Hobbies And Interests
Physical Features
Ethiopia's mountains are popular destinations for travelers. The erosion of the central elevated plateau over time has resulted in a combination of jagged peaks, deep valleys and very sharp drops. The plateau is crossed by the Blue Nile river, which rises from Lake Tana.
The Simien Mountain range is one of the highest in Africa. The Ras Dejen peak at 14,537 feet is so high it is covered in snow all year round despite Ethiopia's proximity to the equator.
Climate
Although its geographical location suggests Ethiopia should have a tropical climate, because of the altitude in certain regions, the temperatures can dip considerably. Ethiopia can broadly be divided into three zones -- cool, temperate and hot -- depending on how high up they are. Areas above 8,530 feet can have temperatures between 60 degrees Fahrenheit to below zero, while hotter regions can reach up to 122 F. In the highlands, the rainy season is between June and September, with the odd shower in February and March. The rest of the year tends to be dry.
Desert Regions
Ethiopia's lowlands are dry and very hot, resulting in vast areas of desert. To the north, the Danakil Desert reaches across to the Red Sea, while the southeast is covered by the Ogaden Desert. Danakil is characterized by volcanos and extremely high temperatures, earning it the nickname of "cruelest place on Earth". The Ogaden Desert is slightly less hostile, with nomadic farmers inhabiting the region.
Forest areas
Forests and woodland account for roughly a quarter of the total land surface in Ethiopia. Its forests, however, have been diminishing in size due to fires and over-farming, particularly in the southwestern forests of Borena and Bale. The forest areas are in the highlands, where the climate is temperate, allowing grassland, bushland and trees to grow.