Chris Austria in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia- Simien Lodge

Here with Kuma, one of the male bengal tigers that I helped to raise at Six Flags in Vallejo, CA

Living The Good Life On Lake Awassa-Ethiopia

The Simien Mountains In Ethiopia

Hamadryas Baboons In Ethiopia

Awash National Park In Ethiopia- Filwuha Hot Springs

The Gelada Monkeys In Simien Mountains- Ethiopia

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Trekking with my friends in the mountains of Lalibela, Ethiopia.

My Life With The White Bengal Tigers

Simien Mountains Ethiopia

Here with the wonderful people in the Simien Mountains. This is one of my favorite places on earth.

Harar, Ethiopia

Harar Ethiopia is an amazing place. It feels like stepping back in time. This is one of the gates to the ancient walled city.

The Orthodox Christian traditions are very powerful here in Lalibela, Ethiopia. It is so amazing that these rock-hewn churches were chiseled by hand out of the surrounding stone.

My time in Lalibela, Ethiopia was life changing. This is my sunset view from Ben Abeba restaurant. I love the African skies.

It was a long and arduous drive from the main town of Lalibela to this monastery located under a cave. I met with an Orthodox priest who was very wise and gracious. He showed me the sacred objects that are used in worship.

The Wonderful Habesha People In Ethiopia

I really love visiting the countryside areas of Ethiopia. I have seen more smiles here than any other place. The people are so warm and welcoming.

Hamadryas Baboons- Ethiopia

There is so much wildlife in Awash National Park. It was great to photograph an expansive cliff side with hundreds of Hamadryas baboons. Their communication with each other is amazing to watch. Lip smacking, flashing of eyes, staring, and head bobbing are common expressions.

Flowers in Debre Birhan

 Debre Birhan is in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. I found beautiful Iris here in this area. This country has some of the most amazing flowers.

The Sun Setting in Awassa, Ethiopia

One of the experiences I love in Africa is watching the sunsets. It truly is like no other place. The African skies are filled with beauty, and intrigue. I have a sense of peace and clarity when I am here.

Living The Dream On Lake Awassa, Ethiopia

My Time With Hippos In Ethiopia

Hawassa is located in southern Ethiopia. My time here this week was filled with excitement. A boat ride on Lake Hawassa brought me very close to a family of Hippopotamus, including youngsters. I was able to observe them breed which was a fascinating experience.

Filwuha Hot Springs in Awash National Park

The natural hot springs here in Awash are incredible, and very relaxing. This beautiful and natural landscape is home to the Ethiopian lion, jackal, Hamadryas baboon, and hyena. I recommend visiting Awash along with many other places in Ethiopia.

Gelada Mountain Monkeys In Simien Mountains-Ethiopia

I was able to observe this male Gelada Monkey from a very close distance. He was an incredible animal with a lot of personality. These monkeys make approximately 32 different sounds and calls, more than any other non-human primate.

Barhir Dar, Ethiopia

Barhir Dar is located in the north western part of Ethiopia, and is the capital of the Amhara region. I loved this city for its beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Lake Tana is located in Barhir Dar, and is the source of the Blue Nile.

My Time With Hyenas In Awash, Ethiopia

I sat on this hillside for a long time, observing young hyenas and their parents emerging from their den. It was a surreal experience as I watched the sun set in the African sky. The hyenas were mysterious, captivating, and it was amazing to see how attentive the mothers were towards their young.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

I am here in the Lafto sub-city of Addis, in line waiting for transportation to get to the center of town.

Life In Ethiopia

This Habesha woman was very regal and elegant. I was honored to be a guest in her home today.

Debark- North central Ethiopia

Traveling through Debark, Ethiopia was an exciting experience. This photo was taken in the street market which was full of life, color, and activity.

The Falls In Awash National Park- Ethiopia

 

I took these photos at Awash Falls Lodge which is a great place to say while in Awash. The natural beauty of this place is breathtaking. 

Ethiopia Is One Of The Greatest Places To Visit

The elevation in the Simien Mountains is 10,700 ft. The views are awe-inspiring and the incredible horizons are endless. This photo is right outside my campsite where I was fortunate enough to see a leopard late at night. 

Awash National Park- Ethiopia

I have been around a lot of camels while training tigers at Six Flags in California, so it was really cool to see the Oromo people work with their camels in the Awash.

Spotted Hyena Cub In Awash, Ethiopia.

While I was in Awash, Ethiopia, I sat on a hillside for a long time, hoping to take photos of hyena cubs. The perfect moment came as this cub emerged from his den. Another one of my dreams becoming reality.

Simen Mountains In Ethiopia

Tseja was our scout while trekking in the Simien Mountains. He was great company. It's awesome to make new friends here in Ethiopia. The Simien Mountains is home to the Ethiopian wolf, lion, leopard, Geladan mountain monkey,  the walia ibex, and many other animals. I love these highlands, and hope to visit again soon.

An African Sunrise in the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Simien Lodge

This Lodge in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia is a great place. The views and landscapes here are incredible.

The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

This local coffee place in Addis Ababa is incredible. The coffee here is like no other place in the world.

Gelada Mountain Monkeys

I was able to get close enough to take a photo of this Gelada male. These monkeys make approximately 32 different sounds and calls to communicate- more than any other non-human primate.

Gelada Mountain Monkeys in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia

One of my greatest experiences has been observing the Gelada monkeys. They have a diversity of complex social behavior patterns.

Timkat celebration

I was fortunate to be in Gondar, Ethiopia during the Timkat (Epiphany) celebration. It was very exciting.

Awash, Ethiopia

I met the Oromo people in Awash. They were very kind and friendly.

Hamadryas Baboons in Awash National Park- Ethiopia

Another experience checked off in my bucket list- Observing wild Hamadryas Baboons in Africa. I was astounded the other day when I saw hundreds of baboons on the side of the cliff. As an animal trainer, I have been around these amazing creatures, but always wanted to see them in their natural habitat. Baboons are a patriarchal society. The social units are divided into harems, units, and bands (Awash National Park- Ethiopia)

African Wart Hog

I stopped dead in my tracks yesterday when I saw this African Wart Hog in Awash National Park in Ethiopia. Male this size have been known to drive away adult lions who try to hunt them.

Male Ostrich at Awash Falls Lodge- Ethiopia

I am staying at the Awash Falls Lodge, and they have two amazing young Ostriches here. The National Park is home to approximately 474 species of birds.

Wild Hyenas In Awash National Park, Ethiopia

I arrived here safely in Addis, Ababa and traveled to Awash, which is located in the central-east part of the country. I was able to observe a pack of hyenas with their young at the Fentale Caves. This was a dream come true for me. Hyena packs are a matriarchal society, and females are born with a high level of testosterone. I found the mothers to be very caring and attentive of their young.