Colobus monkey, Bale Mountain National Park, 17 Feb 2014
Old man's beard on tree, Bale Mountain National Park, 17 Feb 2014
Orange flower, Bale Mountain National Park, 17 Feb 2014
Picnic, Bale Mountain National Park, 17 Feb 2014
Soccer field, Bale Mountain National Park, 17 Feb 2014
Young Ethiopian wolf, Bale Mountain National Park, 17 Feb 2014
An early start had our 4x4s climbing steeply 1300m from the Goba township up 25 km to the Sanetti Plateau which is regarded as the world’s largest expanse of Afro-alpine mooreland. This vast expanse of montane habitat is at the 3500m – 4500m altitude and being an incredibly isolated region it has a substantial number of endemic plant and animal species. The vegetation is clumped grey heather interspersed with lichen covered rocks and stands of giant lobelia which at first glance looks to be palm-like and most unexpected in this cold alpine region. The lobelia grow to 3m and have a corky bark and waxen leaves maybe reminiscent of the pandani of Tasmanian highlands.
Much to our great excitement we encountered a number of the Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis). This is the rarest of the world’s canid species. These very handsome wolves are very shy and the best photos we managed to get were by staying in the car as the presence of humans causes rapid scattering.
There were numerous small mole rats that scurry between the tussocks and then dive into their small burrows. We also sighted two species of alpine geese and auger buzzards and moorland francolin (a ground bird somewhat like a native hen). Many unidentified small bird species were seen too.
At the highest point on the road we were at 4377m. The Harenna Escarpment offers an outstanding view over the forest almost 2000 m below. We then commenced a steep descent down a series of tight ‘s’ bends eventually through forest where gnarled pines were covered with lichens and moss presenting a scene one might expect in the “Lord of the Rings”. After passing through a small village Rira we then drove into a reserve area and parked. We all went for a walk amongst the jungle plants many of which were very thorny, including blackberries, which caught our clothing so progress was slow. There was also a nice fern glade, trees covered with moss and old man’s beard and native violets. Being middle of the day animal activity is minimal and during our bush treck we encountered little except wart hogs, ibis and colobus monkeys. Although we didn’t see them, there is supposedly a pride of lions in the area.
After a great picnic lunch, again arranged by our wonderful drivers we retraced our path for the day and returned to Goba.
Tomorrow we leave southern Ethiopia and head northwards again to Addis where we’ll fly up to Bahar Dar to start phase two of this extraordinary adventure!