remembering a world without boundaries
Ethiopia
November 2-10; Omo Valley November 10-20, 2008
Precedes Sudan & Follows our Arabian Peninsula tour
This is a comprehensive tour covering North, South and West Ethiopia
Day 1 Arr Addis Ababa, 810 am. Transfer to Ghion Hotel, an attractive resort hotel comprised of a converted palace & modern 3-story building, located in private gardens near Meskel Square.
In Amharic, Addis Ababa means "new flower." Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, this city is located 2,500m above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain (3,000m above sea level). It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25C. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums and one of the largest open air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato."
Morning relax. Afternoon city tour includes visit of Africa Hall(the headquarters of UNECA), the Trinity Cathedral (built 1941), Addis Ababa University campus and Ethnological Museum in the same compound, the Grand Market known as "Merkato", Liberty Monument, Martyrs' Monument Square, Lion Cage and the Hand craft center in front of the Wabeshebelle. You will have a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the Mercato.
Day 2 Eastern Ethiopia: Awash National Park (200 km east), Genet Hotel in Awash town
A relaxing drive through the farmland and typical villages to Debre Zeit (approx 1 hr drive). The town, known in the local Oromo language as Bishoftu, is surrounded by crater lakes. Visit the lakes, explore the volcanic cone of Mt. Zuqualla, on a clear day the views from top are stunning. The monastery of Mt.Zuqualla is thought to be founded in 12th-13th century by the Ethiopian saint Gebre Manfus Kiddus. Continue to Awash National Park on one of the best roads in the country. We will be in the park for a late afternoon game drive. Ox, Greater and Lesser Cudu, Minilik Bush Buck, at times even lions; and small animals and plenty of bird life can be sighted.Day 3 AwashNational Park
Morning g ame drive in the park and after breakfast drive approx 30kms to a hot spring where you can see the Afars (an ethnic tribe) with their cattle and herds of camels. You could dip in the hot springs if you wish! We go to Mojjo town for lunch before returning to Addis.Afternoon visit to the National Museum. Its collection is considered one of the most important in sub-Saharan Africa. View the palaeontology exhibit, including two remarkable casts of Lucy. The real bones are preserved in the archives of the museum.
North: Historic route to Bahir dar, Gonder, Lalibella and Axum
Day 4 Bahir Dar , Dib Anbessa Hotel (B, D)
Transfer to the airport for an early flight to Bahir Dar. The flight takes 40-45 minutes. Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Upon arrival drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as "Tissisat" (smoking water) Falls: 100 m (328 ft) wide, the water plunges for 45 m (148 ft), giving 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. We cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. Afternoon sight-seeing tour of Bahar Dar including the market-one of the most colorful African markets, and the Bezawit Palace of the former Emperor Haile Selassie; and to Woyito Village where craftsmen specialize in making fishing boats (called tankwas) from papyrus reeds. Dinner with a performance of Amhara dancing and overnight at Bahar dar, Dibanbessa Hotel.Day 5 Gondar
Morning a half day boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the monastery churches including Ura Kidane Mihret on Zeghie Peninsula. Ura Kidan Mihiret is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection of religious icons from the 16th to18th centuries A.D. Azoa Mariam is known for its paintings. Upon arrival into Gorgora village, we visit Debere Sina Church before continuing by road to Gondar. Overnight in Gondar, Hotel Goha.Day 6 Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of King Fasilledes. In Gonder, there are dozens of castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city is more European than African and has various Islamic influences. Our visit includes the palaces, residences and open air baths of King Fasilledes; the monasteries of Qusquom, the church of Debre Berhan Sellassie (Light of the Trinity) with its 16th century paintings and frescoes, which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls. Debre Berham Selassie is rumored to once have been the final resting-place of the Ark of the Covenant. We also visit the village of the Felasha (African Jews), famous for their ceramics. Overnight Hotel Goha.
Day 7 Morning transfer to airport for a flight to Lalibella. After check-in, tour of the famous eleven rock-hewn churches of 12th century. 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. We spend the full day visiting the Northern Group of Churches. Bet Medihanialem 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 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 best preserved. Overnight at hotel Lal.
Day 8 After an early breakfast transfer to airport for a flight to Axum- a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the holy city of Ethiopia dating to 2000 years back and cradle of Ethiopian civilization with the Axumite Kingdom. 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. The legends narrated in the Kebre Negest ('Book of Kings') recount how the city of Axum as early as the 10th century B.C was the city where 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. Upon arrival, visit the Queen of Sheba’s Bath & Palace. This large reservoir is an excellent place to observe the local women collecting water for washing. Both the reservoir and the palace post-date the Queen, but the names persist. The palace area has been fully excavated and worth a short look. Afterwards, a visit to the church of Saint Mary of Zion, which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures. A chapel in the church is believed by many to contain The Ark of the Covenant. Culminate the day with a visit to the steles, granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. In ancient times, there were seven steles, now there are six as Mussolini took one of them during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia. Dinner and overnight at hotel Ark.
Day 9 Morning visit the Axumait Handicraft Center to observe local artists at work. Transfer to airport for a flight to Addis Ababa. Transfer to hotel. The flight from Lalibella arrives in Addis around 2PM. Rest of day free until transfer to airport for flight home. Those departing will have shared room for wash/change. Flt departs 1100 pm.
The South: Omo Valley
Day 10 Awassa
Morning drive to Awassa through the Rift Valley. The Rift Valley is a deep fission that extends for over 6,000 km from the Middle East to Mozambique- testimony to the 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. On the way we pass 4 of the lakes. Awasa is located on the edge of Lake Awasa, surrounded by mountains. Overnight Lewi Hotel in Awassa.Day 11 Awassa - Chencha - Arba Minch (B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive through one of the most colorful and scenic areas of Southern Ethiopia, a land that is inhabited by the people of the Sidamo, Alaba, who were once nomads but are now farmers. A long section of the road offers magnificent views of lake Abaya, surrounded by mountains. The lake has volcanic origins and is almost pink in color. Next we visit the Walayitas and the Dorzes up in Chencha Mountains, two of the many small groups of southern Ethiopia. Once warriors, the Dorze have now turned to farming and weaving to earn a living. Their success in the field of weaving has been phenomenal and the Dorze name is synonymous with the best woven cotton cloth. The "elephant huts" of the Dorze are unique and worth seeing. Each Dorze bamboo house has its own small garden surrounded by beds of spices, cabbage and tobacco. Dinner in the Soma Restaurant, famous for its fresh fish dishes. Overnight Swaynes Hotel in Arba Minch.Day 12 Nech Sar National Park (B, L, D)
Today we make an early morning visit to Nech Sar National Park (514 sq. km), situated between Lakes Chamo and Abaya, to see Burchell's Zebra, grant's gazelle, the magnificent greater kudu, the miniscule Guenther's XX and the incredible variety of birds, including the Kori Bustard. African hunting dog and the black-backed jackal can also be found here. The landscape that divides the two lakes of Abaya and Chamo is quite breathtaking and has earned it the sobriquet of 'Bridge of Heaven'. The vivid contrasts of the Park are visually stunning - a swathe of white grass against a backdrop of deeply cut hills and mountains contrasts sharply with the clear blue waters of Lake Chamo and the startling dark-red, ferrous hydroxide surface of Lake Abaya. The shores and islands of the two lakes are inhabited by the Guji farming community who has an ancient tradition of hippo hunting. The northern shores of Lake Chamo are famous for it large crocodiles which can be seen in great numbers lounging in the heat. Both lakes offer opportunities to fish for Nile Perch and tiger fish and the Guji tribe can be seen plying the waters in their elegantly carved ambatch boats (similar to those depicted on the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs) not only fishing but also transporting cattle! After lunch, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the enormous Nile crocodiles resting at their own "crocodile market". Overnight Swaynes Hotel in Arba Minch.Day 13 Drive to Jinka (B, L, D)
Enjoy spectacular scenery as the road crosses soft rolling hills. We’ll pass through nomadic villages along the way.Day 14 Mago National Park(B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to Mago National Park, sitting on the eastern bank of the Omo River. Rising in the highlands south-west of Addis Ababa, the Omo River charts its course southwards for almost 1000kms (620miles) but never reaches the sea and instead pours into Lake Turkana, East Africa's fourth largest lake. Over millions of years its flood waters have cut deep gorges into the mountains, creating exciting opportunities for white-water rafting. The park, together with its sister park, Omo National Park, are some of the least visited game parks in the world and what a joy it is not to see another vehicle in the vicinity. From here, visit the Mursi highlands where the most illustrious of Ethiopia's unique tribe lives. The Mursi are known all over the world, for their decorative lip plates that adorn the lower lips of the Mursi women. The plates stretch the lower lip beyond imagination and the women's beauty and desirability is determined in direct proportion to the size of the plate. The Mursi men and women may appear gracious but the Mursi warriors are not to be sneezed at. On their arms are deep crescent incisions that represent each enemy they have killed in a battle. The various cultural aspects of the tribe will be explained and you will be able to take their photographs (not free) and interact with them. It is truly fascinating. Drive back through Mago National Park to Jinka for overnight. Today and the for next few days you will enjoy some of the most magnificent sunsets from a special vantage point that overlooks the mountains of Kenya and Sudan.Day 15 Drive Hamer/Karo/Dasssenech - Evangadi Lodge, Turmi- (B, L, D)
We drive towards the Murulle area to see the Karo ethnic group, experts in body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to paint fantastic patterns on each other's faces, chests, arms and legs. These designs have no special symbolic significance but are created purely for fun and aesthetic effect, each artist vying to outdo his fellows. Karo men also sculpt and shave their hair into extravagant shapes, with special ochre "caps" of hair usually containing several ostrich feathers.Day 16 Turmi - (B, L, D)
This morning we will enjoy the weekly market of the Bena people. The Bena women are simply stunning. They wear their hair in dense ringlets smeared with mud and clarified butter and topped off with a head-dress made out of an oblong aluminum plate. Their necks and chests are adorned with string upon sting of cowrie shells and colorful beaded necklaces of varying lengths. Chunky metal wristlets and armlets, shiny nails appended to skirts, multiple earings and simple leather garments are all so a la mode. This tribe is an inspiration to all. The market is exciting and you may have the opportunity to buy some of the tribal regalia and artifacts. If lucky, we may be able to see a spectacle called 'cattle jumping,' a ceremony that constitutes rite of passage for young men.Day 17 Drive Turmi/Konso/Yabelo - Yabelo Hotel
We now start returning northwards, towards the lakes of the Rift Valley. We experience interesting cultural encounters with different tribes along the way. The Konso, a pagan people, erect eerie wooden totems ( called waka) replete with phallic symbols over the graves of the dead and have numerous cults based around the breeding and veneration of serpents. The cornerstone of Konso culture, however, is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy that, through terracing buttressed with stone, enable these people to extract a productive living from a none-too-fertile hills and valleys that surround them. An excellent day to meet the people, take photographs with them and learn of a culture that has had very little outside influence. Should the Chief of Konso be in residence, we may be granted an audience with him.Day 18 Drive to Wondo Genet Wabishebele Hotel
In the morning, a visit to the Borena Oromo villages. The Borena Oromo practice the Geda system, which is democratic. Then drive north to Wondo Genet, a mountain resort village surrounded by dense forest, birds and a variety of wildlife. There is also a natural hot springs reputed to have theraputic benefits. Accommodation is in the former summer palace of Princess Tenagne Work - daughter of Emperor Haile Slassie.Day 19 Return to Addis Ababa - Ghion Hotel
Morning independent time for a walk or soak in hot springs. Enjoy the Rift Valley Landscape on the drive back to Addis Ababa. We can visit the Ostrich farm at Abijata Shala National Park and enjoy the view over the Lakes of Abijata and Shala. Transfer to the Ghion Hotel. Day 22 Independent day til transfer to airport for flight home.Prices: Complete Tour $3840, single room $420; Days 1-10 $2550, single room $300; Omo Valley only (days 9-19) $1900, single room $126
Includes: accommodations, daily breakfasts up to Abba Minch, all meals elsewhere in Omo Valley, accompanying escort/driver throughout; land transport by ac car + ac 4 wheel drive in Omo Valley, flights within Ethiopia. Hotels are 4 star in Addis and best available elsewhere.
Does Not Include: international flight, visa fee, tips, insurance, expenses of personal nature such as laundry, phone calls
NOTE: Hotels in Omo Valley are best available basic, clean, with hot running water and excellent food. This tour is guaranteed with min 2 people; supplement fee applies.The day to day itinerary sequence might change to coordinate with any local events or changes in road conditions and domestic flight schedules. We plan the tours a year in advance, but local activities schedules are often not available so far in advance or are subject to change. All time schedules mentioned subject to change.
Packing Suggestions: light summer clothing, a good pair of boots, insect repellant lotion, Malaria tablets for the South
Join us for a tour of Sudan following this Ethiopia tour, January 5-16, 2007.
Jan 4 Ethiopian Airlines flight dep Addis 1150 pm; Jan 5 arr Khartoum 135 am
(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941all text & photos © 1997-06, Barbara Sansone
