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from $2999.00
Highlights of Ethiopia
Or call 800.781.4040
Day 1 Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa any time, an arrival transfer is included. A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area on Day 1 of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the hotel bulletin board regarding meeting time. Addis Ababa, founded more than a century ago, means 'New Flower' in Amharic. At an elevation of 2400m, the third highest capital in the world, the climate is pleasantly cool. The city mixes past and present. Statues from the imperial times coexist with placards from the former Marxist Regime and huge billboards advertising current activities in the city, modern businesses, as well as development organizations' goodwill projects. The streets are a mesh of expensive cars, old Russian “Lada model” taxis, as well as donkeys, sheep, goats, stray dogs and cats, medieval looking priests and modern dressed working class with mobile phones. Traditional mud houses stand not far from austere Fascist buildings and private-sector banks. The National Museum contains a wide array of Ethiopian historical artifacts focusing on the pre- Aksumite, Aksumite, Solomonic, and Gonderine periods. It also has a wide array of Ethiopian art ranging from 14th century parchment to 20th century canvas oil paintings by leading modern Ethiopian artists. The museum houses anthropological and archaeological displays including Lucy, the fossilized hominid discovered in 1974. Entoto, about 3000m above sea level, is the highest point of the capital and the seat of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia. Here you enjoy panoramic views of the capital and the museum adjacent to the church of St. Mary. Merkato is the largest open market in Africa where you can find a bit of everything. The spice market is very interesting for its colourful displays and aromas. For some travellers one of the highlights of the Merkato is the “recycling market” where old tires are turned into sandals, corrugated iron is made into metal buckets, and olive oil tins from Italy are made into coffee roasters and scoops. Also interesting is the section where the narcotic leaf “chat” is sold.
Day 2 Bahir Dar (1B)
Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours Approximate Distance: 286 km This morning we embark on a short flight to Bahir Bar for the first of our included activities – a boat trip to visit 3 of the monasteries on Lake Tana. Both men and women visit the first monastery, Ura Kidane Mihret. Near Ura Kidane Mihret is a traditional house museum that we visit. We also visit two island monasteries, Kibran Gabriel and Entons. Kibran Gabriel can only be visited by men, so while the men are visiting that one, the women visit the neighboring Entons. The excursion to the Blue Nile falls is about 35kms from Bahir Dar. Upon driving to the entrance, you can take a 1-2 hour hike to the falls crossing over the Blue Nile via the historic Portuguese bridge, and then proceeding along a path that takes you to the bottom of the falls to experience it from close. The falls is one of the most spectacular in Africa if you get there in full flood (July - September). Then it is 400m across and a 45 metre drop. Unfortunately, in drier times of the year, the water has been reduced by three fourths of its natural flowage due to the recent construction of an electrical dam. Bahir Dar, a fast-growing town considered one of the more attractive towns in Ethiopia with its ideal location on the shores of Lake Tana and its palm tree-lined streets. At 68 km wide and 73 km long, Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake and is dotted with islands, on many of which are found old monasteries. The open-ended papyrus boat (tankwa) which has been used for centuries continues to be used on Lake Tana today.
Day 3-4 Gonder (1B)
Estimated Travel Time: 3-4 hours Approximate Distance: 180 km After a bit of a lie in (optional) and some more free time to enjoy all of what Bahir Dar has to offer, depart after lunch for Gonder. You may visit the market in Bahir Dar, where you can see colourful woven clothing, basketry, cereals and spices and other local goods; view the weavers of the papyrus boats that you see on Lake Tana; or even climb up to Bezawit, the palace of Haile Selassie which lies on a hill 5km outside of Bahir Dar and provides a panoramic view of the Blue Nile River, Lake Tana and the town. There is a good chance you’ll be able to see some hippos and crocodiles while along the Blue Nile. In the morning of day 4, we visit the Gonder "Fasiladas" Castle compound which covers an area of over 70,000 sq metres, and surrounded by high stone walls. Emperor Fasiladas' Palace is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. It is two stories high, has a crenellated parapet and four small domed towers. It is said to have been designed by an Indian architect and shows synthesis of Indian, Portuguese and Moorish as well as Aksumite influences. Following the castle visit, we drive to Emperor Fasilada's bath where we wander around the grounds shaded by huge fig trees. You will then have time for an optional tour of Gondar market or some time to explore Gonder on your own, or just relax and try to strike up a conversation with the locals. Later in the afternoon, we continue to Debre Berhan Salassie Church. Debre Berhan Selassie Church lies 2km northeast of the Castle enclosure. It is probably the country's most famous church and a highlight of Gonder. Its ceiling is covered with famous paintings of Ethiopian cherubs and its walls portray nearly all Ethiopian saints, martyrs and lore. Finish the day with an optional drive and/or walk to Goha Hotel, where you may enjoy its beautiful lookout, watching the sunset while admiring the panoramic views below, kites and ravens soaring on the thermals above, and sipping on a beverage. Gonder has been called "Africa's Camelot". It is one of the main attractions of the northern historical route. For 200 years it was Ethiopia's capital after Emperor Fasiladas founded it in 1636. At that time it was a known for its wealth, splendor and fame.
Day 5-6 Simien Mountains National Park (2B)
Estimated Travel Time: Day 5: 6 hours Approximate Distance: Day 5: 130 km Day 5: After breakfast in Gondar, we depart for Debark, the jump-off point for the trek. After lunch, we register with the park authorities and head for the Simien Lodge to relax as the next day you have a full day in the Simien Mountains. Day 6: Enjoy a full day visit of the Simien Mountains National Park. In the morning we hike from Sankaber campsite to the Jinbar waterfalls before driving as far as Chenek campsite for a picnic lunch and to take short excursions in search of Walia Ibex and Ethiopian wolf. We return to Simien Lodge for the evening. The scenic Simien Mountains are a good break from the historic architecture and monuments. Known as the “roof of Africa” they rank as one of the continent’s most beautiful mountain ranges. A number of peaks reach well over 4000m, and Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia, is one of Africa’s highest mountains. The Simien Mountains has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Here you can see some of Ethiopia's remarkable flora and fauna including Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and if you're lucky, the Ethiopian wolf. The huge lammergeyer is also found soaring over the valleys here. It is cold in the mornings, evenings and nights, and during the day when there is cloud cover or sleet. Ice often forms on water in the early mornings during the cold period of December through February and afternoon spurts of hail frequent the beginning of the rains (April -May).
Day 7 Gonder (1B)
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours Approximate Distance: 130 km After a relaxed morning we drive to Debark for lunch before continuing on to Gondar. En route we make a short stop at the Ploughshare Women Crafts Training Centre in a Falasha village, a centre for giving livelihood skills to poor single mothers. You have the option to purchase arts and crafts here and sit in on a coffee ceremony. A small donation (5-10 Birr) is appreciated. Upon arrival back in Gondar we visit Kusquam, Queen Mentawab's 18th century residence. Kusquam is found at the outskirt of Gondar. Empress Mentawab built both the church and castle here. The church is dedicated to St. Mary. The skeletal remains of Empress Mentawab, Emperor Iyasu II, and her grand son Iyoas are found underground inside the church. The impressive banquet hall castle with outer wall cross relief is also very interesting to visit.
Day 8-10 Lalibela (3B)
Estimated Travel Time: 9-10 hours Approximate Distance: 395 km After an early morning start, we have a long drive from Gondar to Lalibela stopping for scenic views and lunch en route, arriving in Lalibela in the early evening. The churches inside Lalibela town are grouped as the first and second cluster. In the morning of day 9 we explore Lalibela’s first group of churches, then drive to Yemrehana Kristos in the afternoon for a 2 hour hike to the Church. In the morning of day 10 in Lalibela, you will have a chance to take on optional tour to Ashetan Maryam, set at 3150m on top of the highest peak surrounding Lalibela with panoramic views of the town and countryside. In the afternoon, we'll continue our included visit with the second group of churches. Lalibela is considered by many as the greatest of the religio-historical sites. It is registered as a UNESCO heritage site and it is the 8th Wonder of the World. Lying in the rugged Lasta Mountains at 2630m, Lalibela remains an isolated and undeveloped area. Among the dimly lit passageways and tunnels of the medieval churches, robed priests and monks meander and there is a lingering aroma of incense and beeswax candles. The churches, carved out of single rocks, date back to the 11th and 12th century AD but are still being used. Lalibela is a good place to taste the local beverage Tej or honey wine with local traditional song and dance. All church entrances and visits in Lalibela are included activities.
Day 11-12 Mekele/Hawzien (2B)
Estimated Travel Time: Day 11 - 10 hrs; Day 12 - 5 hrs Approximate Distance: Day 11 - 409 km; Day 12 - 109 km The winding road through breathtaking mountain scenery takes us by spectacular views of Sekota Mountain and Lake Ashenge, at 2409 m above sea level. We will stop for lunch on day 11 at a local restaurant in a small town called Woldia. Mekele has been the capital of Tigrai since Emporer Yohanis IV (1871-1889) designated it so, and it has recently grown to now be fifth largest city Ethiopia. After breakfast on day 12, we take a short tour of Mekele then drive to Hawzien after lunch, on the way visiting Abraha Atsbera. In the afternoon we have the option to walk to Debre Tsion Abraham or Abuna Yamata. Hawzien Hawzien has a 3,000 year history. It was originally an old trading centre but today the area is exclusively agricultural. Many ruins in the area still bear testimony to the day in 1988 when the dictator Mengistu wanted to punish the rebels and 2,500 people died under napalm bombs.
Days 13-14 Axum (1B)
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours Approximate Distance: 194 km After breakfast visit Maryam QorQor before returning to Hawzien for lunch. The church of Our Lady Mary at Qorqor (Maryam Qorqor) is a fascinating rock-cut church of the monastery founded by Abba Dane'el of Gar'alta (in Tegre) during the second half of the thirteenth century. In the afternoon we drive to Axum via Yeha, the area believed to be the site of Ethiopia’s oldest civilization, dating back to between the 5th and 8th century B.C. Spend all of day 14 exploring the Axum historical site, including visits to main stelae field, Queen of Sheba’s palace and bath, and Church of Tsion Maryam (St. Mary of Zion), which is claimed to house the Ark of the Covenant. 365 kilometres northeast of Gondar lies the town of Axum, Ethiopia's oldest city. Axum dates back some 2,000 years to when it was the hub of the Axumite Empire. The Queen of Sheba made it her capital 1000 years before Christ. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was founded here in the fourth century and Axum remains the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Day 15 Addis Ababa
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour Approximate Distance: 300 km After breakfast we transfer to airport and fly Axum to Addis Ababa. The tour ends upon arrival to your post tour hotel in Addis Ababa.
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