Imagine it’s the early morning on the high Sanetti Plateau in Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains. A delicate ground frost glistens on the white-cloaked vegetation of the breathtaking Afro-alpine moorlands, where rugged peaks meet the charm of Giant Lobelias’ flowering spikes. Suddenly, from behind a ridge, a tawny Ethiopian Wolf emerges, confidently walking across the summit rocks. It turns with a soulful howl, soon joined by three companions, greeting each other in a moment of wild intimacy before they trod past us, drawing closer to the rising sun. Overhead, Blue-winged Geese soar while a Steppe Eagle glides gracefully, seeking out grass rats basking in the warmth of the sun. This is the magic of ‘The Roof of Africa’—an enchantment rarely found anywhere else on the continent, waiting to be captured through your lens.
Capture the Unique Beauty of ‘The Roof of Africa’
In Ethiopia, the extraordinary landscapes and diverse wildlife come hand in hand with rich cultural experiences. This unique adventure combines the stunning natural beauty of the Bale and Simien Mountains, the vibrant birdlife of the Rift Valley Lakes, and the historic treasures of Gondar, the kingdom’s former capital. Join us on special wildlife photography tours that allow you to immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s wonders, leaving you with a wealth of stunning images to cherish.
Ethiopia’s highlands embrace the central part of the country like a radiant necklace, housing some of Africa’s rarest wildlife within the Bale and Simien Mountains. Here, you can seek out the elusive Walia Ibex, the Ethiopian Wolf, and the gentle Gelada Baboon. Enter a high-altitude wonderland replete with spectacular scenery, towering cliffs, tussock grasses, and iconic Giant Lobelias. Expect incredible wildlife photography opportunities, as we aim to capture Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Ethiopian Klipspringer, and a variety of birds of prey, highlighting the majestic Bearded Vulture along with the colorful Spot-breasted Plover and Wattled Ibis.
Your journey will also take you to the lively town of Gondar, home to the well-preserved Fasil Ghebbi, a unique Royal Enclosure featuring a stunning array of palace-like buildings connected by grassy paths. Founded by Emperor Fasilides, this palace complex includes the majestic Fasilides Castle, accessible by an ancient staircase leading to the emperor’s grand rooms. Not to be missed is the stunning Debre Birhan Selassie church, a classic example of Ethiopian Coptic architecture adorned with intricate decorations.
In the Simien Mountains, prepare for unforgettable encounters with large, gentle troupes of Gelada Baboons. These vegetarian monkeys are accustomed to human presence, allowing you the chance to photograph them feeding alongside you in picturesque mountain meadows. As evening approaches, follow them to the cliff edges where they settle into their nests for the night after a day of grazing.
Before launching into the highlands, start your Ethiopian adventure in the historic city of Harar. Known for its unusual and awe-inspiring ‘Hyena Men,’ who feed wild Spotted Hyenas each night, Harar promises a visual experience unlike any other. A visit here will reveal charismatic local culture, vibrant markets, and the lively ‘Kite Men’ who feed Yellow-billed Kites in an equally remarkable display.
Traveling to Awash presents an entirely different landscape, where arid terrain reveals the beauty of wildlife such as Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelles, and Hamadryas Baboons. With some luck, you might capture an astonishing image of a Northern Carmine Bee-eater riding on the back of an Arabian Bustard—one of the sought-after wildlife marvels of Northeast Africa.
Diversity
Unlike most tours that limit explorations to just the Bale and Simien Mountains, our photography tours encompass different Ethiopian environments, allowing for a more diverse portfolio of wildlife images.
Expert Knowledge
Our extensive understanding of Ethiopia enables us to select optimal accommodation locations for photography. For instance, while accommodations in the Bale Mountains vary, we strategically base ourselves in Goba, where proximity to wildlife hotspots is key. This location allows for easier access to the best photography spots and enhances your chances of capturing stunning wildlife moments.
Photographic Advantage
The unique weather conditions present specific challenges, such as heat shimmer during midday in the Afro-alpine moorlands. We prioritize maximizing your photographic potential by scheduling breaks during unproductive hours. By staying in Goba, we can also explore the Dinsho area of Bale Mountains National Park, known for its approachable and confiding wildlife.
Park Accessibility
When in Simien, we ensure accommodations are within the park itself, allowing us to take full advantage of early mornings and late evenings without the limitations imposed by park opening hours. This means you can capture spectacular images of Gelada Baboons, Walia Ibexes, and stunning landscapes under optimal lighting conditions.
Unique Adventures
The ‘Hyena Men’ of Harar provide an utterly unique photographic experience, standing as a hallmark feature of our tours.
For those interested in the famed rock churches of Lalibela, we are happy to arrange guided visits for you before or after the tour. Allow us to create a seamless experience tailored to your wishes.
During our wildlife photography tours, accommodations typically range from good to medium quality lodges and hotels, ensuring comfort and convenience while out in the field. Transport is provided in 4×4 Toyota Landcruisers or similar vehicles, ensuring ample space and quick access for photographers.
Walking and Climate
Most walks are relatively easy and short, perfect for prey observation and photography. The highlands enjoy pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and cooler nights, while lower altitudes tend to be hot during midday.
For optimal photography in Ethiopia, consider bringing telephoto lenses with focal lengths between 400-600mm, along with shorter ranges of 100-300mm for close encounters. For capturing magnificent landscapes, a wide-angle lens in the 16-35mm range is ideal. Tripods or monopods can be invaluable for utilizing longer lenses effectively. Should you have questions about suitable equipment for your journey, please feel free to reach out.
Join us on this extraordinary Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour with Wild Images, where you’ll create lasting memories while capturing the unique beauty of landscapes and wildlife that are simply unparalleled. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the extraordinary wildlife and vibrant culture of this incredible country while honing your photographic skills.
Imagine it’s the early morning on the high Sanetti Plateau in Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains. A delicate ground frost glistens on the white-cloaked vegetation of the breathtaking Afro-alpine moorlands, where rugged peaks meet the charm of Giant Lobelias’ flowering spikes. Suddenly, from behind a ridge, a tawny Ethiopian Wolf emerges, confidently walking across the summit rocks. It turns with a soulful howl, soon joined by three companions, greeting each other in a moment of wild intimacy before they trod past us, drawing closer to the rising sun. Overhead, Blue-winged Geese soar while a Steppe Eagle glides gracefully, seeking out grass rats basking in the warmth of the sun. This is the magic of ‘The Roof of Africa’—an enchantment rarely found anywhere else on the continent, waiting to be captured through your lens. Capture the Unique Beauty of ‘The Roof of Africa’ In Ethiopia, the extraordinary landscapes and diverse wildlife come hand in hand with rich cultural experiences. This unique adventure combines the stunning natural beauty of the Bale and Simien Mountains, the vibrant birdlife of the Rift Valley Lakes, and the historic treasures of Gondar, the kingdom’s former capital. Join us on special wildlife photography tours that allow you to immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s wonders, leaving you with a wealth of stunning images to cherish.
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