Regarded as one of Africa's veiled treasures, Ethiopia is an intersection between the civilisations of North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. This often overlooked destination is steeped in archaeological, cultural and natural treasures that can be customised for any traveller's itinerary. History buffs can delve into the rich history and culture of Lalibela and Axum, while adventure-seekers and nature-lovers will be spoilt for choice in the rugged mountain terrain and other natural wonders that this amazing land has to offer. Find out from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours how you can customise your Ethiopia tour today.

The Blue Nile Falls, known as “Tis Abay” in Amharic language or 'the smoking water' is the most dramatic spectacle on the Blue Nile River. 400 metres wide during the wet season with curtains of water plummeting over 40 metres below, the falls conjure a spectacular spray of water and mist, complete with rainbows that shimmer across the gorge. It is said that the Blue Nile Falls has altered the ecology of Lake Tana, resulting in lush green vegetation and the evolution of many plant species unique to the lake. On your way to the falls, you will come across the first ever stone bridge constructed in Ethiopia, believed to have been built in the 17^th century by Portuguese adventurers and still in use today.

World's largest underground shrine, Sof Omar Caves

At 15 kilometres, the Sof Omar caves are not only the longest and largest cave system in Africa, they are also one of the world's most spectacular and extensive underground caverns. Formed by the Weib River’s changing its course and carving new channels through limestone foothills over hundreds of years ago, these caves are an extraordinary natural phenomenon of breathtaking beauty. Other than its geological significance, the caves also hold important spiritual and cultural significance for this part of Africa. Used as a sacred place of worship for Sheikh Sof Omar and his followers in the 12^th century, the many limestone columns, buttresses, domes and vaults in the caves acted as shrines for pagan worship and sacrifice. 

Despite its name, Lake Abbe is probably the least “lake-like” place that you will ever come across. Situated in the middle of the Afar Depression, Lake Abbe is a vast landscape of salt flats covered in massive steam-blasting limestone chimneys 50 metres in height. The dry conditions of the lake absorb the water from the Awash River, leaving behind huge salt flats while magma activity and plate tectonic movements underground leave craters and the signature limestone chimneys at the lake. You wouldn't be wrong to mistake this lake for the backdrop of a science fiction movie. And in fact, this was where Charlton Heston shot his 1968 film “Planet of the Apes”. For that perfect photo opportunity, customise your visit to Lake Abbe to catch the sunset – the amazing sunset hues against those towering limestone chimneys, volcanoes, and resident pink flamingoes in the water will create a fantastical and alien-like landscape. 

Looking for other unique holiday experiences in Africa? Try:

• Botswana tour package
• Kenya tour package  
• Lesotho tour package
• Mauritius tour package  
• Morocco tour package   
• South Africa tour package   
• Swaziland tour package
• Tanzania tour package
• Uganda tour package  
• Zambia tour package
• Zimbabwe tour package

Let the ancient mysteries of the Ethopian land amaze and inspire you today, Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours can customise a tour package for you and your friends. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.