Combining deep-rooted history, diverse cultures, and remarkable wildlife, Ethiopia offers a truly distinctive travel experience. From the ancient kingdom of Axum and the rise of Christianity to the country’s victory over colonial Italy in 1896, its historical legacy is both rich and resilient. Here, 12th-century monolithic churches are carved into rock, serving as enduring cultural landmarks.
Much like the country it inhabits, Stresemann’s Bushcrow is both intriguing and distinctive. Endemic to a small region in southern Ethiopia, it is found in dry savanna dotted with mature acacia thornbush. This unusual, crow-like bird is marked by a combination of black, white, and grey plumage, and vivid blue bare skin around the eyes. Highly social and vocal, these birds are usually seen in small groups, calling to one another as they dig through soil or tear into rotting wood in search of insects and other invertebrates.
Stresemann’s Bushcrow has long puzzled scientists. How can such a smart, adaptable bird be confined to such a small range in southern Ethiopia? The answer appears to lie in a mysterious “climate bubble” where temperatures remain just cool enough for it to survive. Unfortunately, as global temperatures rise, this unusually specific requirement may put the species at serious risk.
As a birding destination, Ethiopia stands out as one of the most rewarding countries in Africa. With a range of exciting endemics and seldom-seen mammals, it offers plenty to discover, including Ruspoli's and White-cheeked Turacos, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Ibis, Ankober Serin, and Ethiopian Siskin. Notable mammals include Ethiopian and Golden Wolf, Mountain Nyala, Serval, Olive and Hamadryas Baboon, and Beisa Oryx. One of the most intriguing mammals is the Gelada, the world’s most terrestrial primate after humans, with the largest canines (in proportion to body size) of any mammal.
Overall, Ethiopia offers a remarkable journey, combining ancient cultures, compelling history, and unique wildlife. From Stresemann’s Bushcrow to rare and elusive mammals, it’s a country where both history and nature come vividly to life.
