SPEKE'S PECHNINATOR OR SPEKE'S GOUNDI

Perhaps the cutest of Djibouti's endemic animals! Gundis are small animals that spend most of their time sleeping and only come out of sleep to look for food. They are herbivores who have the particularity of not drinking.

The habitat of the Goundi

In addition to Djibouti, the gondi is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somaliland where it frequents semi-desert rocky areas.

The physical characteristics of the Goundi

From head to tail, its size varies between 210 and 270 mm and it weighs up to 194 g. Its sandy-colored dorsal coat turns grayish-white in the ventral part.

The behaviors of the Goundi

The gundi uses its tail to communicate. For the specialists, it is the only one among the ctenodactylidae to preserve dental characters present in the first ctenodactylidae.

Speke's Gundi is herbivorous and feeds on dry grass, seeds; he is also very fond of acacia leaves.

The mores of the gundi are still poorly known to the scientific community; however it seems to start breeding in August. It produces two litters per year with a single individual.

Speke's gundis enjoy sunbathing but feed and rest in the shade. The peak of activity is between 0 and 3 hours after dawn when the temperatures are not yet too high; when they increase, the gundis take refuge in their shelters from which they do not come out until the end of the afternoon.

Speke-Gundis nehmen gerne ein Sonnenbad, fressen und ruhen sich aber im Schatten aus. Der Höhepunkt der Aktivität liegt zwischen 0 und 3 Stunden nach Sonnenaufgang, wenn die Temperaturen noch nicht zu hoch sind; Wenn sie sich vermehren, suchen die Gundis Zuflucht in ihren Unterständen, aus denen sie erst am Ende des Nachmittags herauskommen.

The dangers threatening the survival of the species

Currently, Speke's gundis face no significant threat of extinction. In Djibouti, it is found in particular in the Djalelo region.

THE BEIRA ANTELOPE

The beira is a herbivorous mammal of the bovidae family and the antelope subfamily. It is found in East Africa in Djibouti, Somalia and Ethiopia.

The physical characteristics of the beira

Its size and height at the withers are respectively around 0.80 and 0.55 m and its weight is between 8 and 12 kg. Quite a rare phenomenon, the female is larger and heavier than the male.

The legs of the beira are thin and the male has horns of a dozen centimeters. It has a gray, red coat with silver highlights and a light yellow ventral side.

The habitat of the beira

The beira lives in rocky hills and steep slopes, wooded steppes, dry and arid environments. It is a ruminant herbivore that eats grasses, leaves, bushes and shrubs.

The behaviors of the beira

The beira is a gregarious animal. It lives in small groups of 6 to 12 individuals, made up of females, young and a male. Each group occupies its own territory.

The beira is active in the morning and evening, and rests in the shade the rest of the day.

Its main predators are the caracal, the jackal, and the hyena.

Beiras have excellent hearing thanks to their large ears. They can spot a predator from a very long distance, so they are also difficult for humans to approach. The beira can reproduce from 2 years old, the mating season takes place before the rains. Gestation lasts 6 months and the litter is a single cub sheltered in a nest made in tall grass. The lifespan of the beira is about fifteen years.     

The dangers threatening the survival of the beira species                             

The beira is ranked among the vulnerable species of the IUCN classification.

Drought, uncontrolled hunting, degradation of its natural habitat and competition with domestic livestock are the main threats to the species.

THE DIK-DIK OF SALT

The physical characteristics of Dik Dik

The Dik Dik was first described in 1816 by French zoologist Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest.

Dik-diks are dwarf antelopes that measure from 30 to 43 cm. The name "dik-dik" comes from the noise they make when in danger. Dik-diks weigh 3 to 5 kg. They have an elongated muzzle, and a light gray fur on the back, and white on the level of the belly. On the top of the skull, the coat forms a straight tuft, which sometimes partially hides the male's short horns.

Females are slightly wider than males. The latter have fairly short horns of 3 to 7 cm.

The head of the dik-dik may seem disproportionate to the small body of the animal. The upper body is grey-brown, while the ventral part and the legs are light brown. Many dik-diks have a pale colored ring around their eye.

The longevity of Dik Dik is 3 to 4 years.

The habitat of Dik Dik

The dik-diks live mainly in the countries of East Africa.

They live in pairs in areas where grass and edible shrubs abound in a relatively small territory barely larger than a square of 200 meters on a side.

Dik Dik behaviors

Dik-diks most often feed before dawn and after dusk. They live all their life with the same companion.

At birth, fawns weigh approximately 0.7 kg. They reach adulthood between 6 and 8 months.

Faced with an attack from a predator, dik-diks use a unique strategy: they stand still in front of it, and when the predator attacks, they dodge it with a quick start to the side followed by a new asset.

The ride lasts until the predator gets discouraged, which can take several minutes...

Dik-diks are herbivores that feed on leaves, shoots, fruits and berries. This water-rich diet prevents them from drinking.

The elongated shape of their heads allows them to eat the acacia leaves without being pricked by the thorns, and also to stay alert for possible predators while feeding.

The running speed of the dik-diks, up to 50 km/h combined with their liveliness, often allows them to escape their many predators, including eagles, leopards, hyenas and jackals...

The dangers threatening the Dik Dik

The species is not considered to be in danger of extinction, it is classified as "least concern" in the IUCN list.

THE GIRAFFE GAZELLE OR GERENUK

The physical characteristics of the gazelle-giraffe

Waller's gazelle or antelope-giraffe or gazelle-giraffe, is also called génuk, a word from Somali garanuug or deero-garanuug, literally, "the gazelle that suckles the giraffe". It is a medium-sized species of antelope, characterized by its long neck that resembles that of a giraffe. The gazelle-giraffe has very slender limbs, large eyes and large ears. Its coat is almost white on the legs and under the belly, while the upper part of the body is light fawn. The male has thin, short and cylindrical horns.

It is the only species of the genus Litocranius.

Females reach sexual maturity at one year and males at 18 months.

The giraffe gazelle breeds all year round. The gestation period is about 165 days, after which usually a single young is born. Hatchlings weigh around 3 kg and reach between 20 and 50 kg as adults.

The habitat of the gazelle-giraffe

The giraffe gazelle lives mainly in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania.

The name of this gazelle commemorates Reverend H. Waller (1833-1901), a missionary to Africa and friend of Livingstone.

Behaviors of the gazelle-giraffe

She moves very gracefully at a rapid pace, her neck stretched forward. She can run at 100 km/h to escape danger.

Waller's gazelle is a diurnal animal. She spends most of her day ruminating.

It is an animal that lives in groups of about 10 individuals, composed only of females and their young. Males are solitary and territorial. They only cohabit with females during rutting periods.

The giraffe gazelle feeds mainly on leaves which it reaches by rearing up on its hind legs and stretching its neck vertically. It can thus reach its food up to 3 meters above the ground, a height that other antelopes cannot reach.     

She may not drink for several days like camels.

The dangers threatening the survival of the species

Its main predators in Djibouti are leopards, but these are unfortunately rare. As with many others, the survival of the species is endangered by the decline of its habitat.

THE ELEPHANT SHREW

De « Elephantulus revoili » à « Galegeeska revoilii «

Lien pour la carte ci-dessus https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9652/fig-7

The elephant shrew, whose first scientific name is Elephantulus revoili, was first described by the French naturalist Georges Révoil; during an expedition to Somalia between 1878 and 1881, he captured the first specimen of the species. Subsequently, other expeditions were carried out by other countries, and various museums around the world hold specimens of the elephant shrew. But the last capture was in 1973; this is why until the famous

Steven Heritage and Galen Rathbun, American specialists of the species, with Houssein Rayaleh, a Djiboutian naturalist convinced of its existence, organized the 2019 expedition of a fortnight to Djibouti with the aim of finding specimens of the extinct species. . More than 1,250 traps filled with peanut butter, oatmeal and yeast extract were set in 12 localities in Djibouti. "So when we opened the first trap, and Galen Rathburn saw the cute little tail with a tuft on the end, he looked at me and said, 'I can't believe it, I never have. seen one of my life! says Steven Heritage of the Lemur Center at Duke University of America.

Subsequent genetic analyzes showed that the elephant shrew found in this 2019 expedition belonged to a closely related but different species to Elephanulus rufescens, which is why the Somali elephant shrew became 'Galegeeska revoilii“, i.e. “gale” in honor of Galen Rathburn, and “geeska” which in Somali language means "the horn of Africa", the region where it was found. Link for access to the reference article by biologist Cesar Paul Gonzalez summarizing the progress of research and the result of the 2019 expedition https://myanimals.com/fr/actualites/shrew -elephant-of-somalia-rediscovered-over-50-years-after-its-last-appearance/

 The physical characteristics of the elephant shrew   

This species of elephant shrew weighs up to 750 grams for 30 cm long, so 30% more than the 15 species of sengi already identified. The average weight of a trunk shrew (sengi) is indeed 400 grams. They use their proboscis to look for insects which are their main source of food. Genetics would have proven that it belongs to the order of Afrotherians which appeared 100 million years ago and whose descendants include elephants and manatees.

Elephant shrew habitat

According to the study published at the same time in the journal PeerJ, the Somali sengi is not endemic to Somalia, since it also lives in Djibouti, and possibly beyond in the Horn of Africa.

Anyway, the elephant shrew is present in Djibouti: recognizable by its elongated snout, it has all the attributes of a shrew with a beautiful flamboyant fur, but is biologically very different from shrews. Link for above map reference https://doi .org/10.7717/peerj.9652/fig-5

Small but fast, since this small insectivorous mammal can run up to 30 km/hour to catch its prey!

The dangers threatening the survival of the Somali elephant shrew

Even if efforts to maintain its conservation must be continued, the population of this animal seems to be stable and its survival is not in danger.

THE FRANCOLIN OF DJIBOUTI OR FRANCOLIN SOMALI

The Somali Francolin is a species of birds from family of Phasianidae. Locally the Somali Francolin is called gogori in Somali, or kukaace in Afar.

The Somali Francolin was collected in the Day forest on February 22, 1952 by Captain Max Albospeyre, military commander of the circle of Tadjourah.

The Latin name Francolinus ochropectus is given to this new species. Its standardized name of "Francolin somali" is obtained by combining "francolin" from the Italian "francolino" (kind of small partridge) and the adjective "somali" qualifying both what is relative to Somalia and to d other countries in the Gulf of Aden, including Djibouti, whose territory was called the French Somali Coast until 1967. The bird is also sometimes nicknamed "hen of the day". The Somali Francolin has no recognized subspecies.

Physical characteristics of the Djibouti francolin

Its plumage is overall grey-brown, with white stripes and streaks on its underparts, which become finer towards the upperparts.    

The nape has a rufous shade, while the top of the head is grey. Forehead, lores and ocular line form a black mask; chin and throat are whitish. The eyes are brown. The feathers on the body and neck are golden or straw colored in their center, with dark brown surrounding this area and finally white following the outer edge of the feather. The tail is short. The beak is black with some yellow on the lower mandible, and the legs of the Somali Francolin are greenish-yellow.

The sexes are similar, but males are on average slightly larger than females and have two prominent dewclaws on their legs, while females have virtually none. Females also have more rufous in their tail feathers. The juvenile resembles adults, but it is duller and barred buff rather than streaked on the underparts.

The Djibouti francolin is 35 cm long and weighs 940 g.                        

Behaviors of the Djibouti Francolin

It lives in small groups and is extremely shy. It feeds on berries, seeds and termites, and reproduces between December and February.

Its nest is placed in a shallow grass-lined depression in the ground.

Its main predator is the common genet. The bird is most active between 6 and 9 a.m., and it is most likely to be heard at this time of day.

Habitat of the Djibouti Francolin

The Somali Francolin endemic to Djibouti only occurs at two sites. The first site is in the Mounts Goda of the Forêt de Day, about 25 km north of Gulf of Tadjourah. This habitat, which covers only 14-15 km², is changing. The other site is located in the Mabla Mountains, 80 km north of north of the Forest of Day.

The Djibouti Francolin lives in dense African juniper woodlands, with a closed canopy, at elevations between 700 and 1780 m. This forest habitat is mixed with boxwood and African olive trees.

Dangers threatening the survival of the species

The Djibouti francolin is considered a "critically endangered" species according to the IUCN because its population declined by more than 90% in 20 years between 1977 and 2006.

The origin of this decline is due to the degradation of its habitat itself caused by the accumulation of several factors including climate change, overgrazing, hunting, the collection of firewood.

For lovers of endemic species...

Africorn Travel has designed an 8-day itinerant circuit allowing you to observe these animals in their natural environment; do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in this type of stay! Safari- photo in Djibouti

L’Ethiopie regorge d’endroits privilégiés pour l’observation des animaux. A ce jour, ce pays compte en effet 279 espèces de mammifères, 201 types de reptiles, 150 poissons, 63 amphibiens, et surtout plus de 860 espèces d’oiseaux : si le compte est bon, on en est à un peu plus que les 1001 animaux promis !

All the pictures published in this article were taken by Francis Terrassier ; the following links allow to access his superb photo albums of Ethiopian birds

Birds of Ethiopia - part 1

Birds of Ethiopia - part 2

During your trip to Ethiopia, discover the reserves and national parks spread throughout the country

Ethiopia's geographical characteristics are a determining factor in the isolation of its flora and fauna over millions of years, a phenomenon that has favoured the emergence of endemic species.

For more detailed information on these reserves and the animals found there, please refer to the table at the end of this article, which only mentions some of the 21 national parks and a dozen sanctuaries or protected areas in Ethiopia.

-At respectively 700 and 800 kms south east of Addis Ababa, Omo National Park and that of Mago There are large mammals such as buffalos, elands, giraffes, zebras... and 300 species of birds. Cheetahs, lions and leopards, although present as on other sites in Ethiopia, can only exceptionally be seen.

-Gambella National Park located 200 kms north of the first mentioned, is frequented by numerous antelopes and gazelles, and also by elephants and hippos.

-Moving closer to Addis (400 kms to the south-west), we find Kafa Biosphere ReserveThe area is home to 300 species of birds such as eagles, cranes and other inseparable and sentinel birds of Abyssinia, and as many species of mammals, such as buffaloes, cobas, hippos, primates and rats...the list is not exhaustive.

-NECHISAR National Park on the great rift, 470 kms south of Addis, with lakes Abaya and Chamo, is a paradise for 320 species of birds, including the fish eagle, the Abyssinian bushbuck and the kori bustard. You will not miss the numerous crocodiles (the largest in Africa) and hippos that frequent the banks of Lake Chamo.

- On the same axis as the Nechisar, south of the Lake Ziway where white pelicans, ibises and marabouts abound, one finds the sanctuary of SENKELLE created to protect the endemic Swayne's hartebeest, of which only a few hundred individuals remain.

-Only 220 kms south-east of the capital, 460 species of birds inhabit the Awash National ParkYou will also find common mammals such as the Sömmering gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu, and others that are very difficult to observe such as the caracal, cheetahs, leopards and other animals. You will also find common mammals such as the Sömmering gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu and others that are very difficult to observe such as the caracal, and other cheetahs, leopards and lions.

- The mountainous areas also have their animal treasures. You will have a good chance to see the endemic Abyssinian wolf in the high altitudes of the national park of the BALE Mountains (400kms south-east of Addis), where nyalas, guerezas and other spicy pigs and giant mole rats live.

- More than 800 kms north of Addis, in the national park of the SIMIEN MountsIn the SIMIEN, where several peaks reach more than 4000 m of altitude, you will see, as in BALE, the emblematic Abyssinian wolf and the astonishing raven. The SIMIEN is home to 16 endemic bird species. The massif is also known for the gelada (lion monkeys) which live in bands of up to 800 individuals. SIMIEN is the only place where you may have the chance to see the endemic Abyssinian Ibex.

In Ethiopia the endemic species are numerous

The species retained for a few lines of comments in this article are those for which I have photos taken in their environment.

Some endemic birds of Ethiopia

-the crow crow endemic to Ethiopia can also be found in neighbouring Eritrea. It is the largest of the crows (69 cm). It frequents the mountain ravines from 1200 meters of altitude but it can also be found in the big gardens of the cities. It is not shy. Causes damage to crops. Feeds on carrion, small rodents and human food remains.

-wattled ibis 65 to 75 cm long, it prefers grasslands and highland riverbeds from 1500 m. It can also be found in urban parks. It feeds on worms, larvae and sometimes frogs, mice...you can find it around lakes (Awasa) as well as in the BALE or on the lawns of Addis Ababa.

-blue-winged goose measures between 60 and 75 cm and frequents humid plateaus at altitude. Some comments say it is shy, others that it is easily approached. It grazes on grass but does not disdain insects, worms and small bugs.

-Redstart's rail It is a 30-cm long bird that feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small snails and earthworms found in the grasses or mud of the highland marsh areas where it lives. The species, like others, is threatened by the intensive use of grassy areas by livestock, and the conversion of these areas to grain fields.

-the black-headed serin 9 to 25 cm long, is abundant in the highlands of Ethiopia where it feeds on plant seeds such as the amazing giant lobelia.

Some endemic mammals of Ethiopia

-the geladaThis 90 % herbivore lives on high plateaus not far from cliffs where it takes refuge at night and in case of danger. The males are easily distinguished from the females; they are much larger and heavier (20 kg on average against 13 kg for the females) and have a thick mane which has earned them the name of lion monkey. In addition, the torso of males is marked with a red triangle-shaped area. Geladas move around by "sliding" on their buttocks, which have calluses that act as cushions. Their social system is very developed.

-the Abyssinian wolf is the 3^th the rarest canid in the world. Classified as an endangered species, it lives in the highlands at over 3000 m. Its weight is 14 to 19 kg for males and 11 to 14 kg for females. These wolves gather at night in packs of about forty individuals but hunt alone during the day.

-the mountain nyala is a herbivorous bovid living in the highlands between 700 and 4200 m of altitude in herds of about ten individuals. Its weight varies from 150 to 300 kg, its height from 190 to 260 cm and its top speed is 50 km/h. It is relatively safe from its main predator, the leopard, which only moves very little in its environment. The mountain nyala is an endangered species due to habitat destruction and competition with domestic livestock.

Table of location of some animal species in Ethiopia

Neither rare nor endemic, for the pleasure of the eyes

Finally, to know more about the must-see sites to discover during your trip in Ethiopia, it is by here !

In a previous article entitled "The three essentials of a trip to Ethiopia"I have tried to describe 3 character traits of the Ethiopian people that make them endearing.

Now I would like to tell you a little more about some remarkable sites in Ethiopia. I have selected 11 of them in this presentation, even though this great country (twice the size of France) has many others, whether natural or resulting from the creativity of Ethiopians.

It is therefore not the purpose of this article to list all the beautiful places in Ethiopia, nor to give an exhaustive description of each of the 11 sites mentioned, but to give in a minimum of pages, quick reference points to those who plan to travel in Ethiopia.

Travelling in Northern Ethiopia

1. The Capital City Addis Ababa

Travelling to Ethiopia is not conceivable without an arrival or departure from Addis Ababa "new flower" in Amharic. In the Oromo region, Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. Situated in the centre of the country between 2300 and 2600 metres above sea level, it is a large metropolis of more than 7 million inhabitants, which has been home to the headquarters of the African Union since 1963.

Addis Ababa is a compendium of modern and traditional Ethiopia.
It is a modern metropolis with its motorway access roads, buildings and department stores, railway line and station, large renovated airport, international hotels, university... It is also a city proud of its history and which has preserved its traditions.

Palaces, museums and churches bear witness to Ethiopia's rich history; for example, the National Museum where Lucy's fossil is kept, St. George's Cathedral, the Museum of the Martyrs of the Red Terror, and many others.

Its markets are just like the country: colourful and full of life, like those of Shiro Meda where you can buy traditional clothes, and the huge Merkato, an open-air market.

On the Entoto hills overlooking the city, are to be discovered, the 1^er Palace of Emperor Menelik II, the Orthodox Church Mariam and the National Training Centre for Ethiopian Runners.

Numerous restaurants offer delicious cuisine and the cafés serve you a little black guy who lives up to his international reputation! Coffee tasting (Buna) is here the object of a real rite....

Honey and beer are also national products! For information on the festive and convivial character of the nightclubs in Addis, see the blog article entitled "The three essentials of a trip to Ethiopia"and for the recipe for the injera see the blog post titled " the injera: discovering the basic dish in Ethiopia ».

2. The Lake Tana region and the city of Bahir Dar (Northwest of Addis)

It is in Lake Tana, at an altitude of 1800 metres, that the Blue Nile has its source. With a diameter of 70 km, it is the largest lake in Ethiopia. You will go by pirogue to some of the many islands of the lake which shelter monasteries and sanctuaries on whose walls and ceilings sumptuous iconographic paintings tell the story of the Bible. You will be enchanted by the beauty and serenity of these places.

Among the best known islands are those of Nerga Sellassié, Debré Mariam, Kebran Gabriel, Dega Estefanos, as well as the Zeguié Peninsula.

You will meet fishermen on their papyrus pirogues and many monkeys and birds (pelicans, kingfishers, cranes, eagles). With a bit of luck, you will see the hippopotamus's emerged part.

Close to Lake Tana is the town of Bahir Dar where it is nice to stay and from which, in addition to walks on the lake, we organize the excursion to the grandiose Blue Nile Falls which can be reached on foot by crossing a superb suspension bridge.

3. Simien Mountains (Ahmara Region)

They constitute a high plateau in northern Ethiopia. The highest peak in the country, Ras Dashen, reaches an altitude of over 4500 meters. A national park of 22000 hectares has been created there. One of the most spectacular landscapes in the world according to UNESCO. It is true that the panorama of mountains and forests stretching as far as the eye can see is breathtaking. The canyons impress the walkers or the amateurs of treks of several days.

The Simien Mountains offer us a particularly rich fauna. Three endemic species have settled here: the Gelada baboon, the Abyssinian ibex and the Ethiopian wolf. If the last 2 cities are not easy to observe, you will easily meet the numerous Gelada that move in bands.

More than 180 species of birds will delight birdwatchers.

4. Aksum: the city steeped in history (Tigray province, 1100 km north of Addis Ababa)

This city is often presented as the oldest in Ethiopia and Africa. It has archaeological sites dating back to the 1^er in the 13th century BC: obelisks, royal tombs, palace ruins. In Aksum, history is mixed with legendary accounts of the relationship between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. What is certain is that the obelisks and stelae bear witness to the existence of an ancient civilization that has reached a remarkable level of development.

Several kings and emperors of Ethiopia were crowned at Aksum. Under these conditions, it is easy to understand why this two thousand year old city is one of the religious centres of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and why its sites are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. The Danakil Desert and the Dallol: the northern part of the Afar Depression.

Although it is one of the most inhospitable places in the world with temperatures of up to 50° (to be avoided between May and September), it cannot disappoint its visitors. It is indeed extraordinary in more ways than one.

First of all, it's a palaeontological site of prime importance. Numerous hominid fossils have been found there, the most famous being that of Lucy...more than 3 million years old. It was discovered in 1974.

About 15 kilometres from the border with Eritrea, the surreal landscape of the Dallol volcano exceeds the imagination of the most extravagant painter with his palette of fluorescent colours combining yellow, ochre, orange, green, red. In the Afar language, Dallol means "disintegration" because of the presence of the burning acid sources that proliferate here with the geysers.

Close to the Dallol, you'll make a foray into the amazing Pink Salt Canyon, where erosion has created monumental salt pillars up to 40 metres high.

 70 kilometers south of Dallol, you will find the Erta Ale volcano in permanent eruptive activity (altitude 613 metres). Note that the spectacle of its lake of incandescent lava is not guaranteed because the activity of the volcano conditions the delivery of the obligatory administrative authorization, and the weather conditions do not always allow the necessary visibility. Thus, at the time of writing, the volcano's lava lake is invisible.

You have to go to the Lake Karoum (about 30 kms south of the Dallol), to know the millenary activity of the region: thesalt mining in rudimentary conditions that have hardly changed. Here the men saw and then cut out 10-kilogram slabs of salt, transported on camels to Mekelé, the city that is the obligatory starting point for any "expedition" in this region.

Once again, the courage of the Ethiopian people is being measured in this hostile country.

6. Churches of the Tigray in the Gueralta Massif

The small town ofHawzen perched at 2100 meters altitudeis the ideal starting point for visiting the troglodytic churches of Guerrero.

Emotions guaranteed, whether it is the beauty of the landscapes and the atmosphere of fervour and serenity of the place, or the efforts sometimes necessary to reach these places of prayer built close to heaven! These many churches high up in the mountains offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. They contain beautifully coloured iconographic paintings on their walls, ceilings or columns.

Their difficulty of access is variable: the ascent leading to the church of Abuna Yemata nestled at more than 2800 meters of altitude requires even on a short passage, the use of ropes and harnesses provided by the guide: let's reassure ourselves a little, we start from 2100 meters...

For other churches, the harness is not necessary but the ascent remains sporty and requires not to be prone to vertigo, this is the case of Maryam Korkor.

The walk to get to the church of Abuna Gebre Mikael, requires effort, largely rewarded by the beauty treasures offered on arrival!

Access can be much easier, with even a staircase, as to reach the Church of Abreha Atsbeha.

7. The monolithic churches of Lalibela

This is the most famous site in Ethiopia. The photo seen from above of theBete Giyorgis church in the shape of a Greek crossis present on most travel agency websites and the blog of those who have travelled to Ethiopia.

This 22-meter high church (I should say deep, see below) is the best preserved and probably the most beautiful of the site.

In fact, it is not one, but 11 churches, some of them connected by a network of trenches and galleries, which make up this "religious complex" unique in the world.

The main particularity of these churches, is to have been carved into the rock of pink volcanic tuff...below ground level, and all in one piece.

The churches of Lalibela were carved from the 12th century onwards.^th century on the order of King Gebre Mesquel Lalibela, who gave his name to the city previously named Roha. It was because of the expansion of Islam and the difficulties of Ethiopian Christian pilgrims to get to Jerusalem that this king had this "new Jerusalem" built. The stream that separates the churches was named "Yordannos", in reference to the Jordan River. The names given to two churches, evoking the holy places, also show the king's will to found a "replica" of Jerusalem (Bete Debre Sina church for the Mount of Sinai, and Bete Gologota-Selassie church for Golghota).

Unlike other churches in the country, there are no paintings on the deliberately purified walls of Lalibela's buildings. However, they do contain many paintings, hangings and sacred books.

In view of the degradation of the monuments, caused by natural erosion, some churches are protected since 2004 by sloping roofs supported by pillars designed by Italian architects.

At an altitude of 2600 metres, the city is a pilgrimage site and also research for the historians, who will excavate there in 2012.

Lalibela has not yet revealed all its secrets...the chronology of the work, its progress and the techniques used are the subject of unconfirmed hypotheses to date...

Travelling in Southern Ethiopia and the Dire Dawa region

8. The Dire Dawa and Harar region

The city of Say Dawa (altitude 1280 metres) was created in the early 1900s by the Franco-Djiboutian Railway CompanyIt is the first terminus of the railway line from Djibouti.

Saying Dawa doesn't sound like the 2^th the most populated city after the capital: it is particularly easy to get around by car.

 It is pleasant to stroll through Gezira's "European quarter" with its wide avenues and stone buildings, where the museum and palace are located. Here you can visit the old railway station and its workshops and even climb aboard one of the old locomotives...

You won't fail to visit the Magala district with its small houses and narrow streets where you will find the city's big market.

Rock carving sites can be visited in the area. About 50 kilometers from Dire-Dawa, you go up to Harar (altitude 1890 m).

On the way you cross Awaday which is the world capital of khatA plant with euphoric and psychotropic effects, mainly consumed in the countries of the Horn of Africa. Spread on the ground, on trucks, on the backs of donkeys, or carried away by passers-by, khat boots are everywhere! Their density is such that their smell, although fairly neutral, penetrates your car.

The modern city of Harar developed around the ancient walled city.

Harar is sometimes referred to as 4^th holy city of Islam. It is true that it is home to 82 mosques (including 3 of the 10^th century) and more than 300 shrines dedicated to Muslim saints.

The old town concentrates the main centres of interest. It is very pleasant to wander through its maze of narrow streets, lined with houses painted with lime in shades of green, blue, red ... here the cars are banned from circulation.

On the edge of one of these alleyways, you enter the " Arthur Rimbaud's house ». Although he did indeed live in Harar between 1880 and 1891, the French poet did not live in this house, which is in fact a kind of museum to his glory.

Famous attraction: perpetuation of a ceremony that dates back to "the dawn of time", the show of the hyena's meal is held at nightfalllit by the headlights of a car or a tuk-tuk...the spectator, as long as he doesn't think too much about the power of the animal's jaws, can also participate and give him a piece of meat at the end of a piece of wood held in his mouth.

9. The lakes of the Rift Valley 

These lakes are located on either side of one of the two roads leading south from Addis Ababa.

Lake Ziway:

Bordered by sycamores, it covers more than 420 km2, its maximum depth does not exceed 4 metres. This lake is full of fish and its shores are home to many species of birds: pelicans, marabouts, swans, geese, ibis, fishing eagles. Hippos can be seen near the meadows bordering the lake.

Lake Langano:

Located 200 km south of Addis Ababa, its surface area is 230 km² and it can reach a depth of 40 m. It is the only lake in the country where you can swim without fear of contracting bilharzia, it is bordered by some very comfortable hotel complexes. This place is therefore very popular with the inhabitants of the capital who have the financial means to escape from it on weekends.

The lakes of Abijatta-Shalla :

Located on the other side of the road opposite Langano, they are part of the national park of the same name. The depth of Shalla exceeds 260 meters in some places while that of Abijatta does not exceed 14 meters.

The hot springs north of Lake Abijatta, used by the local population, are the attraction of this reserve, which is also endowed with a varied fauna: warthogs, gazelles and jackals. You will observe many birds: pelicans, marabouts, herons, ibis. The flight of pink flamingos above the lake of Abijatta offers a sublime spectacle.

The hot springs of Wondo Genet village :

On the lakes road, near the town of Shashemene, you will not regret the stay in the green setting of Wondo Genet, where you will enjoy like the local population the baths and showers provided by the hot springs well known here.

Lake Awasa :

It gave its name to the eponymous city built along its banks, which is lively and very pleasant with its shops and tearooms...where excellent juices are served.

Tilapias, Nile perch and catfish, caught at night, are sold at the market in the morning. This fish market is an attraction not to be missed.

Lakes Chamo and Abaya :

These lakes are dominated by the town of Arba Minch ("40 springs" in Amahrique) which is considered the gateway to the Omo valley. Lake Abaya is distinguished by the copper-red hue of its waters : this colour is caused by ferruginous suspensions. The strip of land separating these 2 lakes is called "the bridge of Paradise". The panorama on the 2 lakes from Arba Minch is superb.

Crocodiles, hippos, and pelicans can be seen here.

10. The Monts Balés

East of Awassa, less than 400 kms south-east of Addis Ababa, the Bale Mountains National Park extends over nearly 2500 km². This area of very high plateaus is famous for its numerous trekking routes over one or several days, and the landscapes are grandiose. The presence in places of basaltic organs shows that the site was a volcano at a remote time in its history.

Many remarkable places are also accessible by car. The highest road in Africa takes you from Goba to the Sanetti plateau overhung by Mount Tullo Deemtu it peaks at 4377 meters above sea level, it is the 2^th Ethiopia summit.

Thanks to its numerous rivers, trout fishermen will find their happiness here.

Image hunters of animals, ornithologists and nature lovers in general, will be fulfilled. The isolation of this region associated with its geological specificities explain the important number of endemic species, both animal and vegetal, which populate the Bale Mountains.

The flora is also remarkable: the amazing lobeliaswith a shaft up to 9 metres high, only grow here.

The presence of very many rodents, attracts birds of prey that can be seen in broad daylight, such as the golden eagle or the great buzzard augurs.

The Bale Mountains are the territory among others, baboons, nyalas (endemic antelope) genets, and of course the emblematic Abyssinian wolf seriously threatened with extinction.

11. The tribes of southwestern Ethiopia

About 800 km southwest of Addis, you will meet the tribes of the Omo valley. Each has its own customs.

• In Dorzé and higher in Chencha (3000 meters above sea level), is the territory of theDorzé ethnicity near the west shore of Lake Abaya. Here the market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The traditional dwellings in the shape of giant beehives evoke elephants. The gilded ones excel in weaving and pottery.

• In Jinkayou'll get to know theAri ethnicitywhich members are farmers, breeders and also beekeepers.

• The Surma and Mursi tribes live in Mago Park. not far from Jinka. These tribes are renowned for the clay lip plate worn by the women (up to 18 cm in diameter). The scarifications commonly practiced show the strength and courage of the men, and the beauty of the women.

• the tribe Hamer lives in Turmi in the southern part of the Omo Delta; it derives its resources from agriculture and trades its products on the markets. The women dressed in cowhide dresses decorated with cowrie shells, wear large shell necklaces, and wear red clay plaits. The men wear clay headdresses topped with ostrich feathers.

• In the same area at Murulle, the Karo cover their bodies with clay and drawings drawn with white chalk. The ritual body paintings combine white, green, black and red

• Even further south in Omorate, close to the border with Kenya, one finds the Dassanechthe women of this tribe have beautiful hair braided in a mixture of butter and clay...

• More than a hundred kms north east of Turmi, the people of the Konsos has developed the hills of its villages into fertile terraces where they grow cotton and millet. You will admire the cliffs of Gesergiyo carved by erosion that locals compare to the skyscrapers of New York.

The southern markets are an important part of the local economy and the most important social event of the week. The hamer market of Dimeka, on Tuesdays and Saturdays (30 kms north of Turmi) allows to buy sorghum, cotton, tobacco, jewellery, shoes, clothes. At the Key Afer market, on Thursdays, tools, livestock, fruit and vegetables are exchanged. In Weyto, on the road between Turmi and Konso, a market is held every Saturday where Tsemai, Ari and Benna trade.

I hope that this article allows you to see the diversity of things to see and do in Ethiopia! You will find some of the sites described here in the stays proposed on the Africorne websiteand of course, we are at your disposal to prepare a tailor-made trip to Ethiopia!