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| Viewing: Ethiopia - the living museum! |
Package ID: 1394 |
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| Ethiopia - the living museum! |
This itinerary covers the best of Ethiopia: first, you’ll get to grips with the famed ‘historical route’ and the richest cultural heritage south of the Sahara.
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I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1:
Arrive Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport and meet with us for transfer to 3*hotel
Day 2:
After an early breakfast transfer to airport to fly to Bahir Dar (an hour flight) then the same day drive to the spectacular water falls called Blue Nile Falls (30kms from Bahir Dar) where is also possible for birding. Afternoon, boat trip on Ethiopia's largest Lake called Tana for its middle age island monasteries. There are monasteries on 20 of the lake’s 37 islands. Excursion in the afternoon to Ura Kidhane Mihret, a monastery visited for its frieze of some 100 paintings dating back to the 16th century. On your boat trip to the Zege Peninsula, note the Blue Nile River flowing out of Lake Tana. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:
After breakfast drive 180 kms (or fly) to Gondar, the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. King Fasiledous who still has a magnificent castle established in Gondar in 1636. Afternoon, visit the castle compound and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie for its awe-inspiring painting and, lastly, the Bath of king Fasiledous and the Felasha (Black Jewish) village. Overnight hotel
Day 4:
Transfer to the airport after breakfast. Fly to the town of Lalibela, arguably the most important stop on the historical circuit. Here, 11 awesome rock-hewn churches are carved into the rugged mountainsides. Already from the air, these present an incredible spectacle. Nobody knows just how these churches were excavated: legend has it that construction commenced after Divine instruction to the King Lalibela, and that at night, Angels completed the work. Afternoon, you will have excursion to the first group of the churches. Overnight Hotel.
Day 5:
Early breakfast, followed by a mule trip to Acheton Mariam monastery. horse/mule ride While on top you will admire the 13th century rock hewn monastery and the awe-inspiring scenery. NB along the walking route you can visit various species of birds, flowers and plants. In the afternoon, you can visit the churches missed out on the previous day. Overnight Hotel.
Day 6:
after breakfast transfer to Lalibela airport for a 45 minute flight to Axum. This is the cornerstone of Ethiopian Christianity and there is plenty to see. You will visit the age-old stele park, Here, imposing stone monoliths (stelae) stand - some as high as 23 meters. Nobody knows how these gigantic, pre-Christian obelisks were made, nor how they were transported to the park or erected there. Afterwards, you’ll be able to visit the local museum, which is Ethiopia’s most interesting, and also to see the Queen of Sheba’s bath, the tombs of the kings and the inscription of the 4th century king,. Overnight hotel
Day 7:
Depend of the time of flight schedule you will fly to Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel.
Day 8:
After breakfast, transfer by road (4x4) to Awassa, via the Rift Valley Lakes of Ziway, Abiata and Shala. All of these lakes support massive concentrations of water birds. The lakes scenery is spectacular. Wildlife is abundant. Overnight hotel
Day 9:
After an enjoyable morning continue driving to the famous lakes side town of Arbamich. En route visit the villages of Sidama, Oromo, Wolayta and Dorzie tribes. Overnight Hotel
Day 10:
Morning drive to Nech Sar for game viewing & birding. Afternoon make a boat trip on Lake Chamo for crocodiles, hippos & aquatic bird species. Overnight same
Day 11:
After break fast drive to Konso where colorfully costumed dress, impressive terracing of the land and unusually engraved wooden statues used as grave markers can be seen. Further along the route visit the Woito people live in the area around Woito River and Tsemay village. Continue driving to Key Afer for colorful market (if on Thursday) where you will visit the Benna, Tsemay and rarely the Ari tribes. Late afternoon drive to Jinka for overnight at hotel
Day 12:
Full day excursion to the Mursi tribe. Lunch picnic. Late after noon, drive back to Jinka for overnight in the same hotel. NB. The Mursi are the unique tribe who still use lip plate for beauty.
Day 13:
Drive to Turmi via Dimeka where you will visit the best market if the Day is Saturday or Tuesday. Overnight camping in tent.
Day 14:
Drive to Arbaminch (about 300 kms). On the way we will have stops at Erbore and Konso tribes who are also a must to be seen. Overnight hotel.
Day 15: Drive to Addis Ababa (500 km - asphalt road) through the Great Rift Valley lakes and scenic beauty. Evening transfer to airport for departure.
Price includes
Hotel accommodation (double room sharing)/ camping gears
All the 3 meals of the day according to the itinerary (FB).
All transfers
All entrance fees
Ground transportation (4x4 Toyota Land cruisers for the southern safari) and domestic air tickets
Professional guide
Boat trips on the lakes
Mule ride in Lalibela for the nearby monastery
scouts fee in the national parks
Cook while camping
Price does not include
International air transport & airport tax
Visa
Fees for pictures (p.camera and video camera)
Telephone, laundry, any payable drink and porters for luggage
Tips and any other personal interest, which is not specified in the itinerary.
Please complete the form below for more information and to check availability
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