Uncharted Backpacker

Category - Ethiopia

Lower Omo Valley Travel Guide – Ethiopia

May 16, 2017
Stephen Gollan
Adventure Travel, Africa, Ethiopia, Travel Guides
1 Comment

Lower Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia

The sharp look of a war paint covered Ak-47 wielding tribesmen enters my gaze. The deep blast of horns fill the air as women beg to be whipped with tree branches. The dust rises as the hypnotically chanting tribal groups continuously jump up and down. It’s an absolute shock to the uninitiated, a scene from National Geographic documentaries that you watched as a child playing right before your eyes. It takes time to take it all in, but when you do you are filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Who knew such a place on earth, so beautifully primitive and culturally shocking still existed in this day and age. This is the Lower Omo Valley, in Southern Ethiopia. Read More

Lower Omo Valley Travel Guide – EthiopiaLower Omo Valley Travel Guide – EthiopiaLower Omo Valley Travel Guide – EthiopiaLower Omo Valley Travel Guide – EthiopiaLower Omo Valley Travel Guide – Ethiopia
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Trekking Guide – Simien Mountains National Park Ethiopia  

May 16, 2016
Stephen Gollan
Africa, Ethiopia, Travel Journal
1 Comment

Simien Mountains National Park – Ethiopia

Why Trek Simien National Park?

Simply put, the Simien Mountains are amazing. Nobody seems to think of Ethiopia looking like this. Humongous, green, pinnacle peaks, deep valleys dotted with grass-hut villages, and fog blanketing the scenery for a picture perfect moment. Simien is breathtaking. Apart from the scenery, there is also an array of wildlife. Most likely, you will see the Gelada Monkey hordes, covering the hills, planning their next assault on the fields of golden wheat. The chances of seeing Ethiopia’s rare majestic Walia Ibex are also high. Simien can also provide a cultural experience as well. Many Ethiopians call Simien National Park their home. They grow wheat on gravity defying terraces and live in very traditional grass roof houses. Trekking here is extremely rewarding. Simien is a World Heritage site, and any trek here will stick with you long after you have left. Trek Simien; I promise that you will never forget this beautiful corner of Ethiopia. Read More

Trekking Guide - Simien Mountains National Park Ethiopia  Trekking Guide - Simien Mountains National Park Ethiopia  Trekking Guide - Simien Mountains National Park Ethiopia  Trekking Guide - Simien Mountains National Park Ethiopia  Trekking Guide - Simien Mountains National Park Ethiopia  
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Ethiopia’s Northern Circuit – Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and Mekele

April 20, 2016
Stephen Gollan
Africa, Ethiopia, Travel Journal
1 Comment

Lalibela and Mekele – Ethiopia

Ethiopia: The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Continued From Ethiopia Part One: Addis Ababa and Lake Tana

From Lake Tana, the road goes east through majestic valleys to Lalibela. The road conditions are some of the worst in the entire country of Ethiopia. I arrived late in the evening; after about nine hours of bumpy buses, breakdowns, and coffee stops. Luckily, my hotel was located close to where the bus had dropped me off. I chose to stay at the Alef Paradise Hotel. Room rate was only 15 dollars per night, and was within walking distance of the churches. Read More

Ethiopia’s Northern Circuit – Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and MekeleEthiopia’s Northern Circuit – Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and MekeleEthiopia’s Northern Circuit – Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and MekeleEthiopia’s Northern Circuit – Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and MekeleEthiopia’s Northern Circuit – Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and Mekele
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Ethiopia’s North – Addis Ababa and Lake Tana

April 12, 2016
Stephen Gollan
Africa, Ethiopia
1 Comment

Addis Ababa and Lake Tana – Ethiopia 

Ethiopia’s Northern Historic circuit will erase all preconceptions you have regarding this nation. You will witness rock-hewn churches carved by angels, towering obelisks built by the ancient Aksumite Empire, and impossibly green mountains inhabited by armies of gelada baboons. You will cross terraced farmlands, frigid mountains, scorching deserts and some of Ethiopia’s most raw, beautiful scenery. Whatever your thoughts about Ethiopia are now, you will be amazed to see the magic this incredible country conceals deep in the North. This is a four part series of my journey through Ethiopia’s north. I chose to only take local transport so I could travel as the locals do, and take in as much of the “off the beaten track” country side as possible. Tag along with me and follow this epic series. Read More
Ethiopia’s North – Addis Ababa and Lake TanaEthiopia’s North – Addis Ababa and Lake TanaEthiopia’s North – Addis Ababa and Lake TanaEthiopia’s North – Addis Ababa and Lake TanaEthiopia’s North – Addis Ababa and Lake Tana
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