About Ethiopia
Ethiopia has been independent for three million years; she has survived dynamic historic changes and is the birthplace of great endogenous civilizations.
Today's Ethiopia was once in control over the entire East African territory. At that time it was a world-famous influential powerhouse with absolute control over the Red Sea, Indian Ocean trade routes and South Arabian countries.
Ethiopia is a country of variety, extremes, uniqueness, freedom, colorful culture, religions, legends, natural beauty and much more. On the map of East Africa, Ethiopia is easily found in the area called the horn of Africa. Covering a total area of 1,235,000 sq. km., Ethiopia shares boundaries with Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea.
Ethiopia ranks second in Africa for population size. With over 96 million people before the 2016 census takes place, Ethiopia hosts over 80 different ethnic groups, all of which speak different languages and have their own cultural codes and ways of life.
She is now the seat of African Union where a number of international and crucial meetings take place and the hub of many international flights.
The cultural difference, which is a result of immense tribal differences, can be seen among the individual tribes. Rich in culture and a variety of dialects, Ethiopia prides itself on being the only nation in Africa to have its own language (Amharic) and alphabet (Ge'ez) and National Dish, “Injera” that has been found to be gluten free with no protein.
Ethiopia was the first country to build a Christian church on African soil. Christianity crossed the border in the 4th Century AD during the time of the Axumite kingdom. Even now this church is believed to shelter the original Ark of the Covenant brought from Israel by King Menelik I of Ethiopia. It is found in the town of Axum in northern Ethiopia. In addition it is here that the famous pre-Axumite obelisks stand. It is believed that the erection of these obelisks dates back to 300-200 BC. The tallest (33m) has fallen down; the second (27m) was stolen but the third (23m) still stands. These structures are the tallest on earth to be carved out of a single rock. Most of Ethiopia's Muslims are Sunnis, members of the largest sect of Islam. Islam arrived early in Ethiopia. The Prophet himself instructed his followers to respect and protect Ethiopians when they introduced the faith. In 615, Muhammad’s wife and cousin sought refuge at Axum (Aksum) with a number of their followers. This group was fleeing from Mecca's leading tribe, the reactionary Kuraysh, who sent emissaries to bring them back to Arabia, but the Negus Negashi protected them. In the 7th century Islamism had been introduced in Ethiopia.
An influx of immigrants and traders from Oman and Yemen during the following centuries increased the number of Muslims in Somalia, Eritrea and what is now Ethiopia. In the coastal areas, Islamic law gradually took root, and by the fourteenth century it was the basis for the official juridical code of some regions. This reflected political realities; most of the inhabitants of these eastern regions were now Muslims. Their coexistence with Christianity was not always an easy one, and the sultans who ruled over parts of Ethiopian territory sometimes came into open conflict with the Christian kings.
Ethiopia is considered to be the original home of humankind. The 1974 discovery of Lucy, locally called Dinkinesh (meaning “you are special”), claims this as true.
The 12th-century town of Lalibela, located in north-west Ethiopia, has been home to the extraordinarily carved rock-hewn churches since the reign of King Lalibela (1181-1221 AD). These eleven rock-hewn churches are sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.
Gondar, the town of castles and the 17th century Ethiopian capital, has great historical importance. It was here that King Fasiladas relocated the former capital. The best example of a medieval-period church is that of Debre Berhan Selassie, which adds to Gondar's beauty.
Southwards, the Rift Valley system is another wonderful region where many other attractions are situated. The six or seven Rift Valley crater lakes are home to a large number of bird and marine life. They are also a paradise for nature, bird and water lovers. National parks with their exotic birds, animals and plant life add to the beauty of the Rift Valley region. Beautiful landscapes and natural features are the most enjoyable components of the system. Such as the Salt lakes, active volcano sites and caravan routes still number among Ethiopia's great attractions in the Rift Valley.
Further south is the Omo Valley with its popular ethnic treasures. This is where about 50% of Ethiopia's ethnic groups live: the Konso with their terraced agriculture and rituals; the Mursi with their clay lip plates and barbarian life style; the Hamer with their bull-jumping ceremony, which young men must experience in order to qualify for adulthood; and the Karo with their body painting and adornment. Here unusual traditions such as dance, music and rituals from birth to marriage and burial are still observed in their genuine and original form.
About Ethio Simien Mountains Tours
About Mr. Dawoud Sulayman
My name is Dawoud Sulayman, I have been working as a senior National park guide in the Simien Mountains National park since the last 19 years. I have accumulated enormous work experience as a tourism professional in the region; I am committed to guaranteeing a high level of service to ensure that tourists continue coming to explore the beautiful Simien Mountains as well as the other magical places in Ethiopia such as historical and cultural sites. I always keep in mind that high levels of service make our tourism industry reliable and sustainable.
With the quality of the service offered, you will want to visit Ethiopia again.
In addition, all the itineraries and tours are flexible; therefore, you can customize tours based on your budget, interest, and time. In other words, I will give you an opportunity to make your experience in Ethiopia an unforgettable one!
I am also a very outgoing and a friendly person which is a must to do this job well. I am always enthusiastic to guide tourists, and organize their holidays in every corner of Ethiopia.
I am originally from Geech village which the heart of the Simien Mountains National park (SMNP). I am now living in Debark which is a town just outside the SMNP, where I have been working as a senior SMNP guide for the last 19 years. Of course, I am also quite mobile so as to meet my clients and organize their tours. Furthermore, I have proven solid customer service skills and strong work ethics. I have worked with Exodus, Explore and KE Adventure as a tour leader in particular with mostly English tourists traveling through the northern region of Ethiopia including the historical and cultural sites dealing with the ultimate services. The work involved guiding and organizing services for large groups of trekkers and site seeing holiday makers. As well as camping throughout the Simien Mountains National park and other National parks. I have also worked with independent travelers, organizing scouts, mule keepers and mules that accompanied the trip. I have studied in the United Kingdom at Chichester College and have a variety of certificates. Such as level 2 BTEC Diploma in Travel and Tourism, specifically Travel operation (Tour operation). In addition, I have obtained various certificates and diplomas in different qualifications in Ethiopia
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
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