Ethiopia - The Horn of Africa

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

You are met on arrival in Addis Ababa and transferred to our hotel. The name of the city in Amharic means ‘new flower’. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 m (8,202 ft) above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain (3,000 m/9,842 ft above sea level).

Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato”. We meet this evening for dinner and orientation. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa Sightseeing

We spend the day exploring Addis Ababa; in the morning visiting the National Museum, one of the most important sub-Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then walk about 10 minutes to visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie.

After lunch, we drive from the hotel to take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik, and then continue on to the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Fly to Bahir Dar and the Blue Nile

We take a short flight this morning north to Bahir Dar.

Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, we drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tissisat (smoking water) 100 m (328 ft) wide, the water plunges for 45 m (148 ft) and depending on the fluctuations at the nearby dam, may give rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend the other side; the round trip will take about 1 hour walking. We then cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure.

After lunch we explore the city of Bahir Dar, including the market and the Bezawit Palace (formerly the Palace of Haile Selassie). A short drive from our hotel we visit a Woyito Village where we will see the production of the papyrus boats known as Tankwas. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 4: Lake Tana to Gondar

This morning we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana We will visit a few churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. We will enjoy a pinic lunch onboard. We will then make the journey from Bahir Dar to Gondar. Gondar was the first capital city of Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar there are a dozen castles build by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African and also has Islamic influences. Upon our arrival we will have the opportuinty to take part in the Timket Eve Festival.The Timket Festival is the most colorful and exciting festival of the year, a great celebration for locals and travelers alike. NOTE: Timket Festival (January Departures Only). Overnight in Gondar.

Day 5: Gondar to Simien Mountains

Today we continue to enjoy the Timket festival celebrations. We will explore the overnight resting place of the tabots. (Tabots are sacred objects in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church) The tabots are blessed with water by the priests and then singing and danc- ing accompany the tabots back to their churches.
We will depart for the Simien Mountains in the late afternoon.The road passes over mountainous areas of wild beauty, drawing close to the Simien Massif (in Amharic, Simien means north). Overnight in Simien Mountains.

Day 6: Simien Mountains

We enjoy the Simien Mountains (Simien National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the park, many of the mountain peaks exceed 4,000 m (13,123 ft); the highest is Ras Dejen, at 4,543 m (14,905 ft) above sea level. These mountains consist of volcanic masses that have been eroded away by centuries of rain. Today they have amethyst-colored peaks and deep gullies which have been further deepened by rivers. The crevices play host to the Walya ibex.

We will spend the entire day exploring the area of Sankaber at an altitude of 3550 m (10,662 ft). The escarpment offers scenic views and the chance to see the endemic Gelada baboons, sometimes in herds of over a hundred, along with the endemic Walya ibex whose population is now on the rise after poaching drove them to near extinction. Cliff-nesting birds are also common, including lammergeyer. Overnight stay in the Simien Mountains.

Day 7: Simien Mountains to Axum

We will have the whole morning for 3 to 4 hours of trekking in the mountains before we journey to Axum. Overnight in Axum.

Day 8: Axum, City Sights

Axum — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast (Book of Kings) recount how the city of Axum as early as the 10th century B.C. was already the city in which the Queen of Sheba resided. It is recounted that the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum and it remains there to this day, preserved in a sanctuary.

Famous long before the time of Christ, Axum was the capital of the long Axumite reign — one of the oldest African empires, and represented a crucial connecting-point between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years.

We visit the stelae: granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. The second largest of the stelae was looted by Mussolini’s troops in 1937, and stood for years in the Piazza di Porta Capenamin in Rome. After much discussion, over the years, the stelae was finally returned from Italy to Axum in 2005.

There is also a visit to the church of Saint Mary of Zion. A chapel in the church is believed by many to contain The Ark of the Covenant. This chapel is protected by “The Guardian,” who is the only person allowed into the chapel and the only person who may set eyes on it.

There is also a small museum here, which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures. Overnight in Axum.

Day 9: Fly to Lalibela and the Northern Churches

A short flight takes us from Axum to Lalibela. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the first group of churches, known as the Northern Group of Churches. We walk from the hotel to Bet Medihanialem which is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, in which there is a pillar that it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals.

We also visit Bet Danaghel; a chapel built in honor of martyred nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your place in heaven! The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country.

The last church we visit today is Bet Giyorgis, one of the more recent churches and among the best preserved. We walk on our return to our hotel and if time allows, we will have a stop in the souvenir shops and around the city center. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 10: Lalibela and the Eastern Churches

In the morning we go for an approximately 3-hour hike (those who prefer can ride mules) to visit the Eastern Rock Churches. Bet Amanuel is one of the most beautifully carved churches in Ethiopia in the Aksumite style. Bet Merkorios has a wonderful painting of The Three Wise Men, which dates back to the 15th century A.D.

We also stop to see Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebrieal- Reafael, which might have once been the home of the royal family before becoming a church.

This afternoon, we visit the Nakutelab Rock Hewn Church, built under a natural cave. Tonight, we have a special treat, participating in the Coffee Ceremony; a ceremony of hospitality in Ethiopia. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 11: Fly to Addis Ababa

We fly back to Addis Ababa this morning. After lunch, we enjoy a free afternoon; we will arrange transportation should you wish to go shopping. You may also wish to visit one of the many museums or the interesting Mercato. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

NOTE: Meskel Festival (September Departures follows below for Day 11)
We fly back to Addis Ababa this morning. After lunch, we enjoy a free afternoon; you may want to visit one of the many museums or the interesting Mercato.
This evening marks the beginning of the Festival of Meskel.

The festival celebrates the finding of the true cross and is celebrated by lighting bonfires that are topped with crosses and flowers. Once they are blessed, dancing and singing takes place all around them. The day is devoted to observing (and maybe even participating!) in the many celebrations held around the city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 12: Lake Langano

To begin the Southern part of our adventure, we head off in 4 x4 cars to Lake Langano which is about 143 miles (230 km) from Addis. Enroute we visit the lakes of Debre Ziet and Zeway. After lunch we will have free time to relax and enjoy this wonderful part of the country. Overnight Langago.

Day 13: Begin Omo Valley Adventure

An early start for our travel today as we head off in 4 x 4 vehicles. We pass by the Rift Valley lakes before arriving into Arba Minch. This town is the largest in southern Ethiopia; it is situated between the Rift Valley, Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo.

Tonight we have dinner in the Soma Restaurant, famous for its fresh fish dishes. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Note: Omo Valley Adventure
In order to fully experience and explore this incredibly diverse, yet sometimes isolated UNESCO area, we really get “off-the-beaten-track”. Sometimes the road is in rough condition (if there is a road at all), and you should be prepared for some bumpy drives. Accommodation in small towns is modest. A certain spirit of adventure is required for this journey and any travel hardship will certainly be made up for in experience!

Day 14: Lake Chamo

We start the day with a visit to the Dorze people and see how they live in their fascinating beehive huts. We return to our hotel for lunch and some free time to relax. In the mid afternoon we will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Chamo.Watch for the resident hippos, crocodiles and bird life. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 15: Arba Minch, to Jinka

The scenery is beautiful; soft rolling hills with dark red soil and plentiful crops and forests. Along the way, we may see some of the Borena people, who are semi-nomadic shepherds. We arrive into Jinka early evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 16: Mursi Tribal Encounter

Today we have a very unique Mursi Tribal encounter outside of their village. The Mursi women have the custom of expanding their lower lips using disks that gradually get larger and larger. These are people who farm the land and breed livestock; they live in almost complete isolation from the rest of the world. Return back to Jinka where we will spend the night. Overnight in Jinka.

Day 17: Turmi

Journey south today as we make our way to Turmi, home of the Hamer Tribe, passing through the Woyto Valley. A warm welcome will meet us for our visit with the Woyto Tribe.
Overnight in Turmi.

Day 18: Omorate, Turmi

We head off on our day of “off-roading”, as there is no real track! We travel through the savannah in a typically African landscape. We arrive at Murile located right on the River Omo and surrounded by huge trees. This is the land of the Caro tribe and it is possible to meet them and visit their village along the river.

In the afternoon we drive through the savannah, along tracks that are barely visible, passing through a vast meadowland with shrubs and umbel lifers
(“umbrella” acacia trees). We pass through the Omo River. We encounter the Galeb people in the countryside; in the river people bathe and wash their clothes.
Overnight in Turmi.

Day 19: To Arba Minch via Konso

The road continues into the savannah, running alongside the mountains of Men, then following the Karkerte Mountains — providing splendid panoramic views — until reaching the hills of the Arbore Tribe and Lake chew Bahir. Here we visit a Konso village to meet the locals who are excellent farmers.

The Konso are a pagan society who erect totem poles on the tombs of their dead. Should. We then begin returning northward, towards the lakes of the Rift Valley. The Rift Valley is a deep fissure that extends for over 3728 miles (6,000 km) from the Middle East to Mozambique — testimony to the (most recent) violent and massive shifting of the earth’s tectonic plates. The rift contains a marvelous series of lakes which are teeming with fish and provide a habitat for hundreds of species of birds.

En route we visit some more villages and stop for some small markets. We travel along the side of Lake Chamo and arrive at Arba Minch late afternoon/early evening. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 20: Arba Minch, Awasa

This morning we return to the road that leads back up the Rift Valley. We cross fertile land planted with bananas, cereals and tobacco — inhabited first by the Oromo people and then by the Sidamo. All kinds of fruit are sold along the roadside.

We arrive into Awasa, located on the edge of Lake Awasa. The lake is surrounded by mountains and populated by countless species of birds. There is a beautiful track running along the lakeside; perfect for a walk. After a short stay on the lake shore we drive to Yirgalem which is about 26 miles (42 km) away. Overnight in Awasa.

Day 21: To Awasa

Awasa is the regional capitol and is located at 1685 m (6119 ft) at the edge of the smallest lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. The fresh water supports an abundance of fish and the local market which we will visit displays a remarkable selection. The setting is spectacular with the mountains, the lake and rich vegetation of dense scrub and woodland. Guereza and grivet monkeys live here, as do hippos and the pygmy goose. The area teams with birdlife including several endemic species. In the afternoon we return to the Aregash Lodge where a small walk will be organized around the coffee plantation and to the forest. Overnight in Awasa.

Day 22: Addis Ababa

We return to the capital of Addis Ababa this morning, arriving around lunchtime. The afternoon is free for last minute shopping or resting before meeting with the group for our farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurants, complete with traditional dance.

This evening every one is invited to try an Ethiopian traditional dance so please prepare yourself. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 23: Depart Addis Ababa

We say farewell to this remarkably varied country with a transfer to the airport for your departure flight.