Ethiopia
Ethiopia is an impossibly diverse country, rich in culture and wildlife beyond imagination. Home to the famous 'Simien Lions', the golden gelada baboons of the northern Simien Mountains, and to a myriad of other endemic species, Ethiopia also harbours deeply spiritual and historical places, in the likes of Lalibela, Axum and Gheratta. Thousands of years of history literally carved into the rocks meet incredible landscapes, places where breathtaking mountain ranges seem to fall endlessly off the horizon. In the south, the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley will have you question everything you've ever known. But there is more. The enchanting and mysterious Danakil Depression is home to pure, raw, beauty. From Erte Ale, the world's lowest standing active volcano, to sulphur lakes of turquoise and topaz colours, to endless salt flats, you will certainly feel as if you will have been transported to another world.
A few of our favourite places in Ethiopia...
Simien Mountains
Mystical Mountains of Ethiopia
Few mountain ranges on the planet are as more noteworthy than the Simien Mountains. Noteworthy, yet largely unknown to the world. A place where high peaks of 4550m fall hundreds of meters down into a single drop towards the lower lands to the north. A place where the mind is free to wander limitlessly, into the horizon. Scenically, few places rival the marvel that are the Simien mountains. Groves of Saint John’s wort lend the highlands their fairytale appearance, and upon the mountain peaks, rocks, and often snow, create an otherworldly experience. Not to mention the endemic wildlife that inhabits this mystical place. Troops of hundreds of gelada baboons frequent the cliffs, forests and grasslands of the mountains. At ease with the presence of humans, the geladas make for fascinating encounter: you can easily mingle with the family, observing them as they examine you. And upon the higher peaks dwell the magnificent yet highly endangered Walia ibex, that have also become habituated to humans, though reaching them is a trickier, adrenaline-filled task.
Danakil Depression
Stretch the mind as far as it can see
It is hard to believe that one can so quickly descend from some of Africa’s highest and most beautiful mountain ranges down to one of the world’s lowest places: the hauntingly beautiful Danakil depression. A vast and flat expanse of salt desert, stretching across hundreds of kilometres, born from the shifting of tectonic plates that separated a place once connected to the ocean. It took millennia for the water to evaporate, leaving in its wake one of the world’s largest salt flats…but there is more. Unique geological formations have resulted from this process, and one can visit the famous sulphur lakes that rebel against the white salt flats and sulphur lakes in tones of brilliant blue, turquoise and golden yellow. The Danakil depression is also home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world: Erta Ale, which sits in a continuous dance of red and orange lava and fire. As one explores these unique and picturesque landscapes, one will often bump into the nomad camel caravans that quest the flats to mine the salt for trading with the rest of Africa. Stretching for up to hundreds of metres long, these lines of fascinating people can emerge from the mirage-like desert ghosts. Drive the vast expanse or hike to the volcano, Erta Ale, and you’ll be in for an adventure like no other.
Lalibela
History Written in the Rocks
Few towns hold as much historical significance as the northern Christian cities of Ethiopia. Arguably, none of them more than Lalibela. A fascinating history is written in some of the oldest Christian scrolls ever uncovered, equally – and famously- inscribed in the rocks. Lalibela is known for its eleven rock churches, carved downwards into the rock by hand to make them less visible to invading Muslim armies. Some as old as 800 years! Wondering about these deep and dark chasms will certainly challenge your mind as your fingers travel over every chip in the rock. It is said that it took 24 years for some 22 000 people to complete the construction of these beautiful churches. A visit to Lalibela is an intellectual and spiritual experience like no other, and a must-see when visiting Ethiopia.
Omo Valley
Where Bizarre Feels Out of Place
It is here, in southern Ethiopia, that some of the most intriguing tribal traditions exist. Eight tribes dwell in various parts of this relatively small region, yet despite their proximity, tribal appearances and customs differ dramatically. The large lip-plates of the Mursi tribe, the white body paint of the Karo, the red ochre hair and body paint of the Hammer tribe are just some of the unique characteristics that set each of these incredible tribes apart. And traditions vary as much as do appearances. The Hammer tribe is known for bull-jumping ceremonies where a man of age must run across the back of bulls to prove his manhood. The Bodi are recognised by their Ka’el ceremonies where men must gorge themselves for months on milk and blood to become the ‘fattest of the tribe’, and the Mursi for their stick fighting. Diversity is beautiful, and the Omo Valley holds many incredible secrets.
Bale mountains
Home to the Ethiopian Wolf
Another of Ethiopia’s mystical mountain ranges. Uniquely beautiful and exhibiting the usual levels of endemism Ethiopia is known for, the Bale Mountains are a must-see for photographers, travellers and nature seekers alike. Their beautiful landscapes could be described as a paradise of flowery highlands and mythical forests, in the likes of the beautiful jungle-esque Harenna Forest. However, one of its claims to fame lies with the presence of the only ‘African wolf’ on the continent, the Ethiopian wolf that calls the Bale Mountains home. For any lover of wildlife and rare things, these mountains are worth the effort. A few days are usually needed to find this intriguing animal, but what a delight it is when you do meet the wolves! Some groups or individuals even allow you to step out of your vehicle and follow them at a reasonable distance. A chance to really get to know or photograph this truly unique species!
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