Which in more recent times has led to the hand feeding of the hyena and many many mill around
And if you are game
You may feed them yourself
I guess you are wondering if the hyena found the leopard cubs?
When we went back the next day – Both cubs were in the tree!
This brings to an end my reflections on journeys to Ethiopia and Kenya.
I has planned to travel to Morocco this year but Covid 19 put an end to that, but I look forward to visiting some more the diverse countries of the amazing African continent.
South of Addis Ababa, running down from Ethiopia’s central plateau is the Rift Valley
Near the city of Arba Minch is Lake Chamo the last of 8 lakes in the Rift Valley running south from Addis Ababa.
From points in Abar Minch you can look over Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya
Abar Minch is a great stepping off point to explore the tribal south of Ethiopia and the Bale mountains.
But a boat ride on Lake Chamo is a must before heading south.
To see the Nile Crocodile nursery
To see the African Pelicans. These birds migrate up into the Danube Delta in Romania for the European summer (see Danube Delta blog under Romania in the menu).
See the fishermen casting for Nile Perch just around the corner from the crocodile nursery
Till the sun starts to set on the beautiful lake.
Lake Awasa
Awassa and its lake are approximately 290 km south of Addis Ababa and a well serviced tourist destination.
At a bit over 1,700 meters above sea level Awasa retains the mild temperatures that are a feature of Ethiopia’s Central Plateau.
The colourful fishing boats and fish market is an attraction of Lake Awasa
As is the wild life in particular the Marabou Stalk, particularly in and around the fish market (see above)
But also:
Sea Eagles
King Fishers large and small,
Jacana and
Colobus monkeys on the lake shoreline.
The area around Awasa is very productive
With abundant fresh fruits
And lots of coffee being grown dried and sorted in the region.
Ethiopia is an amazing country. One of a handful of countries never to be colonised by a European power. (Though there has been significant European presence and influence).
Unfortunately political tensions have again arisen which hopefully be resolved.
I leave my lockdown reflections of Ethiopia now.
Next reflections in Africa will be in Kenya and the amazing wildlife there.
For those wanting to find out more about Ethiopia I recommend the above book amazing research text and images.
The Omo River valley is the centre of the tribal area of Ethiopia
The south east of Ethiopia near where the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan meet is home to a group of mainly nomadic tribes
It is largely a very traditional part of Ethiopia with numerous tribes, mainly nomadic, living in the highlands and valleys surrounding the Omo River
If visiting the part of the Ethiopia the South Omo Research Centre Museum, Which is a German/Ethiopian collaboration provides awonderful introduction to the tribes and their cultures in the Region
Outside the museum
Not far from Jinka along one of the dirt roads that connect villages
Roads which the walking paths through the landscape
Is the small market village of K’ey Afer which on market day is abuzz with colour and activity
Selling spices and earthenware
And cattle and sheep
K’ey Afer is n the Hamar tribal area
Each tribe is distinctive in clothing hairstyle and custom. Some tribes are less welcoming to tourists that others.
Like all traditional cultures though there is a challenge to of maintaining custom in the face of western society encroachment
Up in the mountains
Is the land of the Mursi, a warrior tribe and visiting without prior approval is not advised
The Omo River winds its south toward Lake Turkana which is the largest permanent desert lake and largest alkaline lake in the world.
This southern part of Ethiopia is very hot, dry and dusty a significant contrast to the cool moistness of the central plateau.
This is Dassanetch country and these nomadic herders land has traditionally spanned the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan
The simple housing reflective of the nomadic existence of the Dassanetch
All culturally and physical distinctive in their own ways.
It is nearly 13 years since visiting this part of Ethiopia and even then the tribal life here was under threat. – Like traditional life in all continents.
Since this time the Omo River has been dammed and resettlement from the more populous parts of Ethiopia into this Zone has accelerated.
All this presents a survival challenge for these traditional tribes , their culture and way of life