Why Ethiopia?

Hi,
I did a tour of the Omo Valley Christmas 2006. This was my first foray into Africa also... I can honestly say it was the most amazing trip I have ever done.
There was a bridge down so we had to go through villages that rarely saw white ppl and the reception we got was incredible, my spine still tingles when I think of it... we got bogged a few times and ppl came from nowhere to watch or help us - often having a good laugh. We went to markets where we were the only white ppl and the locals took absolutely no notice of us because we were not potential customers. In saying this, there are also some area of course that are wise to the tourist buck.
As far as bumping into other travellers, we ran into an Australian couple two or three times and one other small group at a market and that was it apart from Addis Ababa.
Maybe I was a bit naive, but I honestly thought ppl getting around in animal skins was just on TV or tourist sites.... my eyes were truly opened - I was told be by my fellow travellers that it was probably the best place to start, although it would probably spoil me for anywhere else....
I did not go north of Addis Ababa unfortunately, and I think this would be a totally different experience but still amazing and not overcrowded.I would definitely recommend going.
Enjoy your trip, you will love it!
Jen

GOOD
Ethiopia is completely unique , different to any other country
Beautiful scenery
Fascinating cultures/ethnic groups
Ancient historical sights
Not too touristy yet (though it is certainly getting to be more so)

BAD
Food poisoning - I always come away from there with lingering stomach problems
Boring food - injera or pasta (if you are vegetarian, like me)
Constant hassle - you need to learn a few words and ways to get rid of annoying people

Other than Harar (where I only bumped into tourists on the bus ride there from Dire Dawa, and one night huddled around the hyena man), and the TESFA trek (where I joined a group of tourists, of course, but we were the only ones for miles), I saw plenty of tourists in the north. Not sure from your question if that is a good thing or bad thing. I also went in December, which is considered high season.

But I would still say yes, off the beaten track, because I don't have any friends/acquaintances that went before I did. And also because even people who don't travel much still know WHY other people are interested in Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Mali, South Africa, Madagascar. But if you mention Ethiopia, they need to hear more...fewer people are aware of Ethiopia's features and charms.

Technically I've been to Africa before, but it's hard to count Egypt. Ethiopia was just an amazing experience for me. It's easy to read all the stories of hassle on this board...I've told a few myself...but that doesn't stop it from being a really uplifting experience. It's possibly the 3rd best "people place" I've traveled, because in truth the historical sights were anti-climactic after the TESFA trek, meeting lovely people every few minutes. One of the best scenic places. As for different cultural groups, I didn't go to the south but I loved the people in the north AND even in Harar, where the hassle was far and away the strongest.

Anyway, I've said this a few times on this board but my favorite experience of my trip was the TESFA trek. Left me with such a warm feeling and so much love for country. Highly recommended. My photos of Ethiopia are here, mainly covering that trek!

Oh, and yes, the food can be monotonous but it's a little better if you're a meat eater :). Injera varies though...had good injera in Addis, and extraordinarily sour injera in the highlands.

ghana is considered africa for beginners. english is spoken, the people are warm and friendly and very open to conversation. you can take tro-tros ( vans) everywhere. the music is great and numerous sights are out there for a great two week trip. very cheap as well. would suggest that over ethiopia. i'm a seasoned traveller and took a friend and first time traveller with me. disaster to say the least, sensory overload, total freak out. had to send him back to Addis A early as i continued alone on the trip. have fun

we went to ethiopia in jan-our first trip to africa apart from morocco.it was absolutely wonderful.we did the historical circuit then went south from addis as my boyfriend wanted to go to shashemene as he is a rasta.the people were the most friendly,genuinely lovely people imaginable and i really found it hard to believe stories we read about hostility,stone throwing etc.we experienced none of this at all.sure,we were constantly hassled for money,but we firmly said NO and instead my boyfriend played games with the kids and older people we talked to about other things.everyone spoke really good english.we met a few travellers but not many.do go to ethiopia you just need to remember that it is one of the worlds poorest countries,and it is developing slowly.addis is much more developed than the rest of the country,and it is quite an exciting time to visit while it is changing-ie hotels being built etc

Thanks for the great feedback, its good to hear your stories. Anyway i've just booked my flight and i'll be leaving on 17th May for 25 days...can't wait!!

thats great.i really hope you enjoy it.im very envious!