Nature in Ethiopia
The entire African continent is known for its untouched natural beauty in the form of forest, mountains and rivers. One instance of a country in Africa that is rich in its own way is Ethiopia which has its individual pull caused by its distinctive natural terrain. The major part of Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa which is at the easternmost part of the African Continent. It is generally considered to be an ecologically diverse country as it has deserts along the eastern border to tropical forest in the south and multiple lakes all across the country. The country is also rich in terms of biodiversity with 31 endemic species of mammals.
Ethiopia is geologically extremely rugged country with different features present at different places in the country – highlands present in both eastern and western parts of the country, Lowlands present in the east and the Rift Valley. These regions hold a variety of geographical features such as dry hills, lakes and rivers.
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The Erta Ale Volcano
One such geographical feature of Ethiopia is the Erta Ale volcano which is an active volcano situated in the North-Eastern Ethiopian region known as Afar, which is a desert area. The word ‘Erta Ale’ literally translates to “smoking mountain” which is an appropriate name for a volcano. It is the most active volcano in Ethiopia with the last eruption as latest as 2017. However, when it is quiet, it is a popular tourist destination as it offers a window to look into the depths of the Earth.
The volcano is 613 metres high with multiple lava lakes present in it depths that often flows out from the sides. Erta Ale is one of only eight volcanoes in the world that also hold a lava lake. The lava lake of Erta Ale has been present since the beginning of the twentieth century.
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Travelling to Erte Ale
There is a lot of obscurity around the volcano as a result of which not much is known about it. The terrain surrounding the volcano is inhospitable which makes travelling difficult and dangerous. Additionally, the surrounding region has been violent due to ethnic struggles of the native people which adds to the inaccessibility of the volcano. The tours to Erta Ale Volcano generally take place in supervision of armed guards or the military.
Witness the Volcano
Visiting the Erta Ale volcano is an experience different from any other thrill you may have experienced in your life. It somehow acquaints you with the power that is carried by the Earth. It is highly recommended that you see the volcano with your own eyes if you come to Ethiopia.
Like any other nation, travellers require a visa before entering the national boundaries of Ethiopia. Citizens of Djibouti and Kenya have been exempted from the visa process and do not require visa to travel to Ethiopia.
For a set a 93 countries, a Tourist Visa with a validity of up to three months can be issued on arrival only from the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The list includes Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States and United Kingdom.
Nationals from the rest of the world need to apply for an eVisa and can enter the country only from the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Keeping tourist requirements in mind, Ethiopia offers two alternatives for visa:
- 30 Days Single Entry visa valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issue. The visa allows only single entry into the country and is charged at 77 USD plus 26 USD as visa fee and processing fee respectively.
- 90 Days Single Entry Visa valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issue. The visa is a single entry visa and the charges include 97 USD as visa fee and 26 USD as processing charges.
The documents required to apply for an Ethiopia Visa are as follows:
- Passport of the applicant with at least 6 months of validity
- Photographs
- Completed Application Form
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Where to Apply Ethiopia Visa?
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