The Roof of Africa
Comprising nearly 45 percent of the total land, the Ethiopian Highlands are known as the “Roof of Africa” due to its large continuous elevation.
6 Facts About The Astonishing Ethiopian Highlands
1. Ethiopian Highlands are home to 80 percent of Africa’s tallest mountains.
Ras Dashen, Weynobar and Kidus Yared being the top three, these rugged mass of mountains which began to rise 75 million years ago, as magma from Earths mantle uplifted a broad dome of ancient rock account the largest amount for Africa’s tallest mountains list.
2. The highlands are divided into northwestern and southeastern portions by the Great Rift Valley.
The dome from the magma which later splited as Africa’s continental crust pulled apart created the Great Rift Valley which contains a number of salt lakes including Lake Abaya, the largest Great Rift Valley lake.
3. The highest peak in Northwestern Highlands is Ras Dashen with 4,550 m (14,930 ft) while the highest in Southeastern is Tullu Demtu 4,377 m (14,360 ft).
If you want to hike Ras Dashen, Africa’s 4th tallest mountain, you’d be surprised by it’s relatively even train for the majority of the hike which may take you a total 12 hours.
4. The northwestern portion of the Ethiopian Highlands is home to species that could be found nowhere else in the world.
Simien Mountains National Park is an exotic setting that is found in northwestern Ethiopian Highlands offering breathtaking views of the highland landscape along with it’s unique wildlife which includes native plant species such as the Ethiopian rose, ensete as well as animal species such as the Ethiopian Wolf, Walia Ibex, and Chelada Baboon.
5. The source of the longest river in the world also lies in the northwestern portion of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia is the source of the Blue Nile, which contributes up to 60% of the Nile’s water. The lake holds 50% of the country’s fresh water, besides, it is a holy place with numerous churches to visit on its islands and shoreline, as well as monasteries along the river that attract huge crowds on festival days.
6. The origin of coffee can actually be traced to the southwestern part of this highlands.
The legend goes that around 850 AD a goat herder named Khaldi discovered the coffee plant while noticing his goats becoming more energetic (jumping goats) after nibbling the bright red berries of a certain tree. After the successful experiment of turning the berries into drink at his local monastery, coffee reached the Arabian peninsula then the rest of the world.
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