Ethiopia Travel Guide | CNN

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Destination Ethiopia

Believed to be the cradle of human civilization, Ethiopia is one of Africa's most beguiling destinations. The only country on the continent never to be colonized, it wears its ancient past with pride and has largely shrugged off a turbulent recent history, although unrest persists along the South Sudan border and other remote regions. The modern capital, Addis Ababa, is home to world-class museums and hectic streets that redefine the word bustling. Aksum, the ancient capital, is UNESCO protected and has a wealth of churches and tombs. The castles of Gondar are among East Africa's best-preserved archaeological sites, although travel to the area can be unsafe.
Believed to be the cradle of human civilization, Ethiopia is one of Africa's most beguiling destinations. The only country on the continent never to be colonized, it wears its ancient past with pride and has largely shrugged off a turbulent recent history, although unrest persists along the South Sudan border and other remote regions. The modern capital, Addis Ababa, is home to world-class museums and hectic streets that redefine the word bustling. Aksum, the ancient capital, is UNESCO protected and has a wealth of churches and tombs. The castles of Gondar are among East Africa's best-preserved archaeological sites, although travel to the area can be unsafe.
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BRUSSELS-AIRPORT, BELGIUM - JULY 29: A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (ET-AUO) from Ethiopian Airlines is landing in Brussels Airport on July 29, 2022 in Zaventem, Belgium. Ethiopian Airlines is the national airline of Ethiopia, founded in 1945 and 100% controlled by the Ethiopian state. The Boeing Company is an American aircraft and aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Brussels-National airport is mainly used for international flights to Europe, Africa, Asia, America or even the Middle East.
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Plane failed to descend as pilots reportedly fell asleep during flight
Two pilots are believed to have fallen asleep and missed their landing during a flight from Sudan to Ethiopia on Monday, according to an Aviation Herald report.
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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 29: A Boeing 737 MAX 8 airliners taxis after landing at Boeing Field to complete its first flight on January 29, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The 737 MAX is the newest generation of Boeing's most popular airliner featuring more fuel efficient engines and redesigned wings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
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An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian monk poses while holding a cross at Ure Kidane Mihret monestary at Lake Tana in Bahar Dar, Ethiopia, on January 17, 2012. Ethiopian monks and priests are preparing for the annual festival of Timkat which celebrates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. The festival will begin on January 19. During Timkat, the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant is taken out of every Ethiopian church for 24 hours and paraded during a procession in towns across the country. Over 80 per cent of Ethiopians are estimated to be Orthodox Christians. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians believe the real Ark of the Covenant (a vessel containing the Ten Commandments) is held in Aksum, a city in Northern Ethiopia. It is guarded by a select group of monks, whose sole commitment is to protect the sacred vessel.
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Pilgrims waiting to emerge from inside a tunnel at Bet Girogis or the House of St George, Lalibela, Ethiopia. This hand-carved, 12th century church is connected to 12 other churches by a series of tunnels, designed to protect medieval worshipers from attacks, but also to symbolize the movement of pilgrims from darkness to light.
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Gelada baboons are a species endemic to Ethiopia with a population estimated to be as high as 500,000. It's common to see groups of 200 or more baboons in the Simien Mountains. They're grass eaters, and considered to be one of the most sociable of African monkeys. Their harem-based social structure is said to be the most complex of all animals.
Brice Laine/CNN
Home to the world’s rarest mammals?
Ethiopian Orthodox Christian priests bless a cross shaped pool of water during the annual festival of Timkat in Lalibela, Ethiopia which celebrates Epiphany, the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, on January 20, 2012. During Timkat, the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant is taken out of every Ethiopian church for 24 hours and paraded during a procession in towns across the country. Over 80 % of Ethiopians are estimated to be Orthodox Christians. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians believe the real Ark of the Covenant ( a vessel containing the Ten Commandments) is held in Aksum. It is guarded by a select group of monks, whose sole commitment is to protect the sacred vessel.
Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images
Holy water washes away sins at Ethiopia’s Timket festival
The inhospitable terrain of the Ethiopia's desert basin also features many acid pools.
Brice Laine/CNN
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Antica Restaurants & Farm in Addis Ababa is one institution that has started experimenting with Ethiopian ingredients. Chef Yohannes Hailemariam has created several fusion dishes, including a lasagne made from teff.
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Ethiopian priests and monks walk during the annual festival of Timkat in Lalibela, Ethiopia which celebrates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, on January 19, 2012. During Timkat, the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant is taken out of every Ethiopian church for 24 hours and paraded during a procession in towns across the country. Over 80 % of Ethiopians are estimated to be Orthodox Christians. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians believe the real Ark of the Covenant ( a vessel containing the Ten Commandments) is held in Aksum. It is guarded by a select group of monks, whose sole commitment is to protect the sacred vessel.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images/file
Rock churches of Lalibela, the Jerusalem of Ethiopia
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