iExplore Ethiopia Experience

Tour Description

Much of the fascination of this country lies in its myriad historical sites, the obelisks and stele of Axum, the churches and coptic monasteries in the Tigre, in the Lake Tana isles and in the Lalibela: the African Jerusalem with its monolithic churches. In Ethiopia there are also nine national parks, two of which include the mountain groups of the Simien and the Bale, while the others lie in the Rift Valley towards Kenya. The unforeseeable wild landscapes are surely the main attraction of these parks, where many of the animal species are protected, and some of them are endemic to the area. The proximity of Ethiopia to the Equator and the variety of its habitats make it one of the richest countries in Africa in wild bird life.

History and nature are not the only attractions of this surprising country. It is a unique experience to come into contact with its people, so deeply rooted in their traditional culture, to participate in religious rites in one of the many Coptic churches, to meet native populations like the Hamer, the Mursi, the Caro and the many others whose lifestyle is hard to imagine today, so far is it from our modern life.

Itinerary

Day 1: ADDIS ABABAUpon arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: ADDIS ABABA to LALIBELA After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Lalibela (domestic flight not included). The afternoon is spent exploring the churches that make this city famous.

Day 3: LALIBELA This morning we visit Yimrehanna Kristos later returning to Lalibela for lunch. Afterwards, we take some time to further explore the Monolithic Stone Churches.

Day 4: LALIBELA to MEKELE Today, we transfer to Mekele by road visiting the villages of Agew and Tigray en-route.

Days 5 & 6: MEKELE Chalk full of history, we spend the following days exploring Mekele and its churches in the surrounding area.

Days 7: MEKELE to AXUM After breakfast, we depart for Axum visiting the rock hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho and Yeha, the first capital of the Auxmite empire, on the way.

Days 8: AXUM Set off on a city tour and explore this ancient city of the Queen of Sheba with some time at leisure in the afternoon.

Days 9: AXUM to SIMIEN NP Departing quite early, we make our way to Simien National Park – the ‘roof of Africa’ – where peaks can reach over 4000m.

Days 10: SIMIEN NP to GONDAR This morning, we make our way Chennek for a guided nature walk in pure Ethiopian wilderness. Later, we transfer to Gondar – the ‘Camelot of Ethiopia’ - with ancient royal castles dotting the landscape.

Days 11: GONDAR After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Gondar exploring the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, the Emperors Baths and Kuskuam Complex.

Days 12: GONDAR to BAHIR DAR A short trip takes us to the shores of Lake Tana where we explore stunning monasteries on the lake and in the surrounding villages.

Days 13: BAHIR DAR With its panoramic views, we visit the Blue Nile Falls after breakfast. In the afternoon we tour Bahir Dar town and finish in time to watch the sunset over the Nile.

Days 14: AHIR DAR to ADDIS ABABA This morning we catch our domestic flight to Addis Ababa (not included). Upon arrival, we embark on a tour of the capital. Later, we enjoy a last meal together before transferring to the airport where our tour finished.

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Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Duration: 14 days
Group Size: 3 to 14 passengers
Transport: Minibuses, 4x4 vehicles and airplane
Accommodations: Hotels
Meals: 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 14 dinners
Inclusions: Accommodations as per itinerary, domestic flight, meals as indicated, airport transfers, park fees, game drives, transportation on tour, professional guide.
Exclusions: International airfare, optional activities, beverages, gratuities, visas, insurance and items of a personal nature.

Pricing Information

Duration: 14 days
Group Size: 3 to 14 passengers
Transport: Minibuses, 4x4 vehicles and airplane
Accommodations: Hotels
Meals: 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 14 dinners
Inclusions: Accommodations as per itinerary, domestic flight, meals as indicated, airport transfers, park fees, game drives, transportation on tour, professional guide.
Exclusions: International airfare, optional activities, beverages, gratuities, visas, insurance and items of a personal nature.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

The Omo Valley and the Rift Valley Lakes

Adventure to the territories of the south, along difficult tracks, sometimes barely visible trails in the savannah, to encounter populations who have lived in complete isolation for centuries, and whose life-style is still truly and deeply African: the Caros, the Galebs, the Hamer, the Bumes, the Tsemay, the Eri Bore, the Desenech, the Mursis who are known for the lip plates worn by their women. The Nech Sar Park, between Lakes Chiamo and Abaya, where one can often see zebras and antelopes roaming freely, and Mago Park where, if you are lucky, you can hear elephants trumpeting in the night. And then the lakes of the Rift Valley towards Addis Ababa, populated by myriads of birds, the hot springs of Wondo Genet, and Lake Langano, where swimming in the volcanic water, pink at sunset, is a sublime pleasure.

The Awash Valley, Harar, Dire Dawa and The Bale Mountain

This region is located in the Southeast, towards the territory of the proud Afar tribes, whose members you will meet along the road with their camel caravans, and in the lovely colorful marketplaces. The Awash National Park, where the Awash River runs through a spectacular gorge-- this is one of the rivers of Ethiopia, which never flows into the sea. Here, 400 bird species have been detected as well as several varieties of endemic mammals. Harar, ancient Islamic center founded in the 12 century A.D., with its 88 mosques, for a long time was the most important market town of the Horn of Africa. Arthur Rimbaud lived here from 1880 until his death, in the house of a rich Indian trader. Harar, city of spices, famous for the beauty of the Aderé women, today is one of the largest markets of Chiat (leaves of a bush that give a stimulating effect when chewed). The huge pastures and the wheat fields towards the Bale Mountains are incredibly green in September and October. The Bale National Park contains the second highest mountain of Ethiopia: alpine landscapes, the 4000-meter-high Senati highlands, where giant lobelias grow among dark blue lakes.

Birdwatching

Ethiopia, boasts more than 800 bird species, some endemic, most found in the southern part of Ethiopia in the Jima river valley, rift valley lakes, hot springs of Wondogenet, Bale mountain area, Awash National Park. Yabello, the Nech sar park and in the north to the Debre Birhan, the Nile gorge Debre Libanos area and the lake Tana areas. Bird watching itineraries can be mixed with historical route or Omo valley tour programs.

Ethiopian endemic birds: Blue-Wing Goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera), Harwood's Francolin (Francolinus harwoodi), Ankober Serin (Carduelis ankoberensis), Red-billed Pytilia (Pytilia lineata), Spot-breasted Lapwing (Vanellus melanocephalus), Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons), Prince Ruspoli's Turaco (Tauraco ruspolii), Nech sar Nightjar (Caprimulgus solala), Degodi Lark (Mirafra degodiensis), Sidamo Lark (Heteromirafra sidamoensis), White-tailed Swallow (Hirundo megaensis), Abyssinian Longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis), Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri) and Stresemann's Bush-crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni)

Trekking

Siemens Mountains, located in north of Gondar along the road to Axum, offer a unique and wonderful sights: high peaks and deep gorges, valleys and rivers, golden barley field's as far as the eye can see. The highest mountain (4439 meters) is Ras Dejen, hut a lot of the peaks are above 4000 meters. Only a few roads on the Simien Mountains are practicable by car, but the entire area is crossed by tracks used by locals to travel from village to village or to lead their animals to pasture. It is the ideal place for trekking: you can walk days on end along easy paths, occasionally passing through villages amid breath-taking views, frequently encountering colonies of 'gelada 'baboons and, at nightfall, among the steep gorges, sighting Waliyas and, not so frequently, the Simien fox.

Bale Mountains, located in the southeast region of the country, over the massif of the same name. The mountain reaches a peak of 4377m above sea level, the highest in Ethiopia. This is one of the greenest areas of Ethiopia with an abundant supply of water, vast pasturelands and forests of incomparable beauty alternate with moors of heather and juniper. The many protected species of mammals in the park include the Nyala, Kudu, Menelik's Bushbuck, and the rare fox of the Simien mountains. Sof Omar cave, one of African's largest, is typically characterized by flat topography and deep gorges cut by the river web which forms the cave. The beauties of the caves consist in the untouched and wild aspects of the huge main passages, the shape of the galleries and the white color of the lime some basalt forming the walls.

We can customize an itinerary to include any of the options above. Please call for further details.

Tour Notes

When to come

This can depend on where you are going. In most of the country, the main rainy season runs from June to the end of September, with short rains in March. In the Omo and Mago parks however, in Southern Ethiopia, the seasons are different with the main rains from March to June, and shorter rains in November.

Climate and Clothing

Because of the elevation, temperatures rarely exceed 25 C in most of the country, although in some of the lower lying areas (Awash, Omo and Mago parks) it can get considerably hotter. Pack light clothes for the day time and a jacket or sweater for the evenings, and a good pair of walking shoes even if you are not going trekking - path ways around historic sites are usually uneven and stony. Trekkers in the Simien and Bale Mountains will need warm clothes, waterproofs and 3-4 season sleeping bags. On a cultural note - Ethiopians are generally modest dressers, and visitors should be sensitive about going underdressed (shorts, tank tops and bare backed) into places of worship. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques - for getting around sites like Lalibela with its many churches airline socks are very useful.

Health and Medical

The possession of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer mandatory but visitors coming from countries where Yellow Fever has been reported may be asked. Immunization for Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Typhoid and Polio is recommended.

Malaria: in many sites malaria is not a problem because of the elevation - this is true of Axum, Gondar and Lalibela but it may be able to occur in Bahir Dar at the end of the rainy season and after unseasonable rains. Lowland areas along the Awash River, the Omo Valley, Rift Valley and Gambella are subject to malaria outbreaks. Chloroquine resistant strains have been identified in most areas so you should consult your doctor about the prescription. Alternatively, you can keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay with repellent creams and sprays. (Climatic changes and phenomena such as el-Nino has meant the appearance of malaria at unseasonable times, and its spread to areas previously malaria free.)

Visitors should take a simple first aid pack, which would include: different size plasters, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream and/or tablets for insect bites, sun barrier cream (while temperatures are moderate the sun is strong) and anti-diarrhea tablets such as Immodium for emergencies (they will not cure the problem but will control the symptoms).

Food

The Ethiopian national dish consists of injera, a flat, circular pancake of fermented dough made from a grain seed called tef, on top of which are served different kinds of cooked meats, vegetables and pulses. The sauces are generally spiced with berbere, a blend of herbs and spices (including hot peppers) that gives Ethiopian food its characteristic taste. Vegetarians should try "fasting food" (for devout Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fast days make up more than half the year), a colorful spread of salads, vegetables and pulses, devoid of all meat and animal products.

One eats national dishes with the right hand (water for washing is usually brought to the table before the food is served), tearing off pieces of injera to pick up the "toppings".

Addis Ababa now boasts of a wide variety of restaurants, and at hotels in tourist sites European style food such as pasta is always available. If you are traveling to remote areas, such as the Omo Valley and parts of southern Ethiopia, it is advisable to stock up with tinned and packet food in Addis Ababa.

Drink

Gassy and still mineral water, along with soft drinks, are now available throughout the country. There are several brands of locally produced beer. Ethiopia produces its own wine and spirits, while imported spirits are also widely available. There are home made alcoholic drinks: tela (home made beer or ale), tej (wine made from honey) and kati kala (distilled liquor from various grains.)

Travel by air, road and rail

Ethiopian Airlines operates a safe, extensive (43 airports and an additional 21 landing strips) and generally efficient and reliable domestic air service, but cancellations and delays can occur. Ethiopian Airlines and currently one private company offer charter services. Traveling by road allows visitors to experience Ethiopia's wonderful scenery, but road conditions are generally poor, and the mountainous topography in the north will cut speed. The hour flight to Lalibela for example takes nearly two days by road. Railway enthusiasts who wish to travel by train from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa or on to Djibouti should be prepared for cancellations and delays and run down carriages.

Ethiopia has embarked on a massive road renovation and construction program, and many areas are now accessible by good asphalt roads. Given the size of the country, however, it will take quite some time to upgrade the road network on a countrywide basis.

Miscellaneous

Visas - Any foreigners except those who hold the Kenyan, Tanzanian and Djibouti passport needs a visa!!! You can get your visa from the Ethiopian embassies or consulates in your country but for the following listed countries, visa can be obtain on arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa: - Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and US can obtain a visa on arrival with two passport photos. This is only available at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.

Souvenirs - many antiques cannot be exported and may be confiscated if found in airport searches. The National Museum in Addis Ababa can issue a clearance certificate.

Photography - outside Addis Ababa, generally only 100 ASA film is available. As a matter of courtesy, permission should be sought before photographing individuals and in many parts of the country, particularly among the ethnic groups living by the Omo River, people will demand a fee. In some sites (Blue Nile Falls for example) there is a charge for video photography.

Language

Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia, and English is widely spoken.

Calendar

Ethiopia has a calendar of 13 months: it follows the Julian calendar which is divided into 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month of five or six days at the end of the year. The time difference is +3 hours from Greenwich.

Religious celebrations

The Ethiopian New Year on September 11th, the Finding of the True Cross (Meskel) on September 26 and 27th, The Tisyon Mariam on November 29th, the Ethiopian Christmas (Gena) on January 6 and 7th, the Epiphany (Timket) on January 18 and 19, The Ura- Kidanemhiret church festival on February 24, the Kulbi Gabriel on December 26 and July 26 and Easter are the most important festivities of Ethiopia.