Ethiopia and Two Endemic Animals (page 1 of 3)

The reopening of the forum is great news—let's keep it going! I’m going to share a little story about this 12-day trip, which was my second-to-last journey and my most recent one in Africa for now.

I went to this country for one very specific reason: to see two endemic animal species. A little suspense… you’ll find out what they are soon if you don’t already know!

The country is poor, very poor even. And it hits you even harder when you arrive in the capital: a massive open-air construction site that gives an impression of prosperity. A lot of roads were built by the Chinese, but to be honest, they’re far from perfect… and I mean *far*!

When it comes to restaurants, it’s pretty much the same story. Most offer endless menus, but in reality, there aren’t many choices. Once, I was flat-out told: “No rice today!” Ordering a dish? It’s a real gamble! The food is *very* spicy—I’m warning you, it’s intense! There’s chili in almost everything, so it’s best to ask beforehand if you don’t want your mouth on fire. Actually, this was the first time I didn’t like the food in a country I visited. Had to happen eventually, right?

Their national dish? Injera. A large flatbread topped with sauces, vegetables, and meat. The taste is really unique—some love it, others… not so much.

Hi Régis, Definitely great news that the forum is reopening—I hope it’ll allow us to share some amazing experiences. Anyway, your story is already off to a mouthwatering start!

We’ve got a full day of driving ahead to reach Bale Mountains National Park. Then, after about 2 hours on a bumpy dirt track, we’ll finally arrive at the high plateaus, over 3,500 m above sea level, where we’ll set up camp.

Up there, there’s not much: a small hut occupied by EWCP staff, where we can have our meals. Otherwise, just a few tents that our guides will pitch in no time. No phone signal for 6 days—a real digital detox that feels great!









In June, the nights are chilly and the days pleasant. The kniphofias, in full bloom, cover some areas, though they’re becoming rarer due to human activity. Locals still take advantage of them, sucking the nectar from these sweet flowers like lollipops.

Hey Régis 😉

It’s super basic! And I’m not even talking about the lack of signal.

That’s the least we can say, but there’s absolutely nothing up there

The Ethiopian wolf, an endemic species of Ethiopia, is classified as endangered by the IUCN. In fact, there are only about 500 individuals left in Ethiopia, with 300 living in the Bale Mountains National Park, our destination for this trip.

Spotting these wolves in the wild is a rare privilege. However, it’s well worth the effort: we’ll spend a week at 3,500 meters above sea level, cut off from the world.

At this time of year, the landscapes are lush and in bloom, featuring the stunning Kniphofia, whose nectar is enjoyed by the wolves—just like children.





This canid’s main diet consists primarily of mole-rats. The rats can detect the sound of the wolf’s paws and quickly retreat into underground tunnels. The wolf then frantically digs into the soil to catch its meal. It may also stealthily approach by blending in with herds of cows, masking the sound of its steps among the cattle’s.

Wolves live in packs but can spend the night alone, curled up in a ball to protect themselves from the cold. In the morning, the pack reunites to play and cuddle. By the end of the day, the adults regurgitate their food to feed the pups.











Climate change is also disrupting the wolves' birth cycles. We’ve observed young wolves that should be independent by this time of year. Let’s hope they can survive the upcoming lean season.

Régis, what a great idea for a travel journal in Ethiopia! A country that’s been on my wish list for ages: mountains, isolation, and wildlife—everything I love. 🙂

The photos of the canid are stunning. It’s easy to see why it’s sometimes called the "Abyssinian fox." 😉 But tell me, that’s a lot of sightings in just a few days for such a rare animal, sometimes at close range (or so it seems) and with young... Does the agency use feeding to attract them?

Hi Franck,

Just a heads-up—you can’t drive yourself in Ethiopia; you’re required to hire a driver.

Don’t worry, there’s no feeding involved. We were in a conservation area for Ethiopian wolves managed by EWCP. We had great guides who knew where to find them, even though the area is huge. Plus, at this time of year, it’s all green, so you can spot them from far away thanks to their color.

The photos of the canid are superb.

Thanks! :)

It’s hard-earned, but what amazing sightings and what stunning photos! 🙂

I read that this animal is also called the Simien jackal. It really does look like the jackals you see in Southern Africa.

(The Ethiopian wolf would love the Volcanoes Park in Auvergne, packed with voles...)

The Webb Plateau or Bale Mountains National Park is also teeming with birds. At this time of year, when the Kniphofias are in full bloom, they have plenty of choices for feeding on nectar or eating small insects on the ground.

Tacazze Sunbird (Endemic species)



Rufous-breasted Wheatear



However, the true rulers of the high plateaus are the raptors. They relentlessly hunt the abundant wildlife, pouncing from one burrow to another. The giant mole-rat must double down on cunning to survive, while hares, small rodents, and rock hyraxes sustain this incredible ecosystem.

Brown Snake Eagle



Lanner Falcon

Augur Buzzard



Tawny Eagle, juvenile

What stunning photos!

Just one question: Is livestock allowed to graze in the park, and thus the local population to move around there?

Thanks Din,

Livestock isn’t allowed in the park, just like dogs, which must be kept on a leash. Unfortunately, dogs can carry diseases like rabies and distemper. Livestock is less of an issue. You’ll notice in this photo a colored tag on their ear: that means they’ve been vaccinated.

We can’t really blame them, considering everything happening back home with wolves, lynxes, foxes, and other badgers.

You're welcome, and thanks for the reply!

Personally, I’m not throwing any stones—they can keep their animal protection policies that exclude humans from natural spaces. I was just a little surprised because in Africa, it’s usually the opposite of what we see here.

Awooooh, the woooolves! (Seems like French farmers are starting to accept them better.) And your photos are so stunning that my screen froze (no joke!).

The Webb plateau No phone signal for 6 days — a real digital detox that does so much good!

No connection on the Webb plateau? What’s Starlink up to!?

And your photos are so beautiful that my screen froze when I tried to display them (true story!).

awesome 😂😂 and thanks

The Webb Plateau No phone signal for 6 days — a real digital detox that feels great!

No connection on the Webb Plateau? What’s Starlink up to!?

It’s not even available in South Africa, so imagine in Ethiopia! But it’s actually nice to be cut off from the world, as long as it doesn’t last too long

Once again, you’ve outdone yourself. Since you switched gear, it’s even more amazing!

Once again, you’ve outdone yourself. Since you switched gear, it’s even more amazing!

Thanks Léo

Hi Régis, Thanks for contributing to the forum since its reopening 🙂

What are your travel dates? Any safety concerns?