A world heritage site and national park, with the tallest peak Ras Dashen reaching 4,619 metres, this region is best known as the habitat of gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves Photograph: Michael Poliza
This strongly alkaline, saline lake has an area of roughly 12 square miles. Many types of algae flourish in its waters, turning the lake a multitude of different shades. The algae-rich water is especially attractive to flamingos. When the water dries up during the hot season, the earth dries out and cracks Photograph: Michael Poliza
The region is home to hundreds of species of birds endemic to Kenya. They are essentially supported by plankton masses in the lake which feed the fish Photograph: Michael Poliza
A piece of abstract art created by hundreds of flamingos. In the dry season, the Eastern Rift Valley is a haven for these birds. The classic one-legged stance of these pink-plumaged birds actually protects them from the cold: two feet submerged in a lake results in losing more body heat than just one Photograph: Michael Poliza
One of the largest of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley lakes, the waters of the 213-square-mile Chamo are a sanctuary for several thousand Nile crocodiles, some reaching lengths of up to seven metres Photograph: /Michael Poliza
"The first time I saw a photo of this crater, I just knew I had to go there," says Michael Poliza. "I was able to make it happen on my eight-week heli-Africa expedition, where I flew by helicopter from Hamburg to Cape Town, an expedition which provided material for my book Eyes Over Africa" Photograph: Michael Poliza
Visiting fishermen ring the lake and stay for eight to 12 weeks, drying their catch in the sun to preserve it. The lake is home to tiger fish and Nile perch weighing up to 220 pounds Photograph: Michael Poliza
A dune landscape with Aruba Rock visible in the background. Temperatures of up to 71C have been measured here. There are few other places on earth where so many different types of terrain can be found so close together – there are lakes, mountains, flood-plains and rich grasslands in close proximity to the dunes Photograph: Michael Poliza
Cloud formations and rain showers. "In this dry area near the Suguta Valley, rain is a very rare event. But when it does happen, it’s a good idea to keep your camera handy" Photograph: Michael Poliza
On the shores of Lake Turkana, woven palm-frond homes glow warmly in the afternoon light Photograph: Michael Poliza
