Things to do in Mersa

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Mount Entoto

Mount Entoto is the main peak of the Entoto Mountains that surround Addis Ababa. The summit is approx. 3,200 m above sea level, nearly 1,000 m higher than the city center below. It is noticeably cooler on the mountain, making it a rare, refreshing highland near the city. It is also the starting point of the city: Emperor Menelik II once established his capital here, building palaces and churches. Later, the court moved to the valley below, which was full of hot springs, and gradually developed into the Addis Ababa of today. You could say the entire city "walked down" from this hillside. Many of the sights on the mountain are connected to this history: the Palace of Menelik II still stands today, and you can see old royal artifacts in the attached exhibition. The Entoto Maryam Church, built during the same period, along with religious buildings like the Saint Raguel Church, are scattered among the trees, making this a holy mountain in the hearts of believers. The entire hillside is covered with eucalyptus forests introduced from Australia, known as the "lungs of Addis Ababa," and the forest trails are perfect for a leisurely hike. The summit also houses an observatory for the Ethiopian Space Science Society, with a telescope set up inside the dome, serving as an important base for astronomical observation in Ethiopia. On clear days, you can take in the entire city from the summit. It is windy and cold on the mountain, with a noticeable temperature difference from the city center, so it is recommended to bring a jacket before heading up. If you want to see the city skyline clearly, it is best to visit on days with clear air.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

Lalibela Rock Church was built around 1000 BC and is known as the "African Miracle". It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. Legend has it that in the 12th century, the seventh king of Ethiopia, Lalibela, received an oracle in a dream: "Build a new city of Jerusalem in Ethiopia and ask to build a church with a single piece of rock". So Lalibela took 24 years to chisel 11 rock churches on the rock plateau at an altitude of 2,600 meters in northern Ethiopia according to the oracle. People call it Lalibela. Since then, Lalibela has become a famous place for Ethiopians. These churches sit in huge deep pits in the rock. The intricately carved churches resemble massive sculptures, hewn from solid rock like the temples of Ellora. Perhaps the most striking of the churches in Lalibela is the Church of Jesus Christ, which is 33 meters long, 23 meters wide and 11 meters high, with intricately carved cornices supported by 34 square columns.

Mersa Al-Hramain Mosque

Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley is one of the Earth's geological wonders, stretching across Ethiopia and into the rest of East Africa. The result of the movement of tectonic plates, this rift demonstrates the dynamic forces of our planet. The Rift Valley in Ethiopia attracts many tourists with its diverse natural landscapes and rich ecosystems. In Ethiopia, the Rift Valley region includes several national parks, such as Awash National Park and Abigata-Shala National Park, which are ideal for wildlife and bird watching. Visitors can see flamingos, hippos, and several species of antelope in these parks. Rift Valley lakes such as Lake Awasa and Lake Abi are also popular tourist destinations, known for their unique ecological environment and beautiful lake views. Travelers can easily reach these attractions by road, and it is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to cope with some rugged sections. The recommended time to visit is the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

WURGESSA MESJIDEL ABUBEKER SIDIQ MOSCUE

mersa alaqsa mosque

Erta Ale

This attraction is located in Ethiopia and is an active volcano with spectacular scenery, including lava lakes and salt lakes nearby, drawing many explorers and travelers.

Hara Central Mosque (Mesjid Al Sofa)

Weldiya Central Mosque

Awash National Park

Awash National Park is located in the lowlands east of Addis Ababa and spans the Awash River. It is one of the most well-maintained protected areas in Ethiopia. The Awash River is one of the main rivers in the Horn of Africa (HornofAfrica) region. It irrigates the main grain-producing areas of northeastern Ethiopia and then flows into the broad Danakil Depression. The majestic Awash Falls, formed when the river pours into the valley, is a must-see in the park. Filāwoha, a beautiful, clear thermal pond, is also a unique attraction. Awash National Park is a protected area of arid and semi-arid woodland and savannah, with river jungles along the Awash River, thanks to the majestic Fantale dormant volcano. There are 46 species of wild animals found in the park, including the East African right-horned antelope and the antelope. Birds mainly live along the river, and there are as many as 392 species of birds recorded. To the park as far as possible from the Addis - Assab (Addis-Assab) main road to go, there is a caravan inn called Kereyu Lodge on the edge of the canyon.