A DIFFERENT KIND OF AFRICAN SAFARI
When you think of an African safari, the image of lions hunting in the savannah or herds of elephants roaming on the plains likely comes to mind. But Ethiopia offers a uniquely different adventure, a highland safari into misty mountains, dramatic cliffs, and lush forests, where the Endemic Big 5 roam.
The Mountain Nyala is a beautiful antelope found only in the Bale Mountains. Shy and elusive, its spiral horns and graceful posture make it a breathtaking sight. In the same alpine region, the Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s rarest canid, calls the highlands home. With its foxlike face and rust-colored coat, it’s a predator of rodents and a symbol of monogamy, one wolf mates and lives with only one partner for life.
To the north, in the dramatic cliffs of the Simien Mountains, troops of Gelada Baboons graze like cattle, their bright red chests and social behaviors offering an unforgettable wildlife experience. Sharing these rugged mountains is the Walia Ibex, a majestic wild goat with curved horns, found nowhere else on Earth.
Further to the West, in the grasslands of the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, the Swayne’s Hartebeest, a unique looking antelope, gallops on the plains, its long face giving it a distinctive look.
But Ethiopia’s safari is more than wildlife. It’s a cultural immersion. Travelers can share coffee with farmers in Bale, dance with shepherds in the Simien Mountains, or cherish local delicacies
in the west.
This is not the Africa on magazines, it’s deeper, quieter, and a soulful place that takes you centuries back in time. A safari in Ethiopia is an invitation to explore not only rare wildlife, but also ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of people who call these wild places home.
Text and Photographs
Michael Metaferia
instagram.com/michael.metaferia