We spent an incredible 8 days on safari in northern Tanzania in October of 2024. This truly was an epic adventure! I have gone on safari in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya in the past and they were all great. Tanzania was something extra special though. I never expected to have so many incredible wildlife sightings, one after another, during this trip. The Serengeti was especially magical and is my new favorite safari destination. Our safari included Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara …
Africa
Travel Ethiopia Part 2: Hiking in the Simien Mountains, Climbing up to a Cave Church in Tigray, and Exploring Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches.
Part 2 of my travels around the northern circuit of Ethiopia in 2020 included hiking in beautiful mountains, rock-climbing up to a church in the sky, checking out the extremes of the Danakil Depression, peering into an active volcano, and exploring the UNESCO rock-hewn churches in the little town of Lalibela. The Danikil Depression and Erte Ale volcano have their own blog post: The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia. The rest is described here. To read about the first half of the norther circuit, …
Travel Ethiopia Part 1: The Capital of Addis Ababa, Monasteries and the Blue Nile Waterfall in Bahir Dar, and Castles in Gondar.
We are jumping back to January/February 2020, before so many borders closed due to COVID and before Ethiopia's civil war in the Tigray region began. During my first week traveling in Ethiopia I saw the busy city of Addis Ababa, the monasteries and Blue Nile Waterfall in Bahir Dar, and the castles of Gondar. Addis Ababa Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and where most people fly into the country. I spent just 2 1/2 days here and mostly was regrouping and resting up for the rest of …
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia
The Danikil Depression... what an experience. Salt flats, unworldly colorful landscapes, and hiking to the rim of a volcano is quite the adventure. We are jumping back to February 2020, before so many borders closed due to COVID and before Ethiopia's civil war in the Tigray region began. This is in the remote Afar region that many countries advise their residents not to travel to due to safety. So I debated visiting, but my curiosity won out. Leaving from the town of …
Tribes of South Omo and Konso
In Southern Ethiopia, tours are offered to visit tribes of South Omo and Konso. I visited villages of the Aari, Mursi, Karo, Dasanech, Konso, and Dorze tribes. I also visited a market of the Hamar tribe and saw Lake Chamo. Over all it was an interesting though sometimes strained experience. Day 1: Aari Tribe and South Omo Research Center I arrived at the tiny airport of Jinka and found my driver waiting outside. After dropping off my bag and having a quick lunch, we headed out to meet …
Kenya: City, Safari, and Beach!
Kenya is a well known safari destination and for good reason. There are multiple national parks to visit for safari and the tourism industry is well established. Many people know English and provide great service. But there's more to this country. Nairobi is a modern city with lots of amenities. There's also a stretch of coast that has beautiful beaches to check out. City of Nairobi: The main part of Nairobi is a modern city with businesses, restaurants, malls, and …