Ethiopia

Travel and Documentary Photos from Ethiopia

And I Can See For Miles
Outside of the Chenek campsite in the fabulous Simien Mountains, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Bench View Landscape Mountains Chenek National Park Simien Mountains Semien Mountains Travel Park Bench Canyon Epic Sunset Tourism Wonder Joy
Ready to Pounce
Would you feed the wild hyenas?

Every night the Hyena Man brings meat outside the ancient walls of Harar to feed the wild spotted hyenas who come into the city looking for food. Apparently they were fed to encourage them not to attack the city people's livestock.

Aa ritual almost 50 years old, the wild hyenas have now become habituated to humans and thus will get close for some free grub. Still quite timid, these powerful mammals will scamper close, carefully grab the meat with their powerful jaws and scurry immediately back as if in fright.

Today this practice has become a big tourist draw to Harar located in the east of Ethiopia close to the Somali border. Around 7pm after the Sun had set, tourists would gather at the designated feeding spot and a crowd would gather around as the Hyena Man called out to the hyenas lurking far away in the dark. Eventually they would arrive and sit patiently as the Hyena Man sets up his basket and blanket.

Soon the hyenas approach and on a small stick, he begins feeding them scraps of meat. Once the hyenas are more comfortable, he begins calling over tourists who want to feed the hyenas themselves.

Here a small child takes the slightly risky opportunity to feed the hyenas up close and personal. By the look on his face it seems he wasn't too sure of himself and rightfully so! These are huge, wild animals and while the chance for him to be hurt is low, the chance for a mauling by a wild, opportunistic carnivore still exists.

Would you try to feed the wild hyenas up close and personal like this or would you be too afraid or cautious?
A7 Africa Alpha Animals Ethiopia Harar People Portrait Sony Travel Hyena Animal Feeding Nighttime Sand Night Child Kid Hungry Dangerous Food mammal Meat Tradition
Looking onto the Wonder from Above
Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims watch the morning prayer ceremonies below at the foot of the rock-hewn and UNESCO Church of Saint George. Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Church Religion Religious Monument Landmark church of st. george Outside Outdoors Pilgrims People Sunset Costume Robe Prayer Holy Congreation Spiritual UNESCO world heritage world wonder Rockhewn Structure Ancient architecture Awe Group
Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Making
A woman making coffee (originally from Ethiopia) from scratch by a small fire in the rural Simien Mountains.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Rural Developing Indoors Inside Woman Portrait People Countryside Fire Coffee Ceremony Tradition Traditional Simien Mountains Drink Food Coffee Ceremony Kettle Water Islam Muslin Veil Domestic Custom hou
Ray of Light
Early morning, Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Town Ray of Light Beam of Light Robe Cloak Fog Mist People Religious Rural Travel Mysterious Spiritual Heritage Wonder
Peering over into the volcanic lake of the Erta Ale Volcano
Early morning at the active Erta Ale volcano, in north-eastern Ethiopia within the Danakil Depression, the hottest place on Earth and the third lowest point. By this time the lava lake below was significantly less active and far cooler than a few hours prior when it was bubbling and exploding all over.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Afar danakil depression erta ale Volcano Volcanic Selfie Portrait People Male Young Lava Molten Lake Explosion Fire Hot Heat Danger Exotic Adventure Tour Travel Outside Outdoors Sunset Mountain Extreme Rock Orange Black Caldera Dangerous otherworldly geologic Energy Harsh Natural Wonder Glow tectonic Hell
A view to a mountain
From the Chenek campsite in the wonderful Simien Mountain's National Park in northern Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel Simien Mountains semien mountains Landscape Nature Outside High Altitude Mountains National Park Park Green Verdant Wilderness Highlands Rocks
A Sunny Reflection
The evening Sun reflects off the shallow layer of water that sits on top of the salt flats in the Danakil Depression in North-Eastern Ethiopia.

One of the lowest places on Earth ( [−125 m (−410 ft)], and also one of the hottest (average year round 36 degrees C), the Danakil Depression is a place of extremes. When the Sun begins to set though, so does the temperature and the reflections off what used to be part of the Red Sea millions of years ago reflects the cloudless sky on this volcanic and tectonically active landscape.
Africa Ethiopia Salt Flats Danakil Depression Dallol Travel Reflection Orange Otherworldly Sunset Majestic Joy Solace Mountains Crust
I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.
The active Erta Ale Volcano in the Danakil Depression near the end of sunrise.

From Wikipedia: "Erta Ale (or Ertale or Irta'ale) is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia. It is situated in the Afar Depression, a badland desert area spanning the border with Eritrea. Erta Ale is the most active volcano in Ethiopia.

Erta Ale is 613 metres (2,011 ft) high, with one or sometimes two active lava lakes at the summit which occasionally overflow on the south side of the volcano.[1] It is notable for holding the longest-existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century (1906). Volcanoes with lava lakes are very rare: there are only six in the world.
Erta Ale means "smoking mountain" in the local Afar language and its southernmost pit is known locally as "the gateway to Hell". In 2009, it was mapped by a team from the BBC using three-dimensional laser techniques, in order for the mapping team to maintain a distance and avoid the lakes' searingly hot temperatures.

Erta Ale is centered over the east African rift system, which is a triple junction setting whose movements are resulting in the formation of a pull apart basin or rift. The volcano comprises mainly Mafic material which has been brought up to the surface caused by unroofing of the mantle due to this rift formation.[citation needed]
Not much is known about Erta Ale, as the surrounding terrain is some of the most inhospitable on Earth and the native Afar people have a legendary reputation for viciousness towards outsiders; one travel guide recommends hiring "one or maybe two armed guards or police" to visit Erta Ale."
Africa Ethiopia Travel Tourism Outside Volcano Volcanic Lava Magma Explosion Black Rock Molten Orange Danakil Depression Danakil Active Fire Danger Panorama Nature Landscape Caldera Dangerous Crater Afar Otherworldly Epic Hot Heat Jaw Dropping Great Rift Valley Tectonic Eruption Erta Ale Adventure Morning Glowing Glow Geologic Hell Energy Geothermal Force
Light Rays
Early morning, Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel black and white Walking Men Male Ray of Light Light Beam Shine Illuminated Angelic Fine Art Village Rural Bail of Hail Outside Early Morning Dirt Road Person Cows
The Gateway
A beam of light silhouettes a religious pilgrim in one of the ancient churches in the "Jerusalem of Africa," Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Mystical Travel black and white Sacred Church Holy Religion Light Man Person Inside Building Fine Art Ancient Lalibela Door Light Beam Light Ray Angelic Christian ethiopian orthodox Pilgrim Religious Stone Old Wonder UNESCO World Wonder Heritage
No Care in the World
A young girl skips through the old walled town of Harar, Ethiopia.
Harar Ethiopia Africa Girl Running Street Black and White Playing Fun People Skipping Travel Tourism Skip Enjoyment Stone Cobblestone Path Walls Outside Daytime Person
Life in Tigray, Ethiopia
Portrait taken in northern Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Travel Portrait People Boy Child Young Outdoor Outside Male Decay Impoverished Tigray Rural Countryside
Tigrayan Boy
A local Tigrayan boy in Northern Ethiopia after bringing in the goats which were out to pasture.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Boy Child People Portrait Young Male Stick Rural Countryside Dirty impoverished
Lines of the Volcano
Another take on the incredible Erta Ale Volcano, an active volcano in north-eastern Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Erta Ale Volcano Volcanic Landscape Outdoors Outside Extreme Danakil Depression Lava Magma Burn Fire Hot Heat Dangerous Rock Travel Tourism Molton Glow Glowing Eruption Adventure Crater Caldera Energy Epic Great Rift Orange Blue Otherworldly Hell
Christmas in Lalibela
Christmas celebrations and prayer at the Ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church of St. George.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Holy Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Prayer Religious Monument St. George Saint People Group Ancient UNESCO Church Rock RockHewn Building
The Stone Church in the Mountain
The Church of Saint George , Lalibela, Ethiopia.

From Wikipedia: "(Amharic: Bete Giyorgis?) is one of eleven monolithic churches in Lalibela, a city in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Originally named Roha or Warwar, this historical and religious site is currently accepted in the modern name of Lalibela, after King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of Ethiopia, who is regarded as a saint-like figure by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church."

"Carved from a variation of Limestone, Tufa is the primary and only building material used in the rock-cut structure. In the 12th century, it is the best known and last built of the eleven churches in the Lalibela area, and has been referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Lalibela, King of Ethiopia, sought to recreate Jerusalem, and structured the churches' landscape and religious sites in such a way as to achieve such a feat. “The churches at Lalibela are clustered in two major groups, one representing the earthly Jerusalem, and the other representing the heavenly Jerusalem. Located directly between them is a trench representing the River Jordan”. The dimensions of the trench are 25 meters by 25 meters by 30 meters, and there is a small baptismal pool outside the church, which stands in an artificial trench.
According to Ethiopian cultural history, Bete Giyorgis was built after King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty had a vision in which he was instructed to construct the church; Saint George and God have both been referred to as the one who gave him the instructions.
Lalibela is a pilgrimage site for members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church; the church itself is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela"."
Ethiopia Africa Travel Lalibela Church of St. George Church Ancient UNESCO Sunset Mountainside Rock Christian Orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Religious Pilgrimage Group Panorama Monument Bete Giyorgis Spiritual Building Hewn Outdoor Cross Medieval Landmark Wonder Worship Excavated Carved Monolith Heritage Tourism
Walk through the shadows
In the ancient walled-town known as Jugol, inside Harar, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Travel Tourism Outside Women People Group Walking Stroll Walls Cobblestone Dress Flowing Chores Head Jugol Old town Black and White Shadow Contrast Harar Street Silhouette
Then all the colours will bleed into one
A pilgrim walks through the doorway of Biete Amanuel, an ancient but still very active rock-hewn monolithic church in Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel Church christian orthodox Christian Ancient Symmetry Pilgrim People Man Woman Cane Robe black and white Lalibela Holy Religious Spiritual Stone RockHewn UNESCO biete amanuel Historic Wonder of the World Worship Doorway Daytime Cross Monument Rock Hewn Medieval Wonder Archaeology Landmark Symmetric Carved Building Monolith Heritage King Facade Stairs Entrance Pra
Sunset over the Simiens
A beautiful sunset near our campsite high up in the Simien Mountain's national park.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel Simien Mountains semien mountains Landscape Nature Outside High Altitude Mountains National Park Park Green Verdant Wilderness Highlands Rocks Trees Sunset Evening
Always looks your best... even in the mountains and the fields.
Every trekker through the wonderful Simien Mountain's national park must be accompanied by at least a guard or 'scout' who tends to stay behind and watch over things. Carrying what looked like an unloaded Ak-47 for some reason and dressed in a suit jacket, our older-aged scout was much more effective at coughing and wheezing his way though the canyon laden landscape than being of any practical benefit to defend us if something were to go weary.

Truthfully I haven't heard of any robberies or other foul play around these parts and I would guess that mandatory scouts are being used as a local community builder and job creator for the relatively impoverished people of the highlands. Nevertheless his services weren't expensive and you're helping the local community while getting the wonderful opportunity to hike this beautiful land and take the occasional photo with him in it.
Africa East Africa Landscape Sunset Ethiopia Simien Mountains National Park People Person Portrait Gun Weapon Suit Man Male Goat Sheep Animal Outside Outdoor Mountains Yellow Stylish
That Home
The beautiful night sky over the Simien Mountains National Park.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel Simien Mountains semien mountains Night Nighttime Sky Stars Milky Way Camping Camp Fire Ground Blue Tree Outside Astrophotography National Park
The Sheppard's Light
The Tigrayan countryside in northern Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel black and white Walking Men Male Ray of Light Light Beam Shine Illuminated Angelic Fine Art Dirt Road Outside Rural Village Early Morning Person Cows Cattle Sheppard Dirt Mountains Path Countryside
Exploring the Salt Flats in Northern Ethiopia and the Hottest Place on Earth
North-eastern Ethiopia contains one of the great natural wonders of the world, the salt flats of the Danakil Depression! Similar to the more famous Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the Danakil also boasts a giant reflective salt pan, the former vestige of the Red Sea before splitting away millions of years earlier.

The landscape is absolutely wild in these parts, especially as it's extremely geologically active with plenty of active volcanoes nearby including the famous Erta Ale Volcano (for which I have many photos of in my photostream). The adventure doesn't stop there though as the Danakil Depression is located within the hottest area on Earth and one of it's lowest points.

To get to this extreme, otherworldly environment, you'll have to find yourself a tour company in either the capital Addis Ababa or better yet, from the largest nearby city of Mek'elle.
Africa Danakil Depression Ethiopia Landscape People Transport Travel 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV Extreme Salt Flats Salt Crust Purple Pink Sunset Outside Army Hot Heat Reflective Reflection Wonder Desert Enviornment Mountains Tourism Tour Harsh Exotic Unique Remote Saline Horizon Empty Adventure Journey East Africa great rift valley Geologic
A Bench with a View
If views could kill... Maybe just maybe the best, most scenic park bench in the world? Easily my second best, next to another bench only a few hundred feet away with even more jaw dropping views. Both of which can be found at the Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Landscape Travel simien mountains National Park Bench View Mountainous Outside Outdoors Valley
The Last Lookout Over the Ethiopian Mountains
The fantastic viewpoint from Chenek base camp. Easily my favourite vantage point throughout my trek through the canyon laden landscape of the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia.
Mountainous Landscape Simien Mountains Ethiopia East Africa simien mountains Outdoor Outside Daytime Canyon Farmland Travel Hike Trek
Whole Lotta Camel
The daily salt caravan in the Danakil Depression, north-eastern Ethiopia and one of the harshest environments to work in in the world.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel danakil depression Danakil Dallol Red Sea Dry Salt Flats Salt Flats Camel Mammal Caravan People Two People Journey Hard Work Afar otherworldly Harsh Desert Landscape Adventure East Africa Heat Outside Men
King of the Mountains
A portrait of a gelada baboon, endemic to Ethiopia. Taken in the Simien Mountains.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel Animal Gelada Gelada Baboon Baboon Monkey Eating Food Grass Hairy Portrait Face Endemic Simien Mountains semien mountains national park Closeup Mammal Wild Fur Hair Nature Wildlife Primmate
Pillars
A Christian Orthodox pilgrim prays at one of twelve, ancient rock-hewn churches in the historic town of Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Christian christian orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Religious Spiritual Church Religion Woman Person Outside UNESCO Building architecture archaeology columns Pillar Ancient Wonder Doorway Entrance East Africa
The Holy Path
Pilgrims walk through the stone-basalt cut walkways through the 'Jerusalem' of Africa in holy Lalibela, Ethiopia.

During Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas, tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way to the holy ancient churches carved straight out of the stone. One has to traverse various paths and caves in order to move between each magnificent and still active church. See the rest of my Ethiopia album for photos of the churches themselves.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Christian Orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Pilgrim Religious Spiritual Holy Women Group Rock Robe Cloak Decorated Travel Gown Stairs Journey Heritage Tradition Outdoor
Ethiopian Orthodox Priest - Lalibela
An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Priest in the 'Jerusalem in Ethiopia', Lalibela.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Christian christian orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Religious Spiritual portrait People Single Person Cross Church Costume Symbol Male Man Priest Window Light Robe Beard
The Pilgrim
A Orthodox Christian pilgrim in the holy, 'Jerusalem of Africa', Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Christian christian orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Religious Spiritual Person People Pilgrim Portrait Beard Man Male Robe Colorful Red Yellow Purple Outside Devout
The Prayer
An Ethiopian Orthodox priest lighting a candle in an ancient church in Lalibela, Ethiopia, the 'Jerusalem' of Africa.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Christian christian orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Religious Spiritual Candlelight Two People Group Congregation Jesus Christ Male Men Priest Devout Dark Ancient Faith Fire Shadow Flame Illuminate Mysterious East Africa
Old Streets of Harar
In the old walled-town of Harar, Ethiopia, flush with people, action and life. This photo was taken in the meat market.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Harar Jugol Market Shadow silhouette Donkey Animal Mule architecture Jey Bird Street Running
Pilgrims
Pilgrims flock to the holy city of Lalibela (the 'Jerusalem' of Africa) in the tens of thousands to pray at the ancient Orthodox churches during the Ethiopian Christmas.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Christian christian orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Religious spiritual Jerusalem of Africa Orthodox People Group Walking Outside Sunset Rural Town Local Robe Walking Stick Heritage Pilgrim
Under the Cross
Inside one of the ancient but still active churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Africa Ethiopia Lalibela Christian christian orthodox Ethiopian Orthodox Holy Religious Spiritual East Africa Cross Church Jesus Christ Woman Female Young Cloak Robe UNESCO Ancient Active Shadow illuminated People Person Inside
Basket on the Head, Goat on the Ground
Always the adventure when walking the streets of Harar, Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Harar People Person Woman Female Basket Carrying Goat Street Daytime Outside Travel Tourism Candid Colorful Work
The Street Butcher
A man in the meat market in the old town of Harar hacks off the scraps of a severed cow's head to sell to the town's poor. Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Harar Jugol Outside Daytime Market Meat Market Butcher Street Cow Dead Hide Head Butchered Meat Rot Death Animal Eat Food Consume Axe Kill Chop Cut Poor Rural Local Pink Ground Destitute Impoverished Protein Cheap Skull Male Man Portrait Beard Adult
Streets of Harar.
Walking through the ancient walled-city of Harar, eastern Ethiopia.
2015 55mm A7 Africa Alpha Ethiopia Harar People Sonnar T FE 55mm f1.8 ZA Lens Sony Street Travel Person Woman Scarf Colorful Stone Walls Ancient Daytime Outside Outdoors
That's Some Bull
Tigray, north-eastern Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Rural Countryside Cow Mammal Animal Bull Horned Horns Sitting Dirt Domesticated Long Horned Cattle Developing Poor Impoverished Meat Food Beef Consume Hunger Herd Rest Pasture
The Vastness of the Simiens
The incredibly beautiful, high-altitude landscape of the Simien Mountains near Chenek camp. Northern Ethiopia.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia simien mountains semien mountains mountains National Park Panorama High megapixel Cinematic Hills Countryside Canyons Outside Landscape Epic jaw dropping Rolling Yellow Green Pink Sunset Farming Craggy Vista View Horizon From Above Natural Nature
High Above It All
Taking a breather to admire the magnificent view among the tall plateaus and deep canyons in the Simien Mountains. Perched with my legs over a cliff that fell for a solid 200 meters, and sitting at an altitude of around 4100 metres or 13400 feet, the air was thin but the views were absolutely mighty. What a great place to hike.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel View Nature Landscape Person People Rock Cliffs Canyon simien mountains semien mountains national park Outside Single Person Dangerous Vertigo Hang Hanging Tranquil Wonder Rockface Green Yellow Viewpoint Hike Adventure
The Orange Glow of the Erta Ale Volcano
Mesmerized by the orange glow of the lava lake only a few meters in front of my very eyes! At the active Erta Ale volcano in northern Ethiopia in the Danakil Depression.
Africa East Africa Ethiopia Danakil Depression Erta Ale Volcano Volcanic Adventure Landscape Travel Lava Active Dangerous Hot Caldera Molten Fire Lava Lake Mountain Great Rift Valley Geologic Outdoors Outside Burn Glow Orange Black
Scorched Earth
The sulfuric, volcanically active Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.

The bright, multicoloured landscape of yellows, reds, oranges and greens are sculpted on an almost daily basis creating a beautiful, otherworldly landscape to explore.
Africa Ethiopia Tourism Travel danakil depression daytime danakil Outside Sulfur Volcanic Geologic Phenomena Red Yellow Vivid Landscape East Africa Extreme Exotic Rugged Rocky
When Playtime Becomes a Fight
Looks like someone's upset.

Harar, Ethiopia.
2015 55mm A7 Africa Alpha Ethiopia Harar People Sonnar T FE 55mm f1.8 ZA Lens Sony Street Travel Children Portrait Kids Bully Crying Girl Boy Play Walled Ancient City Daytime Outdoors Playtime
Salt Caravan in the Ethiopian Desert
A salt miner in north-eastern Ethiopia carries the salt he has mined on the back of a caravan of camels from the salt flats of Dallol to the nearby markets around Mek'elle.
Ethiopia Dallol Africa East Africa Camel Animal People Person Portrait Caravan Salt Miner Outside Outdoors Travel Walking Desert Afar

JOSHUA PAUL SHEFMAN | Photography

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