Holiday to Ethiopia
| country: | Ethiopia |
| departures: | 2008: 29 Dec 2009: 12 Jan, 2 Feb, 16 Sep, 19 Oct, 23 Nov, 29 Dec 2010: 12 Jan, 1 Feb |
| price: | From £1255 (12 days) including domestic flights, as per itinerary. We can arrange flights from the UK |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This is a voyage of discovery through the northern region of Ethiopia.
Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile River, is the fundamental water reservoir of Ethiopia. The lake is also an important Christian site with a series of island monasteries that are claimed to have hidden the Ark of the Covenant. The castles of Gondar reflect the grandeur and influence of Ethiopia in the 16th century whilst also sheltering one of Ethiopia’s most famous churches. Nearby, the Simien Mountains are home to some of Ethiopia’s indigenous species as well as a number of remote highland villages.
Farther north, Aksum was an important centre for 5th century world trade and its remaining tombs and stelae are an awe-inspiring tribute to the masons of Ethiopia. Nearby Lalibela is further testament to these skilful labourers, with churches hewn directly out of rock. These remarkable environmental, religious, historical and archaeological wonders, combined with the incredible affability of the Ethiopian people, coalesce to provide an unforgettable journey.
For nearly 30 years, we have lead the field in small group adventure travel. See the iconic sights as well as get off the beaten track to discover the 'real' country, and come away understanding something more of the world. Our innovative and interactive itineraries include as much as possible to ensure that you get the most out of your valuable time away, but also contain plenty of time to relax and explore by yourself. Traveling in small group, and by private transport, means that you will have the company of other like-minded travelers, your holiday will be safe and stress-free and that the impact on environment and community is kept to a minimum.
As part of our responsible travel policy we also employ local leaders and actively avoid international hotel chains, preferring to give our patronage to authentic, centrally-located and owner-managed establishments whenever possible. Our locally born and raised leaders are great fun and will be a great part of your holiday because of their intimate knowledge of the sights, culture and customs, history and language of their homeland. Once you have traveled with a local leader you will understand that there is no better way!
Includes: tour leader, arrival transfer, accomodation (10 nights comfotrable hotel, 1 night private lodge), some meals( 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners), transport, game activites, entrance and park fees.
Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile River, is the fundamental water reservoir of Ethiopia. The lake is also an important Christian site with a series of island monasteries that are claimed to have hidden the Ark of the Covenant. The castles of Gondar reflect the grandeur and influence of Ethiopia in the 16th century whilst also sheltering one of Ethiopia’s most famous churches. Nearby, the Simien Mountains are home to some of Ethiopia’s indigenous species as well as a number of remote highland villages.
Farther north, Aksum was an important centre for 5th century world trade and its remaining tombs and stelae are an awe-inspiring tribute to the masons of Ethiopia. Nearby Lalibela is further testament to these skilful labourers, with churches hewn directly out of rock. These remarkable environmental, religious, historical and archaeological wonders, combined with the incredible affability of the Ethiopian people, coalesce to provide an unforgettable journey.
For nearly 30 years, we have lead the field in small group adventure travel. See the iconic sights as well as get off the beaten track to discover the 'real' country, and come away understanding something more of the world. Our innovative and interactive itineraries include as much as possible to ensure that you get the most out of your valuable time away, but also contain plenty of time to relax and explore by yourself. Traveling in small group, and by private transport, means that you will have the company of other like-minded travelers, your holiday will be safe and stress-free and that the impact on environment and community is kept to a minimum.
As part of our responsible travel policy we also employ local leaders and actively avoid international hotel chains, preferring to give our patronage to authentic, centrally-located and owner-managed establishments whenever possible. Our locally born and raised leaders are great fun and will be a great part of your holiday because of their intimate knowledge of the sights, culture and customs, history and language of their homeland. Once you have traveled with a local leader you will understand that there is no better way!
Includes: tour leader, arrival transfer, accomodation (10 nights comfotrable hotel, 1 night private lodge), some meals( 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners), transport, game activites, entrance and park fees.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2-3: | City tour of Addis Ababa includes visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Ethnological Museum, providing a great introduction into the many rich cultures of the people of Ethiopia. Fly to Bahar Dar, one of Ethiopia's most attractive towns and a walk through its market and a stop at the local juice bar will give you a nice feel for this town. Boat cruise to island monasteries on Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and home to 37 islands, 20 of which house monastries. Legend has it that the Ark of Covenant was hidden here to protect it during the times of Muslim invasion from the East. |
| Day 4: | Explore the Blue Nile Falls. The Falls measure over 400 metres wide, and 24 metres in depth, they are a spectacular sight when in full flood. Drive to Gondar, Ethiopia's captial for over 200 years. With it's series of castles and churches, Gondar is often referred to as Ethiopia's Camelot. |
| Day 5: | Tour of the Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie Church and Ploughshare Project for Single Mothers, a special project we help to support. The Ploughshare Project is a non-profit organization aiming to meaningfully assist single mothers. The centre provides training in traditional and modern pottery, traditional weaving and vegetative production. This centre now provides permanent work for 42 women as well as training for 6 more women every 6 months. |
| Day 6: | Simien Mountains National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Simien Mountains National Park is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views. This park combines endemic wildlife species, superb scenery and traditional village life. Game drive/walk for Gelada Baboons. Walk to Jinbar Waterfall. |
| Day 7-8: | Drive to Aksum via Tekeze Valley. Explore archaeological and historic sights of Aksum, including the stelea fields, several tombs, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's palace and an archaeological museum. |
| Day 9-10: | Fly to Lalibela. Explore rock-hewn churches in Lalibela town, constructed during the period of 1137-1270. Visit remote church built within a cave. Optional half-day mule excursion. |
| Day 11: | Fly to Addis Ababa. Traditional meal and dancing. |
| Day 12: | Optional visit to Merkato – East Africa’s largest market. Tour ends in Addis Ababa today. |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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See Ethiopia through the eyes of a local, as your Ethiopian tour leader gives you a first-hand insight into the rich and colourful tapestry that makes up this unique country. Visiting historic island monasteries and rock churches leads to awareness of these important cultural relics and ensures that they are earmarked for protection, so that future generations can continue to appreciate them. It also helps poor countries like Ethiopia preserve vestiges of its rich cultural heritage. A walk in the Simien Mountains leads to an awareness of the country's natural splendour and unique wildlife, such as the colourful gelada baboon.
 Tourism in Ethiopia is in its infancy and to support programs there this operator is training their tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. Another highlight of this trip is a visit to the Ploughshare Project in Gondar, designed to support single mothers. The centre provides training in traditional and modern pottery, traditional weaving and vegetative production. It now provides permanent work for 43 women, as well as training six more women every five months. The ultimate aim is to create year-round food supplies, as well as eventually support a kindergarten for the children of these women. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |