And I Can See For Miles
Outside of the Chenek campsite in the fabulous Simien Mountains, Ethiopia.
AfricaEthiopiaBenchViewLandscapeMountainsChenekNational ParkSimien MountainsSemien MountainsTravelPark BenchCanyonEpicSunsetTourismWonderJoy
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.
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Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Making
A woman making coffee (originally from Ethiopia) from scratch by a small fire in the rural Simien Mountains.
AfricaEast AfricaEthiopiaRuralDevelopingIndoorsInsideWomanPortraitPeopleCountrysideFireCoffeeCeremonyTraditionTraditionalSimien MountainsDrinkFoodCoffee CeremonyKettleWaterIslamMuslinVeilDomesticCustomhou
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.
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A view to a mountain
From the Chenek campsite in the wonderful Simien Mountain's National Park in northern Ethiopia.
AfricaEthiopiaTourismTravelSimien Mountainssemien mountainsLandscapeNatureOutsideHigh AltitudeMountainsNational ParkParkGreenVerdantWildernessHighlandsRocks
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.AfricaEthiopiaSalt FlatsDanakil DepressionDallolTravelReflectionOrangeOtherworldlySunsetMajesticJoySolaceMountainsCrust
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."AfricaEthiopiaTravelTourismOutsideVolcanoVolcanicLavaMagmaExplosionBlackRockMoltenOrangeDanakil DepressionDanakilActiveFireDangerPanoramaNatureLandscapeCalderaDangerousCraterAfarOtherworldlyEpicHotHeatJaw DroppingGreat Rift ValleyTectonicEruptionErta AleAdventureMorningGlowingGlowGeologicHellEnergyGeothermalForce
Light Rays
Early morning, Lalibela, Ethiopia.
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The Gateway
A beam of light silhouettes a religious pilgrim in one of the ancient churches in the "Jerusalem of Africa," Lalibela, Ethiopia.
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Tigrayan Boy
A local Tigrayan boy in Northern Ethiopia after bringing in the goats which were out to pasture.
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Lines of the Volcano
Another take on the incredible Erta Ale Volcano, an active volcano in north-eastern Ethiopia.
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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"."EthiopiaAfricaTravelLalibelaChurch of St. GeorgeChurchAncientUNESCOSunsetMountainsideRockChristian OrthodoxEthiopian OrthodoxHolyReligiousPilgrimageGroupPanoramaMonumentBete GiyorgisSpiritualBuildingHewnOutdoorCrossMedievalLandmarkWonderWorshipExcavatedCarvedMonolithHeritageTourism
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.
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Sunset over the Simiens
A beautiful sunset near our campsite high up in the Simien Mountain's national park.
AfricaEthiopiaTourismTravelSimien Mountainssemien mountainsLandscapeNatureOutsideHigh AltitudeMountainsNational ParkParkGreenVerdantWildernessHighlandsRocksTreesSunsetEvening
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.AfricaEast AfricaLandscapeSunsetEthiopiaSimien MountainsNational ParkPeoplePersonPortraitGunWeaponSuitManMaleGoatSheepAnimalOutsideOutdoorMountainsYellowStylish
That Home
The beautiful night sky over the Simien Mountains National Park.
AfricaEthiopiaTourismTravelSimien Mountainssemien mountainsNightNighttimeSkyStarsMilky WayCampingCampFireGroundBlueTreeOutsideAstrophotographyNational Park
The Sheppard's Light
The Tigrayan countryside in northern Ethiopia.
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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.AfricaDanakil DepressionEthiopiaLandscapePeopleTransportTravel4x4ToyotaLand CruiserSUVExtremeSalt FlatsSaltCrustPurplePinkSunsetOutsideArmyHotHeatReflectiveReflectionWonderDesertEnviornmentMountainsTourismTourHarshExoticUniqueRemoteSalineHorizonEmptyAdventureJourneyEast Africagreat rift valleyGeologic
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.
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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.
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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.
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Pillars
A Christian Orthodox pilgrim prays at one of twelve, ancient rock-hewn churches in the historic town of Lalibela, Ethiopia.
AfricaEthiopiaLalibelaChristianchristian orthodoxEthiopian OrthodoxHolyReligiousSpiritualChurchReligionWomanPersonOutsideUNESCOBuildingarchitecturearchaeologycolumnsPillarAncientWonderDoorwayEntranceEast 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.AfricaEthiopiaLalibelaChristian OrthodoxEthiopian OrthodoxPilgrimReligiousSpiritualHolyWomenGroupRockRobeCloakDecoratedTravelGownStairsJourneyHeritageTraditionOutdoor
The Prayer
An Ethiopian Orthodox priest lighting a candle in an ancient church in Lalibela, Ethiopia, the 'Jerusalem' of Africa.
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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.
AfricaEthiopiaLalibelaChristianchristian orthodoxEthiopian OrthodoxHolyReligiousspiritualJerusalem of AfricaOrthodoxPeopleGroupWalkingOutsideSunsetRuralTownLocalRobeWalking StickHeritagePilgrim
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.
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That's Some Bull
Tigray, north-eastern Ethiopia.
AfricaEast AfricaEthiopiaRuralCountrysideCowMammalAnimalBullHornedHornsSittingDirtDomesticatedLong HornedCattleDevelopingPoorImpoverishedMeatFoodBeefConsumeHungerHerdRestPasture
The Vastness of the Simiens
The incredibly beautiful, high-altitude landscape of the Simien Mountains near Chenek camp. Northern Ethiopia.
AfricaEast AfricaEthiopiasimien mountainssemien mountainsmountainsNational ParkPanoramaHigh megapixelCinematicHillsCountrysideCanyonsOutsideLandscapeEpicjaw droppingRollingYellowGreenPinkSunsetFarmingCraggyVistaViewHorizonFrom AboveNaturalNature
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.
AfricaEthiopiaTourismTravelViewNatureLandscapePersonPeopleRockCliffsCanyonsimien mountainssemien mountainsnational parkOutsideSingle PersonDangerousVertigoHangHangingTranquilWonderRockfaceGreenYellowViewpointHikeAdventure
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.
AfricaEast AfricaEthiopiaDanakil DepressionErta AleVolcanoVolcanicAdventureLandscapeTravelLavaActiveDangerousHotCalderaMoltenFireLava LakeMountainGreat Rift ValleyGeologicOutdoorsOutsideBurnGlowOrangeBlack
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.AfricaEthiopiaTourismTraveldanakil depressiondaytimedanakilOutsideSulfurVolcanicGeologicPhenomenaRedYellowVividLandscapeEast AfricaExtremeExoticRuggedRocky
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.
EthiopiaDallolAfricaEast AfricaCamelAnimalPeoplePersonPortraitCaravanSaltMinerOutsideOutdoorsTravelWalkingDesertAfar