Ethiopia travel to the major historical and cultural tourist attractions to visit world heritage sites in Gondar, Lalibela, Axum, Harer & Simien Mountains with visit of Hidar Tsion Festival in Axum.
ETHIOPIA HISTORIC ROUTE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK AND HIDAR TSION FESTIVAL
The trip begins and ends in Addis Ababa, 15 days with in Ethiopia
AVAILABLE GROUP TOUR DEPARTURES:
From 23 November - 7 December
Group size: The minimum 2 (two) participants and maximum 7 (seven) participants.
OVERVIEW The trip starts and ends in Addis Ababa. This cultural and historical adventure takes you through the rich historical, archaeological, religious and natural attractions of Ethiopia. It focuses on the historically important regions of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Askum, Mekele, Lalibela and Harer. A boat cruise over Lake Tana is arranged to visit old monasteries on the islands. With some distance drive from Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls will be visited. In Gondar the castle of Faselades, which is known as the Camelot of Africa, will be visited. On the way to Axum the magnificent mountain scenery of the Simien Mountains will be seen. After visiting the ancient city of Axum and its archaeological sites, you precede to Lalibela see the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often referred to as the 'Eighth wonder of the World'. Finally the trip ends by visiting the walled city of Harar.
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Jupiter International Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of Lucy, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Jupiter International Hotel
Day 2: Addis Ababa Bahir Dar After breakfast drive to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos and Dejen which is the famous Teff growing region in the country. Teff is staple food of Ethiopians. After 103 kms drive, visit the 13th C monastery of Debre Libanos. Further down, you will enjoy the fabulous Blue Nile Gorge. Similar to the Grand Canon of USA. Overnight Tana /Papyrus Hotel.
Day 3: Bahir Dar After breakfast drive to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire'. The falls throws up a continuous spray of water droplets which drench onlookers up to a kilometre away. Much of the water is diverted to for Hidro electric Generation but it is worth visiting for the walk around and see the country side. The area around the river is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and Teff (from which injera, the national bread, is made. After the Falls, return to Bahir Dar for lunch the rest of the afternoon we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. We will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. Overnight same Hotel
Day 4: Drive Gondar Tour of Gondar We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The rest of the day visit attractions in Gondar. The attractions that you visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Goha/ Red Fox Hotel
Day 5: Drive Simien Mountains After breakfast departure for Debark town (100 Kms from Gondar), where the head quarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to the gravel road to Buyit Ras, the first campsite of the National Park. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. Overnight in Debark at Imitegogo Hotel.
Day 6: Drive Axum On this day, you drive long (280kms) but enjoying very beautiful and spectacular landscape along the Semien Mountains and Tekeze Gorge. The road descends from 3100 meters through hairpin bends down the mountain side to 1400 meters in just 40kms! The drive down and back up to Adi Arkay showcases not only the immensely beautiful Simien Mountain massifs but also the people who eke out an existence in this unforgiving countryside. The drive continues through the Tekeze valley, crossing the Tekeze River, and onto Axum in the far north. Overnight Remhay Hotel
Day 7: Attend Hidar Tsion Festival and visit archaeological sites in Axum We start early to attend the religious festival of Hidar Tsion, annual celebration of Saint Mary. Enjoy the spectacle of the priests chanting church music and beating drums.This is one of a pilgrim event for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians; may crowds arrive from the different corners of Ethiopia to attend the festival.
The rest of th day visit The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: the archaeological museum, monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. You also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the covenant. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. Overnight Remhay Hotel
Day 8: Drive from Axum to Mekele After breakfast drive through the historical town of Adwa, this is the major African battlefield. Drive to the very small town of Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yehas temple. It was a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. You will also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to Mekele-the capital of Tegray region en route visit Rock church of Wekro Cherkos. Overnight Mekele Axum Hotel
Day 9: Mekele Lalibela On this day, you will have the longest drive through the rough nature of road but nice to experience along with the magnificent scenery (gigantic, ups and downs landscape). You will have a chance to visit Lake Ashenge and good for birding. Proceed to Lalibela for dinner and overnight at Jerusalem/ Mountain View Hotel.
Day 10: Lalibela Full day sightseeing tour of Lalibela: Lalibela, famous for its rock hewn churches dating back 800 years. There are no less than 1000 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth wonder of the world". The afternoon is also spent exploring the atmospheric subterranean complex of passages and the 11 remarkable rock-hewn churches. Overnight Jerusalem/ Mountain View Hotel
Day 11: Lalibela Kombolcha After breakfast drive through the highland area of Delb where you can see the dramatic Ethiopian Landscape. Stop over at Hike town to visit the 13th C monastery of Hike Istifanos on the island of Lake Hike. Proceed to Kombolcha for dinner and overnight at Tekle Hotel.
Day 12: Kombolcha Awash Drive to Awash and visit the magnificent Awash water falls. Over night Genet Hotel
Day 13: Drive Harar After breakfast drive from Awash Sebat Killo to Harar. You will be driving through the Hararghe Mountains and we will see plenty of coffee and chat fields. The region is well known in growing one of the best qualities of coffee in the country. Finally we will arrive in Harar early in the afternoon. Overnight Belayneh/ Heritage hotel
Day 14: In Harar The same day you visit the colorful Muslim and Christian markets (known for basketry), the museum, and the traditional Hararie houses situated within the famous walled city. In the evening visit the hyena man while he feeds the hungry hyenas. Overnight Belayneh/Heritage hotel
Day 15: Drive to Addis Ababa Evening departure After breakfast we drive to Addis Ababa. Evening we will have a fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for cultural dinner and dances from the different ethnic groups. Then after transfer to the airport for flight back home.
PRICE
The Current Price of the Tour = US $ 2,990 The Single room supplement = US $ 320
Price includes: Meet and greet at airport All accommodation based on twin room occupancy Meals in Addis, on bed and breakfast basis Meals out of Addis, on half board, Breakfast and dinner basis All entrance fees All transfers and visits in Addis Ababa using mini-bus according to the itinerary. All Ground transportation with a very good condition of 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser including insurance, fuel and all costs of the English speaking driver. Local Guide and scout fees in each regions Experienced English speaking Guide Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit two monasteries Farewell dinner in Addis to enjoy traditional Ethiopian food and Music A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a convenient time in the program Government sales tax
Price doesnt include International flights Lunch through out the trip and Dinner in Addis Any kind of drinks both Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Lunch through out the trip Video filming and photography fees Incidental meals, snacks and drinks Tips and items of personal nature
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)ur Timkat tour was wonderful. Our dedicated driver, Abdi, and guide, Measho, took very good care of us throughout our 14-day excursion and their combined knowledge of their country and customs (Abdi is a Moslem and Measho is an Orthodox Christian) gave us a fascinating insight to ancient and modern Ethiopia. Mr. Abebe was reachable by cell phone throughout our trip and dealt swiftly and efficiently with the few glitches we encountered en route. We felt throughout that we were in safe hands.
Our overall impression of Ethiopia is that it is a very old country and very rich in culture and history. This was why we chose to travel there in the first place and we were not disappointed! We were also amazed by the beauty of the landscape always dramatic! and we often wondered why the outside world knows so little about this country and still only associates it with famine, deserts and war. The Ethiopian government and the nascent tourism industry need to do more together to promote the more positive aspects of Ethiopia via the international media. The road network in Ethiopia is being almost entirely rebuilt by the Chinese. This is a good thing as many of the roads are in a poor state of repair and for an itinerary like ours which took us some 2000 kms around the country can be a bit bone-shaking... Some of the hotels we stayed in need to improve their housekeeping and service standards that is if they sincerely wish to attract upmarket, international tourists. One gets the impression that many of the hotels in Ethiopia are/were para-statal operations poorly managed and maintained. Some have now apparently been bought over by private investors who, one hopes will inject new ideas, new standards of service and a better attitude towards customers along with new capital investment and facilities. By far the nicest hotel we stayed in en route was The Tukul in Lalibela which combines local architecture with overseas know-how a winning combination!
What a great trip we had! . I was very pleased with the services provided. I had many questions for Abebe, and we had many emails back and forth before we arrived. Abebe answered our questions quickly and clearly.
We toured the northern part of Ethiopia, including Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum, and the southern part of Ethiopia including visits to the Arba Minch, Jinka, Turmi and Yabello. The sites we saw and the people we met were amazing.
Ethiopia is one of the most interesting countries we have visited, and we have done quite a bit of travelling over the years. Abebe and his guides and drivers were all very good at identifying the birds of Ethiopia as well, and they turned me into an avid birdwatcher!
In all our touring, Abebe ensured that we were well looked after. Our hotels were all very comfortable, our guides were very knowledgeable and fun to travel with, and our drivers drove carefully and safely. We became fans of the national dish, injera, and of course we love buna, Ethiopian coffee. We were also happy to discover that Ethiopia has delicious pasta as well!
We were 110% satisfied with our tour, and would recommend Ethiopia and this operator for anyone interested in African travel.
Five Canadians had the pleasure of taking a Nature Tour through Ethiopia organized very successfully through the operator.
Our success in seeing most of the endemic birds and mammals of Ethiopia was due mostly to the leadership of our guide and the well thought out itinerary that optimized our chances.
The drivers were excellent and patient with our demanding requests.The people, culture, history and scenery of Ethiopia are quite amazing. The memories from this trip will linger with us fo a long while.
Personally, I shall try to return to Ethiopia with another group in the future and I would recommend this tour operator to anyone that wants to see Ethiopia's fascinating Nature or Culture.
my daughter and i had an amazing and interesting time in Ethiopia, thanks to Abebe.
He took very good care of us and was a very interesting and informative guide. He was also very knowledgeable about bird-life, which is important to me and is one of ethiopias finest points. I thought Abebe was very responsible and I thought we were very lucky to have found him.
Our trip was quite varied, from cultural sites to hiking in the Simien mts. and ending w a visit to a religious festivals, and he was good humored and altogether excellent throughout.
