Ethiopia is an incredible destination for a whole host of reasons. It is a world premiere distinction just waiting to be discovered. Ethiopia is today a proud nation and one of the very few in Africa not to be colonized by European powers (although the Italians did control it from 1937-1940). Today Ethiopia has so much to offer including the Afar Depression or Danakil Depression in the north of the country and the Gelada Monkeys in the highlands.
One concern that all travelers should be aware of if visiting Ethiopia, is that at the time of writing in July 2021 the country is in a state of civil war. The war is confined to the north in the Tigray region (and that is part of the limited range of the Gelada monkeys). Anyone visiting Ethiopia should check on the status of the situation as it stands then; these are some of the safest African countries.
About The Gelada Monkeys
The Gelada monkeys are also called bleeding-heart monkeys and the gelada "baboon". In actuality, they are not baboons at all (although they do look like them) but rather close relatives of them. These Old World monkeys are the only living member of the genus Theorpithecus (Greek for "beast-ape") and fortunately, their conservation status is classified as Least Concern. That being said their population has fallen from 440,000 back in the 1970s to around 200,000 by around 2008. So they may not have that designation for much longer.
- Tip: If Traveling To Ethiopia - It Is Near The Equator And The Danakil Depression Is The Hottest Average Temperature Place On Earth. So Be Careful About Heatstroke
- Counter Tip: Much Of Ethiopia Is Very High Elevation And It Gets Cold, So Be Sure To Bring A Sweater And Even A Coat
The Geladas only range in the high grasslands of the deep gorges in the Ethiopian highlands. The habitat that they live in is dominated by cliffs (where they sleep) and montane grasslands (where they forage). They sleep at night and are active by day. This region has dense thickets and widely spaced trees. One advantage of living this high up is that it mitigates the effects of the dry season and the limited food availability in the lowlands.
- Elevation: Geladas Live At Elevations Of 5,900-14,000 Feet or 1,800-4,400 Meters
- Weather: Tourists Can Expect Frost At This Altitude In The Dry Season And Hail In The Wet Season
Geladas are unusual among primates. One trait that sets them apart is that they are grazers and graminivores. Their diet is overwhelmingly grass blades. Some of their predators are leopards and domestic dogs. Males are sometimes around twice the size of their female counterparts and sport large vampiric canines. Geladas are noted for their hourglass-shaped, bald patches of skin on their chests. Their index fingers and thumbs are the most opposable of all primates.
- Average Weight: Females - 15 KG or 33 Pounds; Males - 20 KG or 44 Pounds
- Lifespan: 14-20 Years In The Wild (Up To 30 Years In Captivity)
- Predators: Hyenas, Domestic Dogs, Jackals, Leopards, Foxes, Bearded Vultures, Servals - And Humans Unfortunately
- Herd Size: Up To 1,000 Individuals Strong
- Species: There Are Three Species Of Geladas
Travelers are able to go and see these stunning monkeys in Ethiopia. It should be noted that generally when visiting national parts in Ethiopia, tourists are required to have an armed escort. The government is striving to keep the tourists safe and make sure other tourists are confident to tour Ethiopia, but this can get a little limiting for the freedom of the tourists.
It is straightforward and easy to visit them in Ethiopia. There are many tour operators in the country for when tourists arrive. Some tours may be able to be organized in advance, one of the main tour companies organizing tours to much of Ethiopia is Inside Ethiopia Tours. They do not advertise tour prices for the Gelada Monkeys on their website, instead, the tours are probably all customizable and it is best to contact them directly. Ethiopia is a very diverse and ancient country. Not only does it have incredible landscapes, but it also has stunning cultures and history with historical monuments. This is a gem of Africa that few people venture to explore. When planning your trip to see the wonderful and friendly Gelada monkeys be sure to allow plenty of time to check out the rest of Ethiopia.
- Visa Requirements: Evisa or Visa On Arrival At Addis Abba International Airport
In short, the Gelada monkeys are unique among primates. But do check the security situation before going to Ethiopia, the situation is fluid and evolving. Additionally, Ethiopia is a country one should be prepared for searing-hot temperatures and heatstroke, as well as frost and hail. It all depending on if one intends to visit the depressions below sea level or the highlands.