Hawassa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹: Walk & Snap Wildlife Live!

1. Wildlife’s best when it’s unscripted—and Hawassa’s the place to catch it. This southern Ethiopian town isn’t just pretty; it’s a playground for creatures, big and small. Start with the trees: they tower here, trunks so wide you’d need a friend to hug them. After Addis Ababa’s rush, it’s pure therapy. 🌲🐾🫂 2. My stay at Villa Alpha proved it—monkeys crashed the party daily. Breakfast? A monkey might peer at your plate from a nearby tree. The hotel’s solution? A staffer in a suit, slingshot in hand, politely nudging them away. No harshness, just a “scram, guys” vibe. It’s the kind of quirk that makes travel memorable. 🥞🐒👔 3. Don’t skip Amora Gedel Park—200 Birr gets you in, and it’s worth it. There’s a striking black-and-white monkey breed there, their fur like ink splatters on snow, zipping through branches. Hyenas live here too, but we missed them—darkness hit, and they stayed hidden. Note to self: arrive earlier next trip. 🐒🌑🎟️ 4. Hippo-spotting required a boat—we shared one, haggling from 2,500 to 2,100 Birr (score!). The lake glowed orange at sunset as we motored toward Haile Resort, where hippos supposedly hang out. We saw them—bulky shapes in the water—but they ducked under as we approached. Shy cuties. Maybe the resort’s guests have better luck; I’d check those reviews. 🦛🌅🚤 5. The fish market’s a must for marabou storks. Locals call them vultures, but they’re storks—massive, with long legs and scruffy necks. They don’t fear humans at all; I stood meters away, and one just stared back. I got skittish—those beaks are intimidating! But watching them gather, waiting for fish guts, was unforgettable. 🦩😬🐠 6. Wander the lake, and you’ll see cows grazing, goats trotting, birds flitting—all part of the chaos. If plants and animals make you happy, Hawassa’s your spot. Quick vocab: hippo , vulture , hyena . Now go explore. 🌿 #HawassaDiaries #EthiopiaWildlife #WalkAndDiscover