Naturally Ethiopia
Dubai photographer discovers nature at its grandest in Ethiopia
If you haven't discovered the divine voice of Aster Aweke, trekked your way into the unspoilt Wenchi crater, indulged in the flavours and textures of berbere and injera or spent a day roaming its scruffy marketplace, it's time you grabbed your backpack and headed to western Ethiopia.
Wondrous land
Wenchi is a volcanic highland boasting many wonders: a mountainous terrain 3,300 metres at its highest point, a crater lake, centuries-old monasteries and hot mineral springs.
A trek in the valleys and canyons of Wenchi transports you back to the folds of a beautiful past, where there were vibrant colours and pure air.
Starting at the crater rim, this day trek takes you down the fertile Afro-alpine ecosystem, through the agricultural lands, past traditional houses and into a tiny lakeside village, where you'll find jolly company in the Wenchi children.
At the harbour, you can sail to the crater lake islands on boats and visit the traditional monasteries and churches.
Once on the other side of the lake, you can carry on with the trek or take a ride through a green valley to the Dawala hot springs, waterfall, natural thermal springs and traditional water mills, and discover nature at its grandest.
But there's more to Wenchi than just nature. Ethiopians will not miss an opportunity to extend their hospitality and your trekking break may suddenly take a turn into the home of a friendly local for a cup of coffee.
Similarly, your planned lunch may transform into a tantalising kitfo or shekla tibs meal, with a group of strangers who will fill you in on tales that will leave you breathless.
Nature's sanctuary
Ethiopia is a fizzy mixture of ancient history, traditional, well-preserved architecture and natural beauty.
If you haven't already fallen in love with eastern Africa, Ethiopia is likely to be your antechamber to a long-lasting relationship.
Returning from Wenchi is like waking up from a sweet dream. You will find that rural Ethiopia smells, tastes and looks like the sanctuary you've always wanted.
Highlights of the land
- Aster Aweke is an Ethiopian singer sometimes referred to as Ethiopia's Aretha Franklin.
- Ambo is a spa town located at the west of Addis Ababa. Its sparkling mineral water is famous throughout Africa. The town is also known for its thermal mineral-water pools. Like many Ethiopian towns, Ambo boasts Italian-inspired architecture. Its marketplace will give you a glimpse into the lives of the local population. The charming Ambo Ethiopia Hotel is a must-see for any visitor.
- Mount Wenchi and its crater lake lie 30 kilometres south of Ambo. Wenchi is famous for the island monastery of Cherkos and the valley's mineral springs.
The road to Wenchi and the crater area has stretches of cultivated land appearing in patches and the trail from the crater lake up to the rim, through the valley, is a journey into the past, with water mills, hot springs and endless greenery on the way.
- Injera, a crepe-like bread made of teff flour, is the staple of Africa and is considered the basic ingredient for most meals. The flour is mixed with water and left to ferment for a few days, which gives the bread a slightly sour taste. It's then baked into large, flat pancakes, on which food is ladled.
- Berbere is a special food item — a spice mixture including ingredients such as chilli pepper, cloves and coriander.
- Kitfo is a tartare-like traditional meal. Made of minced and marinated raw beef, it is generally eaten with injera or served with berbere and a special mustard-chilli sauce.
- Shekla tibs is dish of sautéed meat served in a hot clay pot.
Jimmy Zammar is an independent travel photographer living in Dubai
