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Destinations
Ethiopia
Sitting landlocked in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is blessed with incredible natural beauty and abundant rare wildlife
Tourism Ethiopia / AF3001
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most picturesque countries. Its landscapes are striking, both in beauty and scale. It is here that visitors can trek the Simien and Bale mountains, which extend more than 9,800 feet above sea level and also visit the lowest place on the African continent – the Danakil Depression – which lies about 410 feet below sea level and boasts an astonishing 25 percent of Africa’s active volcanoes. In between, there are lush highlands and stirring deserts, dizzying canyons, the sweeping savanna, vast lakes and high plateaus. Also scattered across the country are landmarks of great significance, from the source of the Blue Nile to extraordinary monuments of faith. When it comes to culture, Ethiopia is home to an abundance of riches. There are the Surmi, Afar, Mursi, Karo, Hamer, Nuer and Anuak cultures, whose ancient customs and traditions have remained almost entirely intact. A highlight of any trip here is witnessing one of the many festivals that are an integral part of the traditional culture, from age-old ceremonies marking rites of passage to religious celebrations, which can provide travel memories to last a lifetime.
In the Horn of Africa, this rugged, landlocked country boasts archaeological finds that date back more than three million years, which helped Ethiopia secure its status as a place of ancient culture. Among its important sites is Lalibela with its rock-cut Christian churches from the 12th and 13th centuries. While Aksum features the ruins of an ancient city with obelisks, tombs, castles and churches. No list of things to do in Ethiopia can fail to acknowledge the country’s bounteous wildlife, including opportunities to get up close to species such as the rare Ethiopian wolf.
Danakil Depression
Visitors can trek the Simien and Bale mountains, which extend more than 9,800 feet above sea level and also visit the lowest place on the African continent – the Danakil Depression
Simien Mountains National Park
Oman
Ministry of Tourism - Oman / ME2110
Few countries in the region have the breadth of landscapes found in Oman. From the lush green waterfalls of the Dhofar region to the majestic Al Hajar Mountains, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, Oman is wildly beautiful. Visitors can enjoy some of the most breathtaking beaches as found in Salalah, famous for its monsoon season where temperatures are around half that of its neighbouring countries. There is also a vast array of active pursuits, from
With an abundance of natural beauty, Oman is the ideal choice for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still wanting to experience its ancient heart and soul
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Muttrah Fort
climbing to hiking, caving to canyoneering and fishing to riding. With so much nature around the rich landscape, visitors can get up close to an array of flora and fauna with activities such as dolphin watching or spotting native oryx and gazelle. An adventure seeker’s paradise, there is much history to be uncovered too with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in abundance, including the Frankincense Route, The Five Falajs, Bat Tombs and Settlement as well as the Bahla Fort and Wall.
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The sultanate’s capital, Muscat, has also added a range of attractions to lure visitors, including three pristine golf courses and the city’s cultural hub – the Royal Opera House. In addition to the famous Muttrah Souq and exquisite street food, there is much to stimulate the senses in the nation’s heart and soul. Now a wellestablished destination, a total of 2.5 million tourists visited Oman in the first nine months of 2019, according to the country’s National Centre for Statistics and Information. The top source markets were the GCC, followed by Indians and British visitors. While Oman has always been hugely welcoming to the outside world, it has held onto its authenticity and charm. Locals are all around, from the concierge to the taxi driver, so it’s easy to feel the true Omani welcome, while diversity is also felt everywhere from its architecture to its varied cuisine.
From the waterfalls of the Dhofar region to the Al Hajar Mountains, Oman is wildly beautiful
5/17/21 1:05 AM
