-- Log 10 B --

We have been sticking small flags on the doors of MR W of the countries that we have visited and they have been an excellent idea! They cause great interest with young and old alike. While at the hotel in Moyale a gentleman came to look at the vehicle, and when he saw the Ethiopian flag he bent down and kissed it! Amazing!





In the little time we have spent in Ethiopia we are saddened by the attitude of the people. They continually badger us with ‘you you give’ or ‘you you give money’, every hand is out begging. The country is rich and fertile and yet even the youngest child begs! One cannot but wonder what would Jesus do? The country certainly is nothing like what we saw on TV of the famine in the 70’s and 80’s. We are of the opinion that there is a great need for aid agencies, but that something is lacking in the ‘after disaster relief effort’ programme.

CARE Compound – Yavello – N 04:53:450 E 038:05:144 – 5 900 ft – No charge – 30/06/02

We left on Sunday and spent the night at the CARE compound in Yavello, thank you.
CARE is a humanitarian organization which provides water and sanitation expertise.
They are doing a great job especially in the Omo region. The Omo Region is the home to the Oromo tribes – known as the plate people because they put plates in their lips and earlobes. The thought of a long drive on dirt roads so soon after the Kenyan roads did not appeal.



MR W in the CARE Compound

An interesting sign

Bale Mountain Motel – N06:58:778 E039:10:604 – 8 085 ft amsl – 20 Birr pn – no shower facilities or 20 Birr extra for a shower – 01/07/02

We decided that we would like to go to the Sof Oman caves – the largest underwater cave system in the world. We headed off on a rough murum road, and night stopped at the Bale Mountain Motel. Once again tried their injera and this time with a hot bean wot. It was absolutely delicious – the best by far! We had read that injera which is the National foam-rubber sour bread, is guaranteed to produce earth-shattering flatulence. Having not taken heed of the warning, we had a very uncomfortable night in our tent! Talk about nuclear waste!

Back on the rough roads! The views are spectacular and make up for any discomfort! The region is very beautiful, it is just unfortunate that everybody begs.
We reached a height of 11 814 ft amsl, it was amazing. There are many trucks on this road but they drive very carefully, which was refreshing! We are getting pretty used to this right hand drive thing – it is not too bad – yet!

Bale Mountain National Park – N07:005:757 E039:47:541 – 10 615 ft amsl – 50 Birr Entrance pppn + 20 Birr Camping pppn + 15 Birr for vehicle – 03/07/02


MR W at Bale Mountain National Park

The Bale Mountain National Park is the only home of the mountain nyala – what a beautiful shy creature! They have bold bush pigs, which come right up to the campsite. The campsite is on top of the hill and has a spectacular view of the surrounding area. On the hill there is only a long drop toilet – the shower is at the bottom of the hill – quite a walk and is freezing spring water (no hot water)!

The Sof Omar caves are another 120 kms on even rougher road and we decide not to continue with the journey. Dennis and Sue have been fighting flu on and off since Serengeti and this time it is much worse. We will head for Addis and try and get medication that will finally cure it!

Driving back we came across a black and white ‘shaggy carpet’ crossing the road! It was a large Colobus monkey. What a beautiful creature!


An armoured vehicle left over from some war – we found it on the way to Bale Mountain

Just before we arrived at the Bale Mountain Motel in Dodola we had another flat, this time it shredded the tube and inner lining! Once again we were the centre of attraction as the village came out to watch the ‘ferenji’ change a tyre. By this time our sense of humour is very slim. We managed replace the offending tube and lining in Dodola for 35 Birr (a good price) thanks to the staff at the Motel.

Back at Shashemene we stocked up with some bread sticks, which tasted like Ouma’s Aniseed Rusks, and went in search of the hot springs! They should fix our aches and pains! Back on rough roads – only 14 kms this time, we arrived at Wendo Gennet.

Wabe Shebelle Hotel – Wendo Gennet – N07:004:948 E038:38:249 – 6 170 ft amsl – 180.75 Birr for the room including Breakfast and admission to the Hot Springs

The only camping site is in the hotel’s car park. Normally this would be quite acceptable as we often park in hotel car parks, but in this instance we decided to take a room. What a treat – brilliant hot showers and a proper toilet. Also the beds were very comfortable. The springs were VERY hot, and we spent most of the time in the cooler pool. One thing that we found very disconcerting is that it appears the locals use the springs for their weekly bath (soap and all) Fortunately the water to the pools does not come from the bathing area! We had dinner at the hotel and were amazed at the number of people there! The car park was full to capacity and if we had camped there it would have been most unpleasant!

We had Colobus monkeys in the trees right outside our room, they are very fascinating creatures, unfortunately they are very shy, so no photos yet. The architecture of the dining/lounge area was very unusual and the concept interesting.

Back on the road this time with Addis in our sights! We stopped by the lakes just to get an idea of costs etc. They are in a very arid area of the country and temperatures soared. We found the costs in the National Park to be expensive since they offer no facilities. But the private hotels outside the park area next to the lake were pretty reasonable – between 30 – 50 Birrr for a two person tent per night.

Addis Ababa – another story another time ……..