Lower Valley of the Awash
Location: Afar Region,
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The valley contains important evidence of human evolution, with numerous fossils of early hominids and other prehistoric animals dating back millions of years. The area is also home to unique and diverse plant and animal species, including some that are endemic to the region.
Prominent Features: The Lower Valley of the Awash is known for its important paleontological sites, including:
The Hadar Fossil Site: This site, located in the Awash Valley, is where the remains of "Lucy," a 3.2 million-year-old hominid, were discovered in 1974. The site has also yielded many other important fossils, including those of prehistoric animals and plants.
The Gona Stone Tools: This site, located on the eastern side of the Awash River, is known for its collection of stone tools that date back over 2.6 million years. These tools were likely made by early hominids and are some of the oldest known examples of human technology.
he Dikika Fossil Site: This site, located in the eastern part of the Lower Awash Valley, is where the remains of a 3.4 million-year-old child, "Selam," were discovered in 2000. The site has also yielded important fossils of prehistoric animals and plants.
History: The Lower Valley of the Awash has been inhabited by humans and other animals for millions of years. The area has yielded important evidence of human evolution and prehistoric life, providing valuable insights into the history of the planet and its inhabitants.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the Hadar Fossil Site and learn about the history of human evolution, as well as explore the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Fun Fact: The Lower Valley of the Awash is home to a number of endemic animal species, including the Awash melon and the Awash River monkey.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for the Lower Valley of the Awash.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The nearest airport to the Lower Valley of the Awash is the Dire Dawa International Airport, which is located approximately 200 kilometers away.
By Car: Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the Lower Valley of the Awash. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours from Addis Ababa.
By Public Transport: Visitors can take a bus or a train from Addis Ababa to Awash, which is located near the valley. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to the site.
Where to Stay: There are a few accommodations near the Lower Valley of the Awash, including lodges and campsites. Visitors can also stay in nearby towns such as Awash or Nazret.
Next Stop: Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The valley contains important evidence of human evolution, with numerous fossils of early hominids and other prehistoric animals dating back millions of years. The area is also home to unique and diverse plant and animal species, including some that are endemic to the region.
Prominent Features: The Lower Valley of the Awash is known for its important paleontological sites, including:
The Hadar Fossil Site: This site, located in the Awash Valley, is where the remains of "Lucy," a 3.2 million-year-old hominid, were discovered in 1974. The site has also yielded many other important fossils, including those of prehistoric animals and plants.
The Gona Stone Tools: This site, located on the eastern side of the Awash River, is known for its collection of stone tools that date back over 2.6 million years. These tools were likely made by early hominids and are some of the oldest known examples of human technology.
he Dikika Fossil Site: This site, located in the eastern part of the Lower Awash Valley, is where the remains of a 3.4 million-year-old child, "Selam," were discovered in 2000. The site has also yielded important fossils of prehistoric animals and plants.
History: The Lower Valley of the Awash has been inhabited by humans and other animals for millions of years. The area has yielded important evidence of human evolution and prehistoric life, providing valuable insights into the history of the planet and its inhabitants.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the Hadar Fossil Site and learn about the history of human evolution, as well as explore the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Fun Fact: The Lower Valley of the Awash is home to a number of endemic animal species, including the Awash melon and the Awash River monkey.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for the Lower Valley of the Awash.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The nearest airport to the Lower Valley of the Awash is the Dire Dawa International Airport, which is located approximately 200 kilometers away.
By Car: Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the Lower Valley of the Awash. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours from Addis Ababa.
By Public Transport: Visitors can take a bus or a train from Addis Ababa to Awash, which is located near the valley. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to the site.
Where to Stay: There are a few accommodations near the Lower Valley of the Awash, including lodges and campsites. Visitors can also stay in nearby towns such as Awash or Nazret.
Next Stop: Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town