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Part II. Travel to Amara, Harari and Oromia regions of Ethiopia By Dr. Yohannes Kiros
The city of Gondar also called as the `Camelot of Africa` is a must see citadel of the historical
and medieval seat of the Emperors and princes of Ethiopia with the centrally located fabulous
Ghebi (Castle) of Emperor Fasil, Empress Mentwab and others. Lake Tana is one of the
biggest lakes in Ethiopia housing several churches on its islands and among them is the
gorgeous Ura Kidane Mihret church with its colorful wall murals. The Lake with its
tributaries is a source of the Blue Nile contributing about 85 % of the Nile River, which will
be used for electric generation of 6GW by the Renaissance Dam.
The Simien Mountains are a world heritage site, unique in Ethiopia and among other places in
the world having one of the tallest peaks such as Ras Dashen (above 4500 meters). It has also
unique settlers only to be found here such as the geladas, grass foraging but friendly monkeys.
After leaving the Simien Mountains from the town of Debarek to Zarema and Tekezze, there
is the dwindling road descending almost 2000 meters, the densely forested impressive
Limalimo scarp. The pictures will follow here accordingly.
The stand-alone rocky mountain in the middle of the fields on the way to Gondar
The young boys in the Simien are well equipped from top to toe to protect themselves from its
chilly climate, while the families of gelada (below) are naturally protected by their thick/long
furs.
The walled city of Harar is considered to be one fourth holiest cities of Islam having more
than 80 mosques and is one of the biggest shrines in Ethiopia. The fortifying walls were
believed to be built for protection against incursions between the 13th
and 16th
centuries. The
Harar Jugol is also recognized as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. The city is endowed
with its unique treasures of African, Islamic and Indian architecture. In one of the beautiful
houses lived the famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud (1880-1890), who became a merchant
of coffee, firearms, etc. This building now serves as a photo gallery of the history of Harar
and its people. One of the most common attractions except the museums and traditional
markets is also the visit during the late evening of the “hyena man”, when tourists are asked to
feed the spotted hyenas meat either inserted in a stick from their mouth or hand. A
breathtaking adventurous task for those who are afraid of dangerous animals!
The Babille stone mounds are unique as they are naturally formed by wind and water erosion
in contrast to the Stonehenge in UK. Different figures and shapes appear one after the other.
On way to Harar through the Awash national park
Recommended