The resident ostrich at Awash Lodge. This guy was unnervingly comfortable around humans, and may actually think he is a human. He would come stand next to me with an expectant look on his face. Very cool to spend time with him.
Beisa Oryx -- beautiful white antelopes with long horns and an intricate black pattern on their faces. My camera doesn't have a very good zoom so this was the closest shot I could get. It was really fun watching them through binoculars.
Giant tortoise -- not sure what species it is, but this guy was sure a surprise to come across! In the middle of this desicatted park it was just hanging out in the underbrush, apparently very comfortable in the absence of water.
Common warthog -- these animals are pretty impressive. They don't like people very much and are much bigger than I anticipated. Larger than the ones I saw in the Bale Mountains.
Awash River Gorge and the Awash Falls -- whenever I travel outside of Addis I am always astounded at the scenery and natural beauty of this country.
Sodore
On the way back from Awash, we stopped at the small spa town of Sodore and took a short hike. It was a really hot but pleasant hike.
Driving through Ethiopia, it’s rare if you look out the window and don’t see any cows, but I though this was a particularly attractive scene.
Blue sterling -- this pretty bird was ubiquitous around Sodore. Usually, I can’t get close enough to birds to take a decent picture but this one was willing to pose for me.
Vervet monkeys -- these guys are smart, playful, and numerous, but most importantly they are thieves. They will steal your food if you aren’t looking out. I wasn’t victimized myself but I saw them carrying out an operation from a distance on some unaware Ethiopians.
A traditional woven house made in the style of the Sidamo people.
