Introduction
Ethiopia is unique as it is the only country in African continent without a Colonial history. The country is also the only one to maintain its rich Orthodox Christian heritage when all its neighboring countries embraced Islam in the 7th century. With its diverse bird life, Ethiopia is an ideal tourist destination for all the bird lovers and nature lovers. The Rift Valley lakes are among the best tourist spots for bird watching. The Entoto Mountains near Addis Ababa have some lovely walking tracks all around. The tourists can also enjoy trekking and mule-treks in Bale Mountains National Park and Simien Mountains National Park. Lake Tana in Bahar Dar offers you adventure and thrill where you can hire a bike or have a boat ride. The swimmers or water lovers can entertain themselves at the Lake Langano, the only bilharzia-free lake in the country.

At Addis Ababa, the city's Ethnographic Museum introduces you to the Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity. The National Museum, though small has a large collection of fossils including 3.5-million-year-old 'Lucy', perhaps our earliest ancestor. These museums are rated among the most important sub-Saharan museums in Africa. Visit the Giorgis Cathedral built in 1896 and Mercato, the largest market in East Africa.

Aksum is the holiest city in Ethiopia. The legend about Aksum says that the original Ark of the Covenant, which holds the Ten Commandments is here. Christianity was declared the religion of Ethiopia at Aksum in the 4th century. Lake Tana that houses islands is also home to monasteries. The most popular monasteries are Ura Kidene Meret, Kebran Gabriel (not open to women) and Debre Maryam.

The seven lakes of the fertile Rift Valley run between Addis Ababa and the Kenyan border. They are the haven for the large number of resident and migratory bird species making it a perfect place for bird watching. The blue lake Lagano, the silver lake Abiata and the brown lake Shala are the most popular of the seven. As one moves towards the Kenyan border, the lakes Abaya and Chamo throng with wildlife, especially crocodiles.