Ethiopia Archives - Uncharted Backpacker

Feeding Wild Hyenas in Harar, Ethiopia

March 20, 2018

Harar, Ethiopia

Right as the last bit of light descends below the horizon the Hyena man calls out. Calling the resident hyena’s by name and howling as if he is one of them. The medieval city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia is famous for being the city who became friends with these beasts. As the Hyena man calls out again, large figures begin to emerge from the shadows of Harar’s gates. One by one the Hyena’s begin to reveal themselves. The Hyena man then hands me a piece of meat hanging on a stick and tells me to put it in my mouth and feed the Hyena face to face. Doing so the Hyena starts to crawl closer and my mid races, this is Harar Ethiopia! Read More

Lower Omo Valley Travel Guide – Ethiopia

May 16, 2017

Stephen Gollan

Adventure Travel, Africa, Ethiopia, Travel Guides

3 Comments

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

Trekking Guide – Simien Mountains National Park Ethiopia

May 16, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Africa, Ethiopia, Hiking, 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

Ethiopia’s Northern Circuit – Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela and Mekele

April 20, 2016

Stephen Gollan

Africa, Ethiopia, Travel Journal

2 Comments

Lalibela and Mekele – Ethiopia

Ethiopia: The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

: Teff Terraces On the Way to Lalibela

: Traditional Hut Near 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