New Zealand - Thermal Wonderland Wai-O-Tapu
Foto: A dominant male Gelada baboon (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Ethiopia - In the afternoon, I go to the Semien Mountains for a nature walk. For this, the guide Ababa accompanies me. She explains that the nature park has the highest mountains in Ethiopia. The highest peak is over four thousand meters. For safety, two armed soldiers accompany us. One walks in front and one at the rear. For safety, Ababa explains. Wild animals can be present here. She even once saw a leopard. But actually, the chance of seeing wild animals in the area we walk is negligible. For wild animals, a multi-day trek must be made. Nevertheless, the two guards have a nice job. By bus, we go to the entrance of the Semien Mountains Reserve. A beautiful ride higher and higher into the mountains. When I get out, I am at 3,250 meters. I stand in the clouds. Because of this, I can hardly see the view. This is a pity because the view must be beautiful here. Ababa goes ahead with one guard. The route runs along the edge of the valley. Immediately, I encounter a large troop of Gelada baboons. These monkeys only occur in this area. A special feature of this species is that they are vegetarian and mainly eat grass. Also remarkable is the red-colored heart on their chest. During mating, this heart turns redder. I can easily approach the troop to about ten meters. They clearly do not see me as a threat. They do turn their backs when I come too close or move away. Especially the males with their large fur ruffs are beautiful to see. The troop consists of some males each with a group of females around them. There are also groups of only males. They try to take over the power of the males in the troop by attacking. I can hardly get enough of the monkeys. I take numerous photos. The valley is also beautiful to see. Now and then, there is a gap in the clouds, and I look into the deep valley. A beautiful sight. The various cloud formations make the walk along the deep valley always different. After two hours of walking, I return to the bus, where I find a group of male monkeys. They are grooming each other in pairs. While watching this funny scene, a male from a normal colony provocatively approaches. He walks right past me. Ababa assures me there is no danger. The males immediately stop grooming and growl at the intruder. Together, they chase him away. A clear power play took place right in front of me. Remarkable!
Fasil Ghebbi fort of Emperor Fasilides
Ethiopia - Until 1855, Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia. Emperor Fasiladas had his palace built within the walled Fasil Ghebbi. He broke with the tradition of emperors wandering nomadically through the empire. His son, after taking power, had a second palace built ...
The Rock Churches of Lalibela
Ethiopia - Lalibela is famous for its eleven rock-hewn churches, carved from stone by order of King Lalibela. He intended these churches to be a representation of Jerusalem. The churches are grouped into two clusters. Today, I am visiting the first group. First, ...
The Stelae of Axum
Ethiopia - Back in the center of Axum, Mook shows me the stelae. Tall pillars that served as grave monuments. The tallest stele is 24 meters high. There once was a stele of 33 meters, but it fell down. You can walk under the rubble. I am amazed by the colossal blocks ...
The tribes of Southern Ethiopia
Ethiopia - Makonnen enters the bus. A young man just thirty years old with large rasta dreadlocks. A striking appearance. He is the leader of the Dorze village. He accompanies us to Chencha for the weekly market. Chencha is another seven kilometers further. When ...