Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) on Lake Chamo, near Arba Minch, Omo Valley, South Ethiopia
That afternoon a fisherman took us out on Lake Chamo, the more southerly of the two Riff Valley Lakes near Arba Minch. Matthew could not be convinced to leave later, at around 04:00 pm, when it was cooler and the light less aggressive. Nope, the crocodile and the hippos would be gone, he insisted. All in all it was a great trip. The small boat got us really close to amazing birds, crocodiles big and small, some lazily sleeping, others stomping around in peaceful coexistence with large colonies of pelicans.
The hippos gave us a special welcome treat. They kept popping their heads in and out of the water, their pinkish little ears sticking up nosily. These creatures look so unassuming, but are the most dangerous animals in Africa. Our boatman kept at a good distance and even started the engine to be able to move away fast if we needed to.
On Lake Chamo, the local fishermen float around on tiny wooden rafts. These miniature things serve as a platform to do some serious fishing, either balancing skillfully standing up or lying flat on their belly. When we returned to shore the light was just perfect for taking photos and we furiously watched a couple leaving on a boat and the crocodiles and hippos patiently waiting for them.
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