Ethiopia -The Land that Time Forgot

The Biblical Land of Cush, dissected by great rivers, ploughed by oxen and infused by ancient religions.

In every way Ethiopia is unique! It has its own languages, its own calendar, its own brand of Christianity and a landscape that is unparalleled. In the mountains of the north one feels neither part of Africa nor Asia. The Semitic people, speaking age old languages, plough their stony fields with ox drawn wooden ploughs. This is the technology that enabled the ancient civilizations of Ethiopia to come into being.

The first civilization that we know much about was based in Axum and traded on the Red Sea with the Pharaohs of Egypt and later with the Romans and other Mediterranean powers. In the 4th century Christianity came to Ethiopia and an amazing period of church construction began which culminated in the incredible series of monolithic rock-hewn churches in Lalibela.

In the basalt mountains around Lalibela TESFA is assisting local communities to set up and manage trekking facilities that enable you to see the ancient culture of the Amhara people set in a stunning landscape. Birds of prey soar in the thermals, Gelada baboon scramble up and down the cliff faces, local shepherd boys keep an eye on their flocks, while their fathers plough the fields, and their sisters collect water in clay pots.

Life is hard, but the people are proud to receive guests, and always have time to exchange greetings and smiles.

A visit to Ethiopia will be an experience that you will never forget!

Photos (Clockwise):the Blue Nile Falls; Monk at Ura Kidane Mehret, Lake Tana; Priest in Golgota Church, Lalibela; The twin churches of Gabriel & Raphael, Lalibela; A priest and woman from Mequat; A priest farmer ploughs with oxen; Tesfaye, Guard at Mequat Mariam.