Ethio Danakil Tours’ Post

The Gheralta Mountains are a stunning mountain range located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Known for their dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and breathtaking landscapes, the Gheralta Mountains are also famous for their ancient rock-hewn churches and monasteries, many of which date back to the 4th century. Key Features: 1. Geology and Landscape: The mountains are characterized by steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and a variety of geological formations. The landscape is often described as otherworldly, with striking views and deep gorges. 2. Rock-Hewn Churches: The Gheralta region is home to numerous rock-hewn churches, many of which are carved directly into the mountainsides. Notable churches include Abuna Yemata Guh, which is known for its challenging ascent and stunning frescoes, and Debre Maryam Korkor. 3. Cultural Significance: The area is rich in history and culture, with influences from ancient Ethiopian Christianity. The churches are not only religious sites but also important historical landmarks that reflect the architectural and artistic achievements of the time. 4. Biodiversity: The Gheralta Mountains host a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region. The diverse ecosystems range from arid landscapes to lush vegetation in certain areas. 5. Trekking and Adventure: The region is popular among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Hiking in the Gheralta Mountains offers opportunities to explore remote villages, experience local culture, and enjoy panoramic views. 6. Local Communities: The communities living in and around the Gheralta Mountains are primarily agrarian, with traditional lifestyles that have been maintained for generations. Visitors often have the chance to interact with locals and learn about their customs and daily life. Visiting the Gheralta Mountains: Travelers to the Gheralta Mountains typically base themselves in nearby towns such as Hawzien or Mekele. Guided tours are recommended for exploring the rock-hewn churches and navigating the rugged terrain. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from October to May, when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities. Overall, the Gheralta Mountains are a remarkable destination for those interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. #gheralta #abuneyemata #ethiopia #ethiodanakiltours

Merveilles de la nature Yala, un éden au Sri Lanka (2023) In the south-east of Sri Lanka, in the wildest part as it is the most remote from urban areas, the vast plains planted with trees along the immensity of the beaches of the Indian Ocean are like an Eden preserved from the tumult of civilization. The present Sri Lanka is an island-country of more than 20 million inhabitants who cohabit with a fauna often endemic, remarkable by its diversity and its abundance. Yala Natural Park extends over nearly 1000 km2. Its green swampy savannahs are sprinkled with astonishing rocky outcrops: promontories 10 to 50 meters high made of metamorphic rocks dating from the quaternary period, which evoke the tectonic conflicts between the continents: the Asian plate and that of the Indian Ocean are in permanent conflict, these rocks are a manifestation of it and it is the same titanic friction that created the vertiginous folding of the Himalayas some 2000 km further north.

🌄 Discover the Hidden Gems of the Himalayas, but Should You Share Them? 🌄 Our latest blog post explores the delicate balance between sharing off-the-beaten-path locations and preserving their untouched beauty. As adventurers, it's crucial to understand the impact our online shares can have on these pristine spots. Please read the full article to learn how we can protect these treasures while still enjoying the thrill of discovery. Let's keep our adventures sustainable! 🌱 #SustainableTourism #Himalayas #HiddenGems #EcoTravel #BlogLinkBelow https://lnkd.in/dHdHAxFc

The Untamed Majesty: Experiencing the Pure Beauty of Nature in Africa Africa, a continent of unparalleled natural beauty, offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife spectacles on Earth. From the sweeping savannahs teeming with majestic wildlife to the lush rainforests echoing with the calls of exotic birds, the continent's pure beauty captivates the soul. This exploration delves into the heart of Africa's natural wonders, celebrating the raw, untamed majesty that makes this land a pinnacle of earthly beauty. The Serengeti: A Theatre of Life The Serengeti ecosystem, stretching across Tanzania and into Kenya, is a testament to the timeless beauty of nature in its purest form. Here, the Great Migration, a perpetual cycle of life, unfolds as over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of water and fresh grazing. This spectacle of survival is a profound reminder of nature's resilience and bounty. The Serengeti's endless horizons and golden grasslands, punctuated by the iconic acacia trees, create a landscape that is as beautiful as it is harsh. The Okavango Delta: An Inland Oasis Botswana's Okavango Delta presents a stark contrast to the arid landscapes commonly associated with Africa. This vast inland delta, formed where the Okavango River empties onto a basin in the Kalahari Desert, creates an oasis of life. Floodwaters arriving from the Angolan highlands transform the area into a vibrant wetland, attracting a diverse array of wildlife from elephants and lions to myriad bird species. The delta's intricate network of waterways, islands, and lagoons, accessible only by traditional mokoro canoes, offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of Africa's wilderness. The Sahara: Beauty in Extremity The Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, might seem inhospitable at first glance, yet it holds its own unique beauty. Its vast dunes, sculpted by the wind into ever-changing patterns, glow with fiery hues at sunrise and sunset. The Sahara's nights are equally mesmerizing, with clear skies offering some of the most spectacular stargazing opportunities. Oases, the lifelines in this sea of sand, are verdant havens that punctuate the desert's expanse, reminding us of nature's ability to flourish against all odds.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐮, 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞! The Sanetti Plateau is a stunning natural wonder located in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia. Here are some key features and facts about this remarkable plateau: #Altitude: The Sanetti Plateau is the highest plateau in Africa, with an average elevation of around 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. #Biodiversity: It is a vital part of the Bale Mountains National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. #Wildlife: The plateau is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Ethiopian wolf (also known as the Simien fox), which is endemic to Ethiopia. #Flora: The plateau boasts a diverse range of plant species, including the famous giant lobelias, which can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall. #Climate: Due to its high altitude, the Sanetti Plateau experiences a cool and temperate climate, with temperatures often dropping below freezing at night. #ScenicBeauty: The plateau offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and grasslands. Stone Towers: As you mentioned, rows of stone towers can be found across the plateau, creating a unique and surreal landscape. These towers are naturally formed through erosion and weathering processes. #MistyMornings: The Sanetti Plateau is often enveloped in a thick morning mist, adding an ethereal and mystical atmosphere to the surroundings. #TrekkingOpportunities: The plateau offers fantastic trekking opportunities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, allowing them to explore its beauty up close. #Conservation: The Sanetti Plateau, along with the Bale Mountains National Park, is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and plays a crucial role in the conservation of Ethiopia's unique flora and fauna. Visiting the Sanetti Plateau is a truly awe-inspiring experience, providing an opportunity to witness the wonders of nature in one of Ethiopia's most extraordinary landscapes. Photo credit: Ahmed Allo, Bale Mountains Tours Project #02 of Visit Ethiopia, Africa Exploration Tours

Sri Lanka is more than just a beautiful island; it’s a land deeply connected through time, shaped by various influences, yet remaining uniquely Sri Lankan. From ancient trade routes to the subtle Greek influence seen in some of our Buddha statues, our island tells a story of enduring connections across cultures. But when you visit, don’t expect European traditions – instead, you’ll be immersed in customs and practices that are uniquely ours, passed down through generations. What truly sets Sri Lanka apart is the breathtaking diversity of the land itself. From the mist-covered mountains of the central highlands to the golden beaches along the coast, the beauty here is unparalleled. We’re also proud to be one of the few islands in the world with the largest population of elephants, majestic creatures that roam free in our national parks. Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot, home to flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Whether it’s the elephants, leopards, sloth bears, or vibrant birdlife, the island offers a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Our rainforests, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems create habitats for these incredible creatures, making every moment in Sri Lanka an encounter with nature’s wonders. So, if you haven’t yet visited this magical island, come seek out the spirit of Sri Lanka. You’ll discover a land where culture, history, and nature come together in the most beautiful way. And you will keep coming back for more! #AjeetSriLanka #MeetInSriLanka #HeySriLanka #Ceymondu #CeymonduEscapes #TravelPrintsByAjeet #VisitSriLanka #SriLankaNature #SriLankaBiodiversity #IslandParadise #ExploreSriLanka #SriLankaCulture #WildSriLanka #ElephantsOfSriLanka #UniqueSriLanka #SriLankaWildlife #DiscoverSriLanka #NaturePhotographySriLanka #BuddhistHeritageSriLanka #GreekInfluence #SriLankaMagic

🌊 Islands of the Indian Ocean - Discovering the Atolls of D'Arros and St Joseph in the Seychelles 🌴 Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, D'Arros Island and St Joseph Atoll are true gems of the Seychelles. These secluded islands boast stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery that paint an idyllic paradise. But the allure of these islands goes beyond their picturesque landscapes. They are also steeped in fascinating myths and legends. One such story is the Legend of the Fairy and the Crocodile. According to this enchanting tale, a fairy fell in love with a crocodile, but their love was forbidden. In their despair, they turned into islands, forever close but tragically separated by the sea. This legend adds a layer of mystery and romance to these already captivating islands. For those passionate about conservation, D'Arros Island and St Joseph Atoll offer a sanctuary for endangered green and critically endangered hawksbill turtles, making them an essential destination for those committed to protecting our planet's biodiversity. Exploring these islands is not just a journey through nature's beauty but also a dive into the rich cultural tapestry and captivating stories that make the Seychelles so unique. We share today to celebrate the wonders of D'Arros and St Joseph🐢🌺 #Seychelles #Conservation #SmallIslands #Sustainability #IslandLife #MythAndLegend #Biodiversity #EarthOceanLab #UDM

Exploring Northern Pakistan - Rakhiot Glacier: A Glacial Gem in the Nanga Parbat Mountains Tucked away in the Nanga Parbat range, part of the Karakoram in northern Pakistan, the Rakhiot Glacier is a sight to behold. This vast river of ice flows down the slopes of Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest mountain, known ominously as the "Killer Mountain" due to its formidable climbing history. Rakhiot Glacier is more than just a stunning landscape; it’s a lifeline for the region, feeding the tributaries that contribute to the mighty Indus River. This glacier, like many in the Himalayas, plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of communities far below. However, it's also a destination that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. The trek to Rakhiot Glacier is an experience in itself. Hikers pass through lush alpine meadows, dense forests, and eventually, the stark, icy wilderness of the glacier. Autumn adds a special charm to the journey, with the foliage turning golden against the glacier’s icy blue, creating a striking contrast that’s a photographer’s dream. For those daring enough to approach its icy expanse, Rakhiot Glacier offers an up-close encounter with the raw forces of nature. The crevasses and icefalls, while beautiful, are reminders of the challenges that glaciers pose. It’s a landscape that’s constantly in motion, reshaping itself with the seasons. Yet, like many glaciers worldwide, Rakhiot Glacier is under threat. Climate change is leading to the retreat of glaciers at an alarming rate, including those in the Karakoram. Preserving these icy giants is not just about conserving a natural wonder; it's about maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems that depend on them. The Rakhiot Glacier stands as a testament to nature’s beauty and fragility, an awe-inspiring reminder of the power and vulnerability of our planet. #nangaparbat #northernpakistan #hunzavalley #pakistanmountains

Discover 10 interesting facts about Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, tea production, and ancient temples. #SriLanka #srilankatravel #travel #travelphotography #asia

Some journeys are unplanned, yet they unfold into the most unforgettable experiences, especially when they ignite a fascination with the intricate geography of life itself. I vividly recall trekking to #Mukuruthi Peak in 2009, where the bright red flowers against the vast green landscape caught my attention. At the time, I had no idea of the significance of these blooms. Like many others, I simply paused to take a few snapshots and continued my journey. It wasn’t until 2012, during a high-altitude expedition, that I encountered a similar sight in the #Kedarnath_Wildlife_Sanctuary. The landscape transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues, where the sight of Musk deer grazing in the backdrop was a first for me. That moment etched an indelible memory in my mind, and it was then that I learned the fascinating truth: these species of #Rhododendron were native to the Himalayas, and the ones I had seen in the South were a stunning example of #disjunct_distribution, much like the #Nilgiri_Tahr or #Nilgiri_Marten. So, when I stumbled upon these magnificent flowers in full bloom once again, twelve years later, it felt like a cherished reunion. South India is home to two remarkable species of Rhododendron: #Rhododendron_arboretum #Rhododendron_nilagiricum I found myself yearning for a botanist's expertise, someone who could further unravel the mysteries and beauty of these extraordinary plants. Their presence, in both time and place, remains a reminder of nature’s subtle yet profound connections across landscapes. #travel2learn #travel2conserve #thelivingearth @thelivingearth #ecotourism #travelforliving #responsibletourism #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biogeography