Holiday to Ethiopia
| country: | Ethiopia |
| departures: | 2009: 23 Nov, 29 Dec 2010: 12 Jan, 1 Feb |
| price: | From £1095 (12 days) excluding flights. Domestic flights £195. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This cultural adventure takes you on an amazing and surprising journey through the rich historical, archaeological and religious heartland of Ethiopia, showcasing a country steeped in beauty and diversity. The Simien Mountains massif dominates the country and divides it into distinctly contrasting highland and lowland regions. Tourism here is in its infancy, but the people of Ethiopia will welcome you warmly.
Our journey focuses on the historically important regions of Bahar Dar, Gondar, Askum and Lalibela and weaves the story of a once great and powerful kingdom. Bahar Dar, perched on the edge of Ethiopia's largest lake, Lake Tana, is fundamental as the outlet of the Blue Nile River, which provides 85% of the water of the main Nile River downstream. Its island monasteries also played an important role in protecting Ethiopia's Christian heritage from Muslim threat and are believed to have once concealed the Ark of Covenant.
Gondar's ruined castles provide insight into the prosperity of Ethiopia in the 16th century, whilst the history and significance of Askum dates back to the 1st century AD. Many archaeologists hold the Masonic skills of the Askumites in awe and many examples of their work are found scattered throughout the town. Lalibela provides a fitting finale as it combines both historical and archaeological significance, along with a rich Christian heritage. Both within town and outside, there are numerous examples of rock-hewn churches - places of worship that were excavated out of rock from inside out, providing an insight into the masonic skills of the Ethiopians during their age of glory.
Some of the conditions encountered on our journey will be at times basic, as tourism and the country's infrastructures are not yet well developed, but witnessing it all is sure to leave one filled with wonder at the incredible accomplishments of the Ethiopian people throughout their proud history.
Our journey focuses on the historically important regions of Bahar Dar, Gondar, Askum and Lalibela and weaves the story of a once great and powerful kingdom. Bahar Dar, perched on the edge of Ethiopia's largest lake, Lake Tana, is fundamental as the outlet of the Blue Nile River, which provides 85% of the water of the main Nile River downstream. Its island monasteries also played an important role in protecting Ethiopia's Christian heritage from Muslim threat and are believed to have once concealed the Ark of Covenant.
Gondar's ruined castles provide insight into the prosperity of Ethiopia in the 16th century, whilst the history and significance of Askum dates back to the 1st century AD. Many archaeologists hold the Masonic skills of the Askumites in awe and many examples of their work are found scattered throughout the town. Lalibela provides a fitting finale as it combines both historical and archaeological significance, along with a rich Christian heritage. Both within town and outside, there are numerous examples of rock-hewn churches - places of worship that were excavated out of rock from inside out, providing an insight into the masonic skills of the Ethiopians during their age of glory.
Some of the conditions encountered on our journey will be at times basic, as tourism and the country's infrastructures are not yet well developed, but witnessing it all is sure to leave one filled with wonder at the incredible accomplishments of the Ethiopian people throughout their proud history.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2-3: | City tour of Addis Ababa. Fly to Bahar Dar. Boat cruise to island monasteries on Lake Tana. |
| Day 4: | Explore the Blue Nile Falls. Drive to Gondar. |
| Day 5: | Tour of the Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie Church and Ploughshare Project for single mothers. |
| Day 6: | Simien Mountains National Park. Game drive/walk for gelada baboons. Walk to Jinbar Waterfall. |
| Day 7-8: | Drive to Axum via Tekeze Valley. Explore archaeological and historical sites of Axum. |
| Day 9-10: | Fly to Lalibela. Explore rock-hewn churches in Lalibela town. 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. |