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African Safaris and Tours
Gondar
Exploring the Historical Wonders of Gondar
The first thing about the Gondar area that one notices off the bat when arriving is that the area is a lot more lush (almost tropical) when compared to Lalibela or Axum. Gondar is referred to as the 'Camelot of Africa' as it is a royal city that housed Kings from the Solomonic dynasty dating back to 1635. Driving around one can see the influences of the Solomonic dynasty, the Italian occupation and now Western influences. It is a pretty little town.
We visited three destinations within Gondor, namely Fasil Ghebbi, Fasilides Bath and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church. All of which are a must visit although on a personal note Fasilides Bath was the most amazing for us, photography opportunities around literally every corner and step we took. Please see below for links for photographs and opinions of each.
We spent the night at the "Goha Hotel" which is perched up on a hillside overlooking the entire town, offering a pretty spectacular sight either at night or during the day. The Goha Hotel itself is more than adequate, but the furnishings are on the old side of life, but the staff are friendly, and the rooms are clean. A perfect place to stay for a night or two.
Exploring Gondar, Ethiopia
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Located right in the heart of historic Gondar, the famed Debre Birhan Selassie is without a doubt one of Ethiopia's most spectacularly beautiful and awe-inspiring churches. The moment you step into the sacred compound, you are greeted by a magnificent stone wall encircling the lush grounds. I highly recommend taking the time to walk along this grand perimeter; it is truly the best way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and marvel at the 12 spectacular rock towers that stand as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship.
Fasilides Bath
Now after our amazing visit to the Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure we have driven a short distance away to the famous Fasilides Bath. The bath (swimming pool) is only filled once a year and plays a huge role in the spiritual lives of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in the celebration of Epiphany on 19th January every year.
Fasil Ghebbi
Situated in the very heart of the modern city of Gondar, the spectacular Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure) spans an impressive 70,000 square metres of awe-inspiring castle ruins. Without a doubt, this is one of the most fascinating historical sites you will ever have the pleasure of exploring — and for photography enthusiasts, it is quite simply paradise on earth.
Ethiopia Travel Topics
Visiting The Lalibela Rock Churches
Your correspondent has been travelling in Africa for over three decades. I feel that I know sub-Saharan Africa; its smells, its peoples, its geography and its wildlife. Ethiopia is different, as different as snow is to sand. So different that you could get a very sharp knife and detach it somewhere in the Red Sea because it is not similar to any of its Arab world neighbours either.
Where To Travel In Ethiopia
New on Uyaphi.com is our Travel in Ethiopia portfolio featuring safaris and tours to this somewhat new African safari destination; we are very excited about Ethiopia and all that she has to offer. Think of Ethiopia as a more cultural safari destination than what one is used to in Africa.
Palace Of Haile Selassie
Haile Selassie, King of Kings, Lion of Judah, by the grace of God, Emperor of Ethiopia. Quite a mouthful of a title for a single man or, as the Rastafarians would have it, the son of God. So awe-inspiring are the adjectives that you would have expected him to live in a magnificent palace made of the finest Carrara marble or a granite stone castle in the tradition of Gondar.