gibe kings to be their spokesman when dealing with the central government. No one really knows how the Aba Megal family became the 'representative' of the Gibe kings rather than only their spokesman. This gradually diminished the importance of the other four kings.
Lalibela
The ancient Ethiopian empire in the north, came to an abrupt end, when a ferocious woman warrior named Queen Judith, led her tribes up from the Semien mountains and destroyed Axum, the capital.
Simien Mountains National Park
The northern mountainous highlands constitute one of the major ranges in Africa. The region includes many summits above 4000 meters and culminates at its highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen, at 4630 meters, the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Its dramatic topography is the result of the erosion of basalt lavas, which have been calculated to be nearly 3000 meters thick.
The Rift Valley Lakes
The reat Rift Valley, which extends from the Middle East to Mozambique, passes right through Ethiopia, endowing the country with some spectacular features that range from hot, dey, and barren places to a string of beautiful lakes. Volcanic activity, which greatly contributed to the formation of the Rift Valley continues up to present times. In Ethiopia, it finds expression in the presence of hot springs in many parts of the country, as well as volcanic cones in the Danakil Depression in the north-east. Much further south between and far below the two escarpments, lie the glittering watery jewels of Lake Awasa, Lake Shala, Lake Abijatta, Lake Langano and Lake Ziway: Ethiopia's Rift Valley riviera.
Bale Mountains National Park
ParkBale Mountains National Park is an area of high altitude plateau that is broken by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands below. As you ascend into the mountains you will experience changes in the vegetation with altitude, from juniper forests to heather moorlands and alpine meadows, which at various times of year exhibit an abundance of colourful wildflowers.
The Major Endemic Mammals & Plants of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is home to several unique and endemic mammals found nowhere else in the world. Key species include the Ethiopian wolf, the rarest canid globally, which roams the highlands, and the Gelada baboon, known for its striking red chest patch and grass-eating habits. The Mountain Nyala, a large antelope, inhabits the Bale Mountains, while the Menelik’s bushbuck is another highland species. These animals, adapted to Ethiopia’s diverse ecosystems, are integral to the country’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.