Situated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a country that attracts unconventional travellers towards itself. This is because Ethiopia is a land of limitless possibilities and many adventurous things to do. Today lets talk about 20 best things to do in Ethiopia.

The country shares its borders with Djibouti and Somalia to the East and Sudan and South Sudan to the west, Kenya to the South and Eritrea to the North. The country has almost 102 million people population and is the most populous landlocked country in the world, also the second most populous Nation of the Africa Continent as per Wikipedia.

It's Capital is Addis Ababa. Ethiopia has the oldest skeletal evidence. Wikipedia says that this was the region from where modern humans had first set out for the Middle East and Beyond. There are many beautiful places in Ethiopia, like the Simien and Bale Mountains, the Danakil Depression, the source of Blue Nile etc.

Ethiopia has also a significant history attached to it. This was the first country to have escaped European Colonialism.

There are many other adventurous things that you can do here. Today lets talk about the best things you must do when in Ethiopia.

20 Crazy and Cool Things you must do when in Ethiopia, the land where it all began!

#1. Bete Giyorgis of Lalibela

This is a beautiful church that is cut from a single rock. This has a pretty mystical story attached to it. Saint Gebre Mesqul Lalibela was surrounded by a swarm of bees, pretty soon after his birth. His mom, thought this to be a good sign that he would rule Ethiopia one day. His name means- "The Bees Recognise the Sovereignty". He was the person who ordered the construction of 11 monolithic stone churches found across the town. Although there is a lot of controversy regarding the history of the church, this is a beautiful church that must be visited when you are in Ethiopia.

Pic source: wikipedia.org

#2. Dallol

If you are interested in checking out the ruthlessness and cruelty of "Beautiful Nature", then do visit, Dallol in the Danakil Depression. This boiling soil-formed world is totally devoid of any humans and is in fact, dangerous for humans. Danakil Depression, also called the Afar Depression, is the lowest and the hottest part of the world. The average temperature here is 94 Degrees Fahrenheit. It is surrounded by boiling hot springs, that brings hot minerals and toxic gas bubbles onto the surface. Despite being so dangerous, this place has actually become somewhat picturesque.

Pic source: reddit.com

#3. Erta Ale

Smoking Mountain in Ethiopia, is one of the hottest places in the world and hosts 2 lava. This is also called Gateway to Hell. This 2011 - foot high perilously active Basaltic Sheild Volcano is amongst the only few of the active volcano in the worlds. The Erta Ale also has two lava lakes that make it a beautiful destination for all tourists to visit. Beneath the ground surrounding Erta Ale, lies a pool of active magma which doesn't make the lake cool down or solidify.

Pic source: pinterest.com

#4. Ben Abeba

Ben Abeba is an open spaced restaurant beside the historical wonders of Lali Bela, perched on a hill. This resembles a bouquet of flowers or a cooking pot. This is an award-winning restaurant that serves traditional Ethiopian dishes and western fair. The place has unreliable electricity but still, they don't fail to impress the guests.

Pic source: happydaystravelblog.com

#5. The Afar Rift

In 2005, 10 day period of seismic activity created a 35-mile rift, which is over 20 feet wide at certain points. According to researchers, these changes may lead to an ocean formation miles below the sea level. It is believed, that in the next million years and the Gulf of Aden will meet together and pour into the depression, to create a new ocean in the desert.

Pic source: elitereaders.com

#6. Obelisk of Axum

Kingdom of Axum has been a popular and powerful destination since a long time. Since then, tall pillars were erected to mark the death of important leaders. This 160 tonne Steele was taken as a loot to Rome after it was reassembled. But after the World War 2, this was returned to Ethiopia in 2007.

Pic source: ashtronort.wordpress.com

#7. The Urban Hyenas of Harar

The residents of this locality have a cordial relationship with these spotted Hyenas. " Thy Hyena Men" feed the animals in nightly shows for tourists. The hyenas are very human-friendly in spite of being wild and dangerous.

Pic source: hararhyenas.wordpress.com

#8. Chapel of the Tablet

The Chapel of the Tablet was destroyed many times but reconstructed every time. It has very beautiful artefacts, which can be seen. The site attracts many pilgrims every year, who visit the Chapel to check out from the outside.

Pic source: lakedistrictwalks.com

#9. Abuna Yemata Guh

A beautiful and Offbeat church in a rock-hewn painted cave atop a sandstone pinnacle. If you are a hiker, only then you can reach there, because it has 650 feet drops on each side. It's the world's most dangerous Church that can be reached only via a 45-minute hike.

Pic source: africa.com

#10. Yemrehanna Kristos Church

This Church is actually inside a natural cavern. Because of this, the Church has not deteriorated even after centuries of service. Within the church, you'd find beautiful woodwork. This is a beautiful Church which has attracted Pilgrims from all over the world.

Pic source: panamparikh.wordpress.com

#11. Tiya Stelae

Tiya Stelae are mysterious carved stones whose purpose are still unknown to all researchers. It is outside the Capitol of Addis Ababa. Each stone has carved images of primitive swords, geometric shapes and figures. Until now, the exact age or purpose of these haven't been identified. The popular belief is that these stones were used for funerary functions. They offer a glimpse of a primitive time.

Pic source: ancient-origins.net

#12. Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum

Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum is in Addis Ababa. It was constructed in 2010. The victims of the dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam's Derg Regime who were around 500,000 to 750,000 were tortured during the rule of this ruthless dictator. This museum tells the story of Ethiopia's bloody history with the museum which is full of coffins, bloodied clothes and images.

Pic source: tripadvisor.in

There are even ropes which were used to strangle people. Ethiopia's Red Terror time exalted during 1977 and 1978 when men, women and children were tortured. This museum exhibits the victims' sacrifice for this country.

#13. Chemin de Fer Railway Museum

The railway station of Dire Dawa was the only railway line from Djibouti to Addis Ababa. This operated since 1929 to early 2000s. Today it is a modern museum which shows trains, French influences and railway carriages which belong to the first, second and third class from 1950.

Pic source: atlasobscura.com

#14. Hadar Archaeological Site

Here the skeletal remains of Hominid "Lucy" of Australotithecus afarensis species which existed 2.9 million years ago have been found. This is the only Hominid skeleton which has been found at Hadar Archeological site. Researchers claim that ancient female walked upright and died at a young age.

Pic source: atlasobscura.com

#15. Simien Mountains National Park

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Simien Mountains is Africa's most beautiful mountain range. You can trek along the plateau. The scenery and the altitude are spellbinding.

Pic source: britannica.com

#16. Debre Damo

Debra Damo is a monastery situated in northern Ethiopia that belongs to the 6th century during the reign of king Gebre Meskel. To reach the top of the monastery you have to reach through a 15m cliff. You have to hold on to a thick leather rope and the monks there will also tie a second line along your torso to pull you up.

Pic source: comboni.org

#17. Meet with the locals at Omo Valley

Along the border of Ethiopia and Kenya is the great rift valley where you'll find the Omo Delta. Here you can meet with the exotic tribal people, get to know their traditional lifestyle and primitive customs. Blood mixed with Milk is a staple drink here.

Pic source: wikipedia.org

#18. Enjoy a Coffee Ceremony

Researchers claim that coffee was first found in Ethiopia during 800 AD when goatherders found that there flock used to become livelier when they chewed on the red berries. When you are in Ethiopia you should enjoy the coffee ceremony here.

Pic source: travelgluttons.com

#19. Cry Wolf

Cry Wolf, also called the Simien Wolf of Ethiopia is an exotic species with only less than 500 left. You can spot them in the Ethiopian highlands or in the Sanetti Plateau.

Pic source: africageographic.com

#20. Taste Injera

Injera is said to be a staple of Ethiopian cuisine which is made using Teff which is a wheat-like grain and is grown in Ethiopian highlands. This is pounded into flour and then mixed with water and yeast and then left out for fermentation. This has a distinctive (bitter taste) and looks like a pan-cake like bread. It is served along with tibs  - fried beef strips- , Doro - Chicken Stew - , and Carrot and Spinach cooked with garlic.

Pic source: wikipedia.org

Hence these were the 20 most exotic and unusual things you could do in Ethiopia. If you liked this article then please share it with your friends. You can also like our pages on social media handles for more such intresting articles.

If you have been to Ethiopia and want to share your experience or have anything to ask, please feel free to comment below.